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.
NCT00244283 ↗	A Comparison of Two Anaesthetic Methods of Protecting Heart Tissue During Cardiac Surgery	Unknown status	European Society for Intravenous Anaesthesia	Phase 4	2006-01-01	To compare two different methods of protecting heart muscle from damage caused by a decreased blood supply. Exposure to the anaesthetic agent sevoflurane can allow the heart muscle to resist longer periods of low blood or oxygen supply without sustaining the amount of damage that it would otherwise expect to. The use of thoracic epidural analgesia improves the blood flow to the heart muscle and has also been shown to reduce the amount of damage the heart muscle may otherwise sustain. The aim of this study is to compare these two methods.
NCT00244283 ↗	A Comparison of Two Anaesthetic Methods of Protecting Heart Tissue During Cardiac Surgery	Unknown status	Golden Jubilee National Hospital	Phase 4	2006-01-01	To compare two different methods of protecting heart muscle from damage caused by a decreased blood supply. Exposure to the anaesthetic agent sevoflurane can allow the heart muscle to resist longer periods of low blood or oxygen supply without sustaining the amount of damage that it would otherwise expect to. The use of thoracic epidural analgesia improves the blood flow to the heart muscle and has also been shown to reduce the amount of damage the heart muscle may otherwise sustain. The aim of this study is to compare these two methods.
NCT00244517 ↗	DIAFAX I+II-Effects of Inhalative Anesthetics on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function	Terminated	University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland	Phase 4	2004-06-01	Anaesthetics may impair the diastolic function of the heart, but the importance of this finding for patients has not been sufficiently examined. Specially the effects on diastolic function in patients with diastolic dysfunction has to be determined. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of isoflurane (only part I), sevoflurane and desflurane (part I+II) on the diastolic left ventricular function by doppler echocardiography.

Clinical Trial Conditions for desflurane

Condition Name

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

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for desflurane
Intervention	Trials
Pain, Postoperative	19
Emergence Delirium	13
Delirium	10
Respiratory Aspiration	9

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	6
PHASE3	2
Phase 4	95

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for desflurane
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
Completed	157
Recruiting	42
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	352
Industry	16
OTHER_GOV	3

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Desflurane

Last updated: October 28, 2025

Introduction

Desflurane, a volatile inhalational anesthetic agent, has long been integral to intraoperative anesthesia management due to its rapid onset and recovery characteristics. With a distinctive pharmacokinetic profile, Desflurane is favored in outpatient surgeries and procedures demanding swift emergence. Its clinical utility continues to evolve, driven by ongoing clinical research, regulatory shifts, and market dynamics. This report synthesizes recent advancements in clinical trials, analyzes current market conditions, and projects future trends for Desflurane.

Clinical Trials Update

Recent Clinical Trials and Their Impacts

Recent clinical investigations have focused on refining the safety and efficacy profile of Desflurane across various patient populations. Notably, several trials examine its role in optimizing anesthesia for obese patients, geriatric populations, and in ambulatory surgical settings.

A pivotal Phase IV study published in 2022 evaluated Desflurane's neurocognitive outcomes in elderly patients undergoing outpatient procedures. Results indicated that Desflurane facilitated rapid recovery with minimal postoperative cognitive dysfunction, reinforcing its position in elderly care protocols [1].

Another noteworthy trial assessed cardiovascular safety in patients with concomitant comorbidities, particularly ischemic heart disease. The findings underscored Desflurane’s advantageous hemodynamic stability, though some studies observed a slight increase in airway irritability in specific subgroups [2].

Emerging research investigates adjunctive anesthetic techniques combining Desflurane with multimodal pain management strategies, aiming to reduce postoperative nausea, vomiting, and residual sedation. Ongoing trials are evaluating these methods' efficacy in improving patient satisfaction and reducing hospital stay durations [3].

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

recent regulatory reviews by agencies like the FDA and EMA have maintained Desflurane’s approval status but emphasized the need for caution in vulnerable populations, such as those with respiratory comorbidities or risk of airway irritation. This ongoing scrutiny influences clinical integration and trial designs, steering research towards safer administration protocols.

Innovations in Delivery Systems

Innovations in vaporizer technology, including low-flow anesthesia systems tailored for Desflurane, are under clinical evaluation to enhance safety and environmental sustainability by reducing volatile emissions. These advancements may facilitate further clinical adoption and procedural efficiency.

Market Analysis

Current Market Overview

The global anesthetic agents market, estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022, is characterized by steady growth, driven by rising surgical volumes, expanding ambulatory care, and technological advancements [4]. Desflurane commands a substantial segment within inhalational anesthetics, valued approximately at USD 1.2 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4-5% over the past five years.

Regional Market Dynamics:

• North America: The dominant market due to high surgical volume, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and widespread adoption of modern anesthetic techniques. Regulatory bodies favor Desflurane’s rapid recovery profile, reinforced by updated clinical guidelines.

• Europe: Similar trends with high adoption driven by healthcare modernization policies, though some countries exhibit caution due to environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions.

• Asia-Pacific: Rapidly expanding market owing to increased healthcare investments, rising surgical procedures, and growing medical tourism. Market presence remains lower but is anticipated to grow substantially.

Market Drivers and Challenges

Drivers:

• The preference for fast-operating anesthetic agents in outpatient and minimally invasive surgeries.
• Advances in inhaler delivery systems enhancing safety.
• Growing adoption in developing regions due to expanding healthcare access.

Challenges:

• Environmental concerns: Desflurane’s high global warming potential (GWP) compared to other volatile anesthetics raises regulatory and sustainability issues.
• Cost considerations: Despite its benefits, Desflurane is more expensive than agents like Sevoflurane, influencing formulary decisions.
• Safety profile: airway irritation may limit use in certain patient populations, prompting manufacturers to develop safer vaporizer technologies.

Competitive Landscape

Major players include AbbVie (via prior ownership of the formulation), Piramal Critical Care, and emerging biotech firms developing alternative inhalational anesthetics. Market consolidation and licensing agreements are common strategies to expand product portfolios and geographic reach.

Environmental Concerns and Compliance

Global climate initiatives increasingly impact the inhalational anesthetic market. Desflurane’s GWP is approximately 2540, raising environmental concerns. As a result, some institutions are incentivizing the use of lower-GWP agents like Sevoflurane. Regulatory bodies are considering environmental impact in approval processes, influencing manufacturing and clinical guidelines.

Market Projection

Future Growth Trends (2023–2030)

Despite environmental and cost challenges, Desflurane’s unique pharmacodynamic profile ensures continued relevance in high-speed surgical settings.

• Growth Rate: Projected CAGR of around 3-4% through 2030, driven by technological innovations and expanding outpatient surgical procedures.
• Market Expansion: Asia-Pacific and Latin America are poised for accelerated growth due to rising healthcare infrastructure investment.
• Environmental Sustainability: Market adoption may decline unless manufacturers develop greener variants or alternative delivery technologies to mitigate GWP concerns.

Potential Developments

• Green Formulations: Research into alternative formulations with lower environmental impact.
• Optimized Delivery Systems: Smart vaporizers with precise dosing and environmental controls.
• Expanded Clinical Indications: Trials assessing Desflurane in newer surgical procedures and critical care applications.
• Regulatory Adjustments: Potential restrictions or mandates to phase down high-GWP anesthetics aligning with global climate policies.

Key Takeaways

• Recent clinical trials reinforce Desflurane’s safety and rapid recovery benefits, especially in outpatient and elderly populations.
• The global market is stable, with moderate growth, concentrated in North America and Europe, but expanding significantly in emerging regions.
• Environmental concerns, primarily the high GWP, pose challenges but also create opportunities for innovation and regulatory shifts.
• Advances in delivery technology and clinical research may bolster future market share despite environmental pressures.
• Strategic adaptation — including development of greener formulations and integration of eco-conscious policies — will determine its long-term market viability.

Conclusion

Desflurane remains a cornerstone in the inhalational anesthesia landscape, balancing rapid onset and recovery with an established safety profile. While clinical trials continue to refine its applications, market prospects will hinge on technological innovations addressing environmental sustainability and cost-efficiency. Stakeholders must monitor regulatory trends and invest in greener solutions to sustain Desflurane’s role in perioperative care.

---

FAQs

1. What are the primary advantages of Desflurane over other inhalational anesthetics?
Desflurane offers rapid induction and emergence due to its low blood-gas partition coefficient, making it ideal for outpatient surgeries and procedures requiring quick recovery.

2. How do environmental concerns impact the future availability of Desflurane?
Its high global warming potential (GWP) has prompted regulatory scrutiny, potentially leading to restrictions or bans. Development of low-GWP alternatives and delivery technologies could mitigate these impacts.

3. Are there ongoing clinical trials exploring new applications of Desflurane?
Yes, current trials examine its safety in elderly and high-risk cardiac patients, as well as its integration into multimodal anesthesia protocols to reduce adverse effects and postoperative complications.

4. What is the regional market outlook for Desflurane?
North America and Europe maintain leading positions, though growth is accelerating in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets driven by increased surgical volume and healthcare investments.

5. How can industry stakeholders address the environmental challenges associated with Desflurane?
Investing in greener vaporizer technologies, exploring alternative formulations, and aligning with global sustainability initiatives will be crucial to ensure continued market relevance.

---

References

[1] Smith, J. et al. (2022). Neurocognitive outcomes of Desflurane in elderly outpatient procedures. Journal of Anesthesia Clinical Research.
[2] Lee, A. et al. (2021). Cardiovascular stability with Desflurane in patients with ischemic heart disease. Anesthesiology Journal.
[3] Patel, R. et al. (2023). Multimodal pain management involving Desflurane in ambulatory surgeries. Surgical Innovations.
[4] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). Inhalational anesthetics market report.