Pain is a major public health problem in the U.S. and the most common symptom that leads to medical care. It results in more than 50 million lost workdays each year. The cost of pain, including medical bills and lost workdays, is estimated at $100 billion per year. Back pain alone produces chronic disability in one percent of the U.S. population and is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old. As our population ages, the already significant problem of chronic pain in the elderly will increase (American Pain Society, www.ampainsoc.org).
The US market for pain management therapeutics is estimated to be over $40 billion per year. This market includes treatment for a wide range of conditions including postoperative pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, migraine pain, neuropathic pain, and back pain. Pain specialists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, neurologists and primary care physicians all treat these conditions. This diverse spectrum of pain conditions and treating medical specialties creates opportunities for a focused, specialty pharmaceutical strategy.
