You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR IBUPROFEN


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for IBUPROFEN

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
OTC NCT00011063 ↗ Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Phenytoin Elimination Completed National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) Phase 1 2001-02-01 This study will examine how the herbal remedy ginkgo biloba may affect the body's elimination of other medicines. Many people take ginkgo biloba to improve memory, mental alertness and overall feeling of well being. Since this product is considered a food supplement and not a drug, it is not subject to the rigorous pre-market testing required for prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. As a result, information has not been collected on possible interactions between ginkgo biloba and other medications. This study will look at how ginkgo biloba affects the elimination of phenytoin-a medication used to treat patients with seizures. Normal healthy volunteers 21 years of age or older may be eligible for this 40-day study. Candidates will provide a medical history and undergo a physical examination and routine blood tests. Women of childbearing age must use a reliable form of birth control other than oral contraceptives ("the pill"). For at least 2 weeks before the study and throughout its duration, study participants may not have any of the following: 1) medications that can affect platelet function (e.g., aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, ibuprofen, etc.); 2) alcoholic beverages; 3) grapefruit and grapefruit juice; and 4) all medications except those given by study personnel. On day 1 of the study, subjects take one 500-mg dose of phenytoin at 8:00 A.M.. On an empty stomach. (Subjects fast the night before taking the phenytoin and are allowed to eat breakfast 2 hours after the dose). Blood samples are drawn just before dosing and again at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 32, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the dose. Blood drawn on this first study day is collected through a catheter (small plastic tube) placed in a vein to avoid multiple needlesticks. After the 12-hour sample is collected, the subject goes home and then returns to the clinic for the remaining blood draws, which are taken by direct needlestick. When the blood sampling is completed, subjects begin ginkgo therapy. The NIH Clinical Center provides participants a supply of 60-mg capsules of ginkgo to take twice a day (at 8 A.M. and 8 P.M..) for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4 weeks, subjects are given a second dose of phenytoin as described above and repeat the blood sampling procedure. Subjects continue taking ginkgo during this second phenytoin study.
OTC NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
OTC NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed Nova Scotia Health Authority N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
OTC NCT00267293 ↗ Ibuprofen Alone and in Combination With Acetaminophen for Treatment of Fever Completed Children Youth and Family Consortium Phase 4 2006-01-01 Currently, when a child has fever either ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is given. Both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are approved for over the counter use for treatment of fever by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study hopes to determine whether giving both medications together is better than giving one medication alone for the treatment of fever.
OTC NCT00267293 ↗ Ibuprofen Alone and in Combination With Acetaminophen for Treatment of Fever Completed Penn State University Phase 4 2006-01-01 Currently, when a child has fever either ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is given. Both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are approved for over the counter use for treatment of fever by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study hopes to determine whether giving both medications together is better than giving one medication alone for the treatment of fever.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for IBUPROFEN

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00000574 ↗ Ibuprofen in Sepsis Study Completed National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Phase 3 1990-09-01 To determine the effects of ibuprofen on mortality, development and reversal of shock, and adult respiratory distress syndrome, and on Lung Parenchymal Injury Score in adult patients with serious infection.
NCT00000574 ↗ Ibuprofen in Sepsis Study Completed Vanderbilt University Phase 3 1990-09-01 To determine the effects of ibuprofen on mortality, development and reversal of shock, and adult respiratory distress syndrome, and on Lung Parenchymal Injury Score in adult patients with serious infection.
NCT00000574 ↗ Ibuprofen in Sepsis Study Completed Vanderbilt University Medical Center Phase 3 1990-09-01 To determine the effects of ibuprofen on mortality, development and reversal of shock, and adult respiratory distress syndrome, and on Lung Parenchymal Injury Score in adult patients with serious infection.
NCT00000728 ↗ Phase I Trial of the Combination of Zidovudine and Recombinant Interleukin-2 in Patients With Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy Completed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Phase 1 1969-12-31 To evaluate the short-term effects of administering zidovudine ( AZT ) at the same time with increasing doses of aldesleukin ( interleukin-2; IL-2 ) in patients with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy syndrome ( PGL ). The effects to be studied include safety or toxicity, how quickly the drugs are used in the body, effects on the immune system, effects on HIV, concentrations in body fluids, and how quickly the drugs are cleared by the kidneys. The trial will establish the maximum tolerated dose ( MTD ) and will be a pilot study to determine the dose that has the greatest effect in the immune system. AZT has been shown to be effective in HIV-related disease. IL-2 has been shown to increase immune responses and correct immune problems caused by HIV in the test tube. IL-2 has also been effective in treating Kaposi's sarcoma in a number of patients. Because of the clinical activities of these two drugs and because their toxicities and mechanisms of action do not overlap, it may be beneficial to combine the two drugs with their antiviral and immune stimulatory effects.
NCT00001005 ↗ A Study of Zidovudine Plus Interleukin-2 in HIV-Infected Patients Who Have No Symptoms of Infection But Who Have Tender Lymph Nodes Completed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Phase 1 1969-12-31 AMENDED: To investigate whether subcutaneous (SC) injection of IL-2 produces biological responses which parallel those observed with IV dosing. Original design: To evaluate the short-term effects of combined administration of zidovudine (AZT) and increasing doses of recombinant interleukin-2 (aldesleukin; IL-2) in patients infected with HIV, who have lymphadenopathy, but who are otherwise asymptomatic (no other symptoms). The first phase of this clinical trial will establish maximum tolerated dose ( MTD ). How quickly the drugs get into the blood and how long they remain there (pharmacokinetics) will also be studied at each dose as well as the effect on HIV. Since AZT has no effect on cells that contain inactive virus (latently infected cells) and these cells may act as viral reservoirs, that a second agent that can destroy these infected cells would be useful in combination with AZT. The different activities of AZT and IL-2, as well as the non-overlapping nature of their mechanisms of action and toxicity, increase the theoretical benefits of combining AZT, a drug which has clinically significant activity in HIV-related disease but cannot eliminate infected cells, with IL-2, a drug which may enhance anti-HIV immunity, destroy chronically infected cells, and allow immune recognition of latently infected cells.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for IBUPROFEN

Condition Name

Condition Name for IBUPROFEN
Intervention Trials
Pain 108
Pain, Postoperative 45
Postoperative Pain 44
Healthy 36
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for IBUPROFEN
Intervention Trials
Pain, Postoperative 148
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent 46
Osteoarthritis 42
Acute Pain 39
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for IBUPROFEN

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for IBUPROFEN
Location Trials
United States 995
United Kingdom 93
Canada 85
Germany 45
Spain 40
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for IBUPROFEN
Location Trials
California 84
Texas 72
Pennsylvania 57
New York 55
Florida 43
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for IBUPROFEN

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for IBUPROFEN
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 31
PHASE3 14
PHASE2 14
[disabled in preview] 277
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for IBUPROFEN
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 522
Recruiting 150
Not yet recruiting 72
[disabled in preview] 124
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for IBUPROFEN

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for IBUPROFEN
Sponsor Trials
Pfizer 44
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 18
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals 17
[disabled in preview] 26
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for IBUPROFEN
Sponsor Trials
Other 1010
Industry 319
U.S. Fed 38
[disabled in preview] 37
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Ibuprofen: Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection

Last updated: October 28, 2025

Introduction

Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been extensively utilized for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory purposes since its discovery in the 1960s. As a widely prescribed medication globally, ibuprofen’s development, regulatory landscape, and commercial trajectory continue to evolve. This comprehensive review provides an updated analysis of clinical trials, market dynamics, and future projections for ibuprofen, informing stakeholders across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and investment sectors.


Clinical Trials Update on Ibuprofen

Despite its longstanding use, ibuprofen remains the focus of ongoing research exploring novel applications, dosage formulations, and safety profiles.

Recent Clinical Trial Trends

  • Pain Management and Anti-inflammatory Efficacy: Numerous phase IV and observational studies continue to evaluate ibuprofen’s efficacy in diverse pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute musculoskeletal injuries. Recent trials have focused on enhanced delivery systems—such as sustained-release formulations—to improve patient compliance and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

  • Pediatric and Special Population Use: Trials assessing safety and dosing in pediatric populations, particularly for fever and non-severe pain, have provided granular safety data, supporting reevaluation of pediatric dosing guidelines.

  • Combination Therapies: Research exploring ibuprofen combined with other analgesics or adjunct therapies aims to optimize symptom control, decrease dosage requirements, and minimize adverse effects. For example, recent trials have combined ibuprofen with acetaminophen in multimodal pain management.

  • Safety and Cardiovascular Risks: Given NSAIDs’ known cardiovascular risks, ongoing large-scale observational studies and meta-analyses continue to scrutinize long-term safety, especially in at-risk populations such as the elderly or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Emerging Research and Potential Indications

  • COVID-19 and Viral Symptom Management: Initial concerns about NSAIDs exacerbating COVID-19 symptoms have largely been alleviated. Nonetheless, clinical trials are examining ibuprofen's role in managing inflammatory symptoms associated with viral infections, with some studies assessing its immunomodulatory effects.

  • Cancer-Related Pain and Inflammation: Early-phase trials are investigating the potential role of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation-driven tumor progression or alleviating chemotherapy-associated inflammatory symptoms.

Regulatory and Clinical Trial Landscape

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) continue to approve new formulations and over-the-counter (OTC) uses of ibuprofen, fostering innovation in delivery systems, including topical gels, patches, and fast-dissolving tablets. The global clinical trial registry (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov) lists over 50 active trials involving ibuprofen, predominantly targeting pain management, safety, and combination therapies.


Market Analysis of Ibuprofen

Global Market Size and Trends

The ibuprofen market trend reflects its entrenched position as a leading OTC analgesic. As of 2022, the global NSAID market was valued at approximately $20 billion, with ibuprofen accounting for nearly 40% of OTC NSAID sales (1). The growth trajectory is driven by increasing prevalence of chronic pain conditions, an aging population, and expanding pharmaceutical formulations.

Key Market Segments

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sales: OTC ibuprofen commands the largest share, accounting for roughly 65% of global sales, primarily in North America and Europe. Consumer preference for fast-acting, low-cost pain relief maintains high OTC demand.

  • Prescription Market: Prescription-strength ibuprofen formulations generally target more severe pain management, particularly in clinical settings for arthritis and postoperative pain.

  • Formulation Diversity: Innovations include controlled-release tablets, liquid gels, topical gels, and combinatorial products. The topical segment is expanding due to reduced systemic adverse events.

Market Drivers

  • Rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis globally, especially in aging populations (2).

  • Increased awareness of NSAID safety profiles, prompting development of targeted formulations with reduced gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic heightened demand for OTC analgesics, including ibuprofen, for managing mild viral symptoms.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory scrutiny over cardiovascular and gastrointestinal safety, potentially limiting high-dose or long-term use.

  • Competition from newer analgesics and targeted therapies, including opioids, acetaminophen, and non-pharmacological options.

  • Patent expirations and the proliferation of generic equivalents lower barriers for entry, intensifying price competition.

Regional Market Dynamics

  • North America: Dominates with approximately 45% market share, driven by high healthcare expenditure, robust OTC infrastructure, and consumer preference.

  • Europe: Second-largest market, with strong regulatory frameworks and widespread OTC availability.

  • Asia-Pacific: High growth potential, fueled by rising healthcare access, urbanization, and prevalence of pain-related conditions. Market CAGR projected at 6% between 2022-2027 (3).


Market Projections and Future Outlook

Forecast for the Next Decade

The ibuprofen market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% to 5% through 2030, reaching an estimated value of $30 billion globally (1). Key factors influencing this trajectory include:

  • Demographic Shifts: Aging populations in developed and developing economies will sustain demand for chronic pain management therapies.

  • Innovation and Formulation Advances: Uptake of novel delivery systems and combination therapies will expand market applications and improve safety profiles.

  • Regulatory Environment: Enhanced safety monitoring and labeling requirements may temper aggressive marketing but will also bolster consumer trust.

  • Emerging Markets: Rapid urbanization and increasing healthcare infrastructure will open new markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Impact of Biosimilars and Generics

Since the patent expiration of many ibuprofen formulations, an influx of generic brands has driven down prices, making it accessible but intensifying price competition. Nonetheless, proprietary formulations with improved safety, efficacy, or convenience retain competitive advantage.

Pharmaceutical Industry Strategies

Pharmaceutical companies are investing in:

  • Extended-release formulations gaining patient adherence advantages.

  • Topical and transdermal products designed to minimize systemic exposure and side effects.

  • Combination products for multimodal pain control.

  • Digital Health Integration to monitor adherence and efficacy.


Conclusion

Ibuprofen’s clinical trial landscape remains active, focusing on optimizing safety, expanding indications, and improving delivery mechanisms. Economically, the global market sustains robust growth driven by demographic trends and product innovation. Stakeholders should monitor evolving regulatory standards, safety profiles, and competitive dynamics that influence both clinical practice and market share.


Key Takeaways

  • Ongoing clinical trials are refining ibuprofen's safety and expanding its therapeutic applications, including targeted formulations and combination therapies.

  • The global ibuprofen market is projected to reach approximately $30 billion by 2030, with Asia-Pacific demonstrating significant growth potential.

  • Innovation in delivery systems—such as sustained-release and topical formulations—will enhance safety profiles and patient compliance.

  • Market growth is driven by demographic aging, increasing chronic pain prevalence, and expanding healthcare access in developing regions.

  • Price competition from generics remains high, but branded and proprietary formulations with improved safety features maintain premium positioning.


FAQs

1. What are the latest developments in ibuprofen formulations?
Recent developments include sustained-release tablets, topical gels, patches, and combination products designed to enhance bioavailability, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and improve patient adherence.

2. Are there new indications for ibuprofen under clinical investigation?
Yes. Current research explores its potential role in managing COVID-19 related inflammatory symptoms, as well as adjunct therapy in cancer-related inflammation, though these are still in experimental phases.

3. How do safety concerns influence ibuprofen’s market?
Safety concerns, particularly cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks, lead to regulatory scrutiny and labeling adjustments. Innovation aims to mitigate these issues, sustaining market acceptance.

4. What is the impact of patent expirations on the ibuprofen market?
Patent expirations have led to a surge in generic options, lowering prices but increasing market competition. Branded formulations differentiate via safety profiles and delivery innovations.

5. What are the key regional growth opportunities for ibuprofen?
Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant growth opportunities due to rising healthcare infrastructure, demographic shifts, and increasing consumer health awareness.


References

  1. MarketWatch. "NSAID Market Size, Trends & Forecast." 2022.
  2. World Health Organization. "Global Demographics and Chronic Disease Burden." 2021.
  3. ResearchAndMarkets. "Asia-Pacific Pain Management Market Forecast 2022-2027." 2022.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.