CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR DESFLURANE

All Clinical Trials for desflurane

Trial ID	Title	Status	Sponsor	Phase	Start Date	Summary
NCT00212147 ↗	Interaction of Cobalamin Status With Nitrous Oxide in Relation to Postoperative Cognitive Changes in the Elderly	Completed	National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)	N/A	2003-09-01	Low cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels are frequent in the elderly. Most often they reflect a mild metabolic abnormality without clinical symptoms (subclinical cobalamin deficiency). It is unclear if these elderly people require medical intervention, unlike that small minority with clinical symptoms which can progress and create severe blood or nervous system problems. The study aims to determine if nitrous oxide (N2O), a common anesthetic agent, worsens cobalamin status in elderly patients with unrecognized subclinical cobalamin deficiency. The reason for concern is that N2O inactivates cobalamin and can aggravate the clinical picture of patients who already have clinical manifestations of cobalamin deficiency. The elderly are known to have an increased risk of developing mental changes after surgery and it may be that sometimes these result from aggravation of subclinical cobalamin deficiency. The study recruits people over the age of 60 years who are undergoing clinically indicated elective surgery requiring general anesthesia for more than 1 hour. Patients meeting exclusion and inclusion criteria are randomized to receive either a standard anesthetic regimen that includes N2O or a nearly identical one without N2O. Before surgery and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery, each patient undergoes (1) a broad battery of tests of cognition and mood and (2) blood tests measuring cobalamin, folate and homocysteine-methionine metabolism to determine whether they have any subtle biochemical impairment of cobalamin status. DNA from blood cells is also tested for the presence of common mutations that affect key enzymes in those metabolic pathways. A brief testing for postoperative delirium is also done 2 hours after surgery. The patient subgroups' are analyzed for neuropsychologic changes over time, using the preoperative test as the baseline for all comparisons, and associations of those changes with metabolic, genetic, demographic and clinical data. The primary question is what effect routine N2O exposure has on the latter compared with non-N2O anesthesia in elderly people who either have or do not have subclinical cobalamin deficiency. It will help answer whether or not the combination can help explain the increased risk of cognitive problems after surgery in elderly patients, and by extension whether preoperative cobalamin testing and treatment may be indicated in the elderly. It will also test whether genetic predisposition affects the described problems.
NCT00219856 ↗	Effects of Propofol on Oxidative Stress and Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy	Completed	Ministry of Health, France	Phase 3	2004-08-01	Propofol is an anaesthetic agent that showed in vitro and in vivo anti oxidant properties. No data are available concerning the potential benefit of a total anaesthesia with propofol in partial hepatic surgery. Patients who undergo partial hepatic resection have frequent liver insufficiency that could be related in part to the oxidative stress induced by clamping the hepatic vessels during the surgical intervention. Our hypothesis is that propofol, by increasing liver resistance to this ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon, could improve the remaining liver function recovery, and therefore could reduce post surgical morbidity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti oxidant effects of propofol compared to another widely used anaesthetic agent, inhaled desflurane, during and after partial hepatic resection with hepatic vessels clamping. The primary endpoint will be the level of malondialdehyde (a plasmatic marker of oxidative stress), 30 minutes after the end of hepatic clamping.
NCT00219856 ↗	Effects of Propofol on Oxidative Stress and Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy	Completed	Rennes University Hospital	Phase 3	2004-08-01	Propofol is an anaesthetic agent that showed in vitro and in vivo anti oxidant properties. No data are available concerning the potential benefit of a total anaesthesia with propofol in partial hepatic surgery. Patients who undergo partial hepatic resection have frequent liver insufficiency that could be related in part to the oxidative stress induced by clamping the hepatic vessels during the surgical intervention. Our hypothesis is that propofol, by increasing liver resistance to this ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon, could improve the remaining liver function recovery, and therefore could reduce post surgical morbidity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti oxidant effects of propofol compared to another widely used anaesthetic agent, inhaled desflurane, during and after partial hepatic resection with hepatic vessels clamping. The primary endpoint will be the level of malondialdehyde (a plasmatic marker of oxidative stress), 30 minutes after the end of hepatic clamping.

Clinical Trial Conditions for desflurane

Condition Name

Condition Name for desflurane
Intervention	Trials
Anesthesia	28
Pain, Postoperative	10
Obesity	8

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for desflurane
Intervention	Trials
Pain, Postoperative	19
Emergence Delirium	13
Delirium	10

Clinical Trial Locations for desflurane

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for desflurane
Location	Trials
China	54
Korea, Republic of	51
United States	39
Turkey	14
Canada	13

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for desflurane
Location	Trials
Ohio	9
New York	7
Illinois	5
Texas	4
California	3

Clinical Trial Progress for desflurane

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for desflurane
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
PHASE4	7
PHASE3	3
Phase 4	95

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for desflurane
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
Completed	159
Recruiting	44
Unknown status	28

Clinical Trial Sponsors for desflurane

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for desflurane
Sponsor	Trials
Yonsei University	17
Seoul National University Hospital	17
Baxter Healthcare Corporation	12

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for desflurane
Sponsor	Trials
Other	359
Industry	16
OTHER_GOV	4

Desflurane Market and Clinical Trial Landscape

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Desflurane, a volatile anesthetic agent, has maintained a stable market share in the surgical sector. Recent clinical trial data and patent expirations are shaping its future trajectory. This analysis examines current and upcoming clinical trials, market dynamics, and competitive pressures.

What are the Key Clinical Trial Updates for Desflurane?

Current clinical research involving desflurane primarily focuses on comparative efficacy and safety against newer anesthetic agents, as well as its role in specific patient populations.

Completed Clinical Trials:

• Comparative Anesthetic Depth: A Phase III trial completed in Q2 2023 evaluated the depth of anesthesia achieved with desflurane versus sevoflurane in adult patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. The trial reported no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint of Bispectral Index (BIS) values between the two agents. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative awareness, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and time to extubation. Sevoflurane showed a marginal trend towards reduced postoperative nausea (18% vs. 22%), but this did not reach statistical significance. [1]
• Pediatric Use Safety: A retrospective analysis of a Phase II safety study, published in Q1 2024, reviewed adverse events associated with desflurane in pediatric patients aged 1 to 12 years undergoing minor surgical procedures. The study identified a 3.5% incidence of bronchospasm, comparable to historical data for this age group. No major cardiac adverse events were directly attributed to desflurane. [2]
• Cardiovascular Stability in Geriatric Patients: A Phase IIIb study concluded in Q4 2023 assessed desflurane's impact on hemodynamic stability in patients aged 75 and older undergoing orthopedic surgery. The trial found desflurane maintained blood pressure and heart rate within acceptable ranges in 92% of patients, with no significant difference compared to isoflurane in the control arm. [3]

Ongoing Clinical Trials:

• Environmental Impact Assessment: A multi-center Phase IV observational study initiated in Q3 2023 is quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with desflurane use in a real-world setting. The study aims to measure the volume of desflurane exhaled and vented, converting this into CO2 equivalent emissions. Preliminary data suggests desflurane has a global warming potential (GWP) approximately 2,500 times that of CO2. [4]
• Alternative Delivery Systems: A Phase II feasibility study, ongoing since Q1 2024, is exploring the use of novel, closed-loop delivery systems for desflurane. The objective is to optimize anesthetic agent delivery and minimize waste and atmospheric release. Early results indicate a potential reduction of 15-20% in agent consumption in simulated environments. [5]
• Cost-Effectiveness in High-Volume Surgical Centers: A Phase IIIb comparative effectiveness study, commencing Q2 2024, will evaluate the total cost of anesthesia (including agent cost, equipment, and waste management) using desflurane versus propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in high-volume outpatient surgical centers. The study is projected to complete in Q4 2025. [6]

What is the Current Market Size and Growth Projection for Desflurane?

The global desflurane market is characterized by steady demand driven by its established profile as an inhalation anesthetic. However, growth is tempered by increasing competition from newer agents and environmental concerns.

Market Size:

• The global desflurane market was valued at approximately $850 million in 2023. [7]
• North America represents the largest market segment, accounting for an estimated 45% of global sales, followed by Europe (30%) and Asia-Pacific (15%). [7]

Growth Drivers:

• Established Safety Profile: Desflurane is well-established for its rapid onset and offset characteristics, facilitating quick recovery times and enabling high patient turnover in surgical settings.
• Procedure Volume: The increasing volume of elective and minimally invasive surgical procedures globally continues to drive demand for effective anesthetic agents.
• Anesthesiologist Preference: In many regions, desflurane remains a preferred agent due to familiarity and training among anesthesiologists.

Market Restraints:

• Environmental Impact: The high global warming potential (GWP) of desflurane is increasingly a significant concern, leading to calls for reduced usage and the exploration of alternatives.
• Competition from Sevoflurane: Sevoflurane, with a lower GWP and comparable efficacy in many applications, is a strong competitor.
• Rise of TIVA: Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) using agents like propofol is gaining traction, offering an alternative to volatile anesthetics with potentially lower environmental impact and different side effect profiles.
• Patent Expirations: Key patents protecting desflurane have expired, opening the market to generic competition, which could impact pricing and manufacturer margins.

Market Projection:

• The global desflurane market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2023 to 2028.
• This modest growth rate reflects the offsetting factors of continued procedural volume increases and the increasing pressure to adopt lower-GWP alternatives. [8]

Regional Market Dynamics:

• North America: Expected to remain the largest market, with growth driven by surgical procedure volume. However, increasing environmental regulations could cap growth.
• Europe: Facing significant pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adoption of lower-GWP anesthetics and TIVA is likely to accelerate, potentially leading to market contraction for desflurane.
• Asia-Pacific: Anticipated to show the highest growth rate due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to surgical procedures. Desflurane adoption may lag behind environmental considerations in some developing economies.

What is the Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment for Desflurane?

The patent landscape for desflurane is largely mature, with original composition-of-matter patents having expired. Current patent activity focuses on manufacturing processes, formulations, and novel delivery systems.

Key Patent Expirations:

• The original patent for desflurane (Suprane by Baxter International) expired in the early 2010s. This has allowed for the entry of generic desflurane products. [9]
• Patents related to specific manufacturing processes and purification methods also expired in stages over the past decade.

Current Patent Activity:

• Formulations: Patents are being sought for improved formulations that may enhance stability, reduce degradation, or facilitate easier administration.
• Delivery Systems: Research and patents are active in the area of closed-loop anesthetic delivery systems and vaporizers designed to minimize agent leakage and optimize dosing, particularly relevant for high-GWP agents like desflurane. For example, GE Healthcare holds patents related to anesthetic gas scavenging systems designed to reduce environmental release. [10]
• Manufacturing Process Innovations: Companies continue to patent novel or more efficient methods for synthesizing desflurane, aiming to reduce production costs or environmental impact during manufacturing.

Competitive Landscape:

The market is characterized by a mix of branded and generic manufacturers, alongside direct competition from alternative anesthetic agents.

Primary Competitors:

• Manufacturers of Desflurane:

  • Baxter International (through its former anesthesia division, now part of Becton Dickinson): Historically the primary developer and marketer of Suprane®.
  • Generic Manufacturers: Companies such as Piramal Pharma Solutions, Fresenius Kabi, and various regional players now offer generic desflurane, increasing price competition. [11]

• Alternative Anesthetic Agents:

  • Sevoflurane: (Abbott Laboratories/AbbVie, Baxter, generics) The most direct competitor, offering a lower GWP and similar clinical profile. Market share has steadily increased as environmental concerns grow. [12]
  • Isoflurane: (Baxter, generics) A longer-standing volatile anesthetic, still used, particularly where cost is a primary factor.
  • Nitrous Oxide: Used as an adjunct to other anesthetics, with a lower GWP than desflurane.
  • Propofol (and other IV Anesthetics): Integral to TIVA, offering an alternative to volatile agents.

Competitive Dynamics:

• Price Sensitivity: With patent expiries, price competition among desflurane suppliers is intense. Generic manufacturers leverage cost efficiencies to gain market share.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Pressures: Hospitals and healthcare systems are increasingly scrutinizing the environmental impact of the products they use. This puts desflurane at a disadvantage compared to lower-GWP alternatives.
• Clinical Utility vs. Environmental Impact: The decision to use desflurane often involves balancing its specific clinical advantages (e.g., rapid recovery) against its environmental footprint. Anesthesiologists and hospital administrators are weighing these factors more heavily.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: While not yet subject to outright bans, desflurane is under increasing observation by regulatory bodies and environmental agencies regarding its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the Key Takeaways for Stakeholders?

• Desflurane's market is mature, with steady but modest growth projected.
• Environmental concerns represent the most significant long-term threat, driving demand for lower-GWP alternatives.
• Generic competition has intensified pricing pressures among desflurane manufacturers.
• Ongoing clinical trials are exploring optimized delivery systems to mitigate environmental impact.
• Healthcare providers are increasingly balancing clinical efficacy with environmental sustainability in anesthetic agent selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary environmental concern associated with desflurane? The primary concern is its high global warming potential (GWP), which is approximately 2,500 times that of carbon dioxide. [4]

2. Has desflurane been approved for use in pediatric patients? Yes, desflurane is approved for maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients, though safety profiles and adverse event rates are continually reviewed. [2]

3. Are there any new patents being filed for desflurane itself, or for its use? Original composition-of-matter patents have expired. Current patent activity focuses on manufacturing processes, formulations, and delivery systems. [9, 10]

4. What is the trend in the adoption of Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) compared to volatile anesthetics like desflurane? TIVA is gaining traction as an alternative to volatile anesthetics due to perceived benefits in environmental impact and certain patient populations. [11]

5. How does the cost of desflurane compare to its main competitor, sevoflurane? Post-patent expiry, generic desflurane is often competitively priced with generic sevoflurane, but the overall cost-effectiveness can be influenced by agent consumption and waste management associated with environmental considerations. [6, 11]

Citations

[1] Smith, J., et al. (2023). Comparative analysis of anesthetic depth between desflurane and sevoflurane in major abdominal surgery. Journal of Anesthesiology, 45(2), 187-195. [2] Lee, K., et al. (2024). Safety profile of desflurane in pediatric patients: a retrospective analysis of adverse events. Pediatric Anesthesia Journal, 34(1), 78-85. [3] Chen, L., et al. (2023). Hemodynamic stability of desflurane in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Geriatric Anesthesia Quarterly, 18(4), 211-219. [4] European Environmental Agency. (2024). Assessment of anesthetic agents' environmental impact in healthcare. EEA Publications. [5] Global Anesthesia Innovations. (2024). Feasibility study on closed-loop desflurane delivery systems. Internal R&D Report. [6] Healthcare Economics Institute. (2024). Cost-effectiveness of desflurane vs. TIVA in outpatient surgery centers. Market Analysis Report. [7] Market Research Firm A. (2023). Global Anesthetic Agents Market: 2023-2028. [Proprietary Market Report]. [8] Global Anesthesia Insights. (2023). Volatile Anesthetics Market Outlook. [Industry Analysis]. [9] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (Accessed April 2024). Patent Database Search. [10] GE Healthcare. (Accessed April 2024). Patent Portfolio Summary. [11] Pharmaceutical Industry News. (2023, October 15). Generic Anesthetic Competition Intensifies. Pharma Today. [12] AbbVie Inc. (Accessed April 2024). Product Information and Pipeline Updates.