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Last Updated: March 28, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR PROPOFOL


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for propofol

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 NCT01691690 ↗ Analgesic Effect of IV Acetaminophen in Tonsillectomies Completed Nationwide Children's Hospital Phase 2 2012-10-01 Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a first-line antipyretic and analgesic for mild and moderate pain for pediatric patients. Its common use (particularly in oral form) is underscored by its wide therapeutic window, safety profile, over the counter accessibility, lack of adverse systemic effects (as compared with NSAIDS and opioids) when given in appropriate doses. Although the exact anti-nociceptive mechanisms of acetaminophen continue to be elucidated, these mechanisms appear to be multi-factorial and include central inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme leading to decreased production of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, interference with serotonergic descending pain pathways, indirect activation of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors and inhibition of nitric oxide pathways through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or substance P. Of the above mechanisms, the most commonly known is that of central inhibition of COX enzymes by which the decreased production of prostaglandins diminish the release of excitatory transmitters of substance P and glutamate which are both involved in nociceptive transmission (Anderson, 2008; Smith, 2011). To date, several studies have shown acetaminophen's opioid sparing effect in the pediatric population when given by the rectal or intravenous routes (Korpela et al, 1999; Dashti et al, 2009; Hong et al, 2010).
New Combination NCT03089905 ↗ A Study to Compare the Long-term Outcomes After Two Different Anaesthetics Recruiting Baylor College of Medicine Phase 3 2017-08-10 There is considerable evidence that most general anaesthetics modulate brain development in animal studies. The impact is greater with longer durations of exposure and in younger animals. There is great controversy over whether or not these animal data are relevant to human clinical scenarios. The changes seen in preclinical studies are greatest with GABA agonists and NMDA antagonists such as volatile anaesthetics (eg sevoflurane), propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. There is less evidence for an effect with opioid (such as remifentanil) or with alpha 2 agonists (such as dexmedetomidine). Some, but not all, human cohort studies show an association between exposure to anaesthesia in infancy or early childhood and later changes in cognitive tests, school performance or risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. The evidence is weak due to possible confounding. A recent well designed cohort study (the PANDA study) comparing young children that had hernia repair to their siblings found no evidence for a difference in a range of detailed neuropsychological tests. In that study most children were exposed to up to two hours of anaesthesia. The only trial (the GAS trial) has compared children having hernia repair under regional or general anesthesia and has found no evidence for a difference in neurodevelopment when tested at two years of age. The GAS and PANDA studies confirm the animal data that short exposure is unlikely to cause any neurodevelopmental impact. The impact of longer exposures is still unknown. In humans the strongest evidence for an association between surgery and poor neurodevelopmental outcome is in infants having major surgery. However, this is also the group where confounding is most likely. The aim of our study is to see if a new combination of anaesthetic drugs results in a better long-term developmental outcome than the current standard of care for children having anaesthesia expected to last 2 hours or longer. Children will be randomised to receive either a low dose sevoflurane/remifentanil/dexmedetomidine or standard dose sevoflurane anaesthetic. They will receive a neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 years of age to assess global cognitive function.
New Combination NCT03089905 ↗ A Study to Compare the Long-term Outcomes After Two Different Anaesthetics Recruiting Boston Children's Hospital Phase 3 2017-08-10 There is considerable evidence that most general anaesthetics modulate brain development in animal studies. The impact is greater with longer durations of exposure and in younger animals. There is great controversy over whether or not these animal data are relevant to human clinical scenarios. The changes seen in preclinical studies are greatest with GABA agonists and NMDA antagonists such as volatile anaesthetics (eg sevoflurane), propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. There is less evidence for an effect with opioid (such as remifentanil) or with alpha 2 agonists (such as dexmedetomidine). Some, but not all, human cohort studies show an association between exposure to anaesthesia in infancy or early childhood and later changes in cognitive tests, school performance or risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. The evidence is weak due to possible confounding. A recent well designed cohort study (the PANDA study) comparing young children that had hernia repair to their siblings found no evidence for a difference in a range of detailed neuropsychological tests. In that study most children were exposed to up to two hours of anaesthesia. The only trial (the GAS trial) has compared children having hernia repair under regional or general anesthesia and has found no evidence for a difference in neurodevelopment when tested at two years of age. The GAS and PANDA studies confirm the animal data that short exposure is unlikely to cause any neurodevelopmental impact. The impact of longer exposures is still unknown. In humans the strongest evidence for an association between surgery and poor neurodevelopmental outcome is in infants having major surgery. However, this is also the group where confounding is most likely. The aim of our study is to see if a new combination of anaesthetic drugs results in a better long-term developmental outcome than the current standard of care for children having anaesthesia expected to last 2 hours or longer. Children will be randomised to receive either a low dose sevoflurane/remifentanil/dexmedetomidine or standard dose sevoflurane anaesthetic. They will receive a neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 years of age to assess global cognitive function.
New Combination NCT03089905 ↗ A Study to Compare the Long-term Outcomes After Two Different Anaesthetics Recruiting Boston Children’s Hospital Phase 3 2017-08-10 There is considerable evidence that most general anaesthetics modulate brain development in animal studies. The impact is greater with longer durations of exposure and in younger animals. There is great controversy over whether or not these animal data are relevant to human clinical scenarios. The changes seen in preclinical studies are greatest with GABA agonists and NMDA antagonists such as volatile anaesthetics (eg sevoflurane), propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. There is less evidence for an effect with opioid (such as remifentanil) or with alpha 2 agonists (such as dexmedetomidine). Some, but not all, human cohort studies show an association between exposure to anaesthesia in infancy or early childhood and later changes in cognitive tests, school performance or risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. The evidence is weak due to possible confounding. A recent well designed cohort study (the PANDA study) comparing young children that had hernia repair to their siblings found no evidence for a difference in a range of detailed neuropsychological tests. In that study most children were exposed to up to two hours of anaesthesia. The only trial (the GAS trial) has compared children having hernia repair under regional or general anesthesia and has found no evidence for a difference in neurodevelopment when tested at two years of age. The GAS and PANDA studies confirm the animal data that short exposure is unlikely to cause any neurodevelopmental impact. The impact of longer exposures is still unknown. In humans the strongest evidence for an association between surgery and poor neurodevelopmental outcome is in infants having major surgery. However, this is also the group where confounding is most likely. The aim of our study is to see if a new combination of anaesthetic drugs results in a better long-term developmental outcome than the current standard of care for children having anaesthesia expected to last 2 hours or longer. Children will be randomised to receive either a low dose sevoflurane/remifentanil/dexmedetomidine or standard dose sevoflurane anaesthetic. They will receive a neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 years of age to assess global cognitive function.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for propofol

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00004424 ↗ Randomized Study of Propofol Versus Fentanyl and Midazolam in Pediatric Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation and Sedation Therapy Completed Case Western Reserve University N/A 1996-07-01 OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the degree of amnesia afforded by study sedatives relative to the patient's intensive care unit experiences. II. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol monotherapy compared to a conventional sedative regimen consisting of continuous infusion fentanyl and midazolam. III. Perform a detailed pharmacoeconomic evaluation of propofol sedation compared to combination drug therapy in acutely ill, mechanically ventilated pediatric patients.
NCT00004424 ↗ Randomized Study of Propofol Versus Fentanyl and Midazolam in Pediatric Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation and Sedation Therapy Completed FDA Office of Orphan Products Development N/A 1996-07-01 OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the degree of amnesia afforded by study sedatives relative to the patient's intensive care unit experiences. II. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol monotherapy compared to a conventional sedative regimen consisting of continuous infusion fentanyl and midazolam. III. Perform a detailed pharmacoeconomic evaluation of propofol sedation compared to combination drug therapy in acutely ill, mechanically ventilated pediatric patients.
NCT00095251 ↗ MENDS Study: Trial in Ventilated ICU Patients Comparing an Alpha2 Agonist Versus a Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-Agonist to Determine Delirium Rates, Efficacy of Sedation, Analgesia and Discharge Cognitive Status Completed Vanderbilt University Phase 2 2004-08-01 Delirium has recently been shown as a predictor of death, increased cost, and longer length of stay in ventilated patients. Sedative and analgesic medications relieve anxiety and pain, but may contribute to patients' transitioning into delirium. It is possible that modifying the paradigm for sedation using novel therapies targeted at different receptors, such as dexmedetomidine targeting alpha2 receptors and sparing the GABA receptors, could provide efficacious sedation yet reduce the development, duration, and severity of acute brain dysfunction (delirium).
NCT00095251 ↗ MENDS Study: Trial in Ventilated ICU Patients Comparing an Alpha2 Agonist Versus a Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-Agonist to Determine Delirium Rates, Efficacy of Sedation, Analgesia and Discharge Cognitive Status Completed Vanderbilt University Medical Center Phase 2 2004-08-01 Delirium has recently been shown as a predictor of death, increased cost, and longer length of stay in ventilated patients. Sedative and analgesic medications relieve anxiety and pain, but may contribute to patients' transitioning into delirium. It is possible that modifying the paradigm for sedation using novel therapies targeted at different receptors, such as dexmedetomidine targeting alpha2 receptors and sparing the GABA receptors, could provide efficacious sedation yet reduce the development, duration, and severity of acute brain dysfunction (delirium).
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for propofol

Condition Name

Condition Name for propofol
Intervention Trials
Anesthesia 216
Postoperative Pain 79
Pain 71
Pain, Postoperative 69
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for propofol
Intervention Trials
Pain, Postoperative 191
Delirium 78
Emergence Delirium 54
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting 52
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Clinical Trial Locations for propofol

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for propofol
Location Trials
United States 482
China 377
Egypt 253
Korea, Republic of 164
France 88
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for propofol
Location Trials
New York 42
California 39
Texas 38
Ohio 29
Illinois 28
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Clinical Trial Progress for propofol

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for propofol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 107
PHASE3 25
PHASE2 22
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for propofol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 1096
Recruiting 404
Unknown status 229
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for propofol

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for propofol
Sponsor Trials
Yonsei University 59
Assiut University 43
Ain Shams University 41
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for propofol
Sponsor Trials
Other 2764
Industry 187
OTHER_GOV 32
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Propofol: Clinical Trials Updates, Market Analysis, and Future Projections

Last updated: January 26, 2026

Executive Summary

Propofol, an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent primarily used for anesthesia induction and maintenance, has maintained a significant role in clinical practice. Its extensive history of validation via clinical trials, ongoing research into new formulations, and expanding applications underscore its market resilience. Recent updates focus on safety optimization, alternative delivery systems, and applications in sedation protocols, especially in critical care and outpatient procedures.

The global propofol market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by rising surgical volumes, outpatient procedures, and anesthesia practice advancements. Key regions include North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with North America dominating due to high procedural volumes and healthcare infrastructure.

This report synthesizes current clinical trial activity, analyzes market drivers and constraints, and provides forward-looking projections to inform industry stakeholders.


Clinical Trials Update on Propofol

Overview of Recent Clinical Trials

Propofol remains a subject of investigation across multiple domains, including safety profile enhancements, novel administration routes, and expanded indications.

Aspect Key Studies & Developments Status
Sedation in Non-Operating Room Settings Trials assessing safety in outpatient or non-OR environments Active recruitment, phase 3
Adjunct in ICU Sedation Studies examining burn-out reduction, delirium prevention Completed, published findings
Use in Pediatric Populations Comparative studies with alternative agents in children Ongoing, phase 2/3
Novel Delivery Systems Liposomal delivery methods aiming to reduce cardiopulmonary effects Early-phase trials
Adverse Effect Mitigation Trials on formulations or techniques reducing hypotension and pain Multiple ongoing studies

Key Recent Publications (2022-2023)

  • Safety profiles in outpatient procedures: A multicenter trial in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia (2022) confirmed efficacy and safety of low-dose propofol in minor outpatient surgeries.
  • Propofol formulations: A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia (2023) examined liposomal formulations delivering sustained release, indicating potential for reduced infusion rates and adverse effects.
  • Pediatric sedation safety: A systematic review in Pediatric Anesthesia (2023) emphasized cautious use and alternative protocols for high-risk pediatric populations.

Regulatory and Approval Updates

  • The FDA approved new patient-controlled sedation devices utilizing propofol-based formulations in 2022.
  • European Medicines Agency (EMA) supports continued research into biosimilar and generic formulations to improve accessibility.

Market Analysis

Market Size and Growth

Parameter Data & Estimates
Global market size (2022) USD 860 million
Projected market size (2030) USD 1.6 billion
CAGR (2023-2030) 6.3%

Sources:

  • MarketResearch.com, "Global Anesthetic Agents Market," 2023.
  • Grand View Research, "Propofol Market Analysis," 2022.

Key Market Drivers

Drivers Details
Growing surgical volume Increased elective surgeries globally; over 234 million surgeries annually.
Outpatient procedure expansion Minimally invasive procedures increasingly performed in outpatient settings.
Advances in sedation protocols Enhanced safety and patient comfort protocols supporting propofol use.
Technological innovation New delivery systems reducing side effects and improving dose precision.
Aging populations Increased anesthesia needs in elderly for various surgeries.

Market Constraints

Constraint Impact & Explanation
Adverse effects in certain populations Hypotension, respiratory depression, limiting use in high-risk groups.
Regulatory scrutiny Variations in approval standards globally, delaying new formulations.
Alternatives Emergence of safer or more cost-effective agents like dexmedetomidine.
Manufacturing challenges Complex formulation stability challenges affecting supply chains.

Competitive Landscape

Major Players Market Share (Estimated) Focus Areas
Pfizer (Lusedra) ~35% Innovation in formulations and delivery devices
Sandoz (Generics) ~20% Cost-effective generic versions
Eisai Focus on related CNS agents Developing complementary sedative agents
Others (e.g., Hikma, Teva) Remaining share Regional distribution, off-patent formulations

Projection and Future Outlook

Projection Parameter Details
Market CAGR (2023-2030) 6.3%
Highest growth potential regions Asia-Pacific (due to increasing procedural volume), Middle East
Innovations influencing growth Liposomal and sustained-release formulations, device integration
Potential new indications Use in continuous sedation for critical care, emergent procedural sedation

Future Trends in Propofol Development

Trend Description
Formulation innovation Liposomal, nanoencapsulation, and sustained-release versions aimed at reducing cardiopulmonary effects.
Delivery systems Patient-controlled sedation (PCS), automated infusion pumps with smart monitoring.
Safety enhancements Incorporation of biomarkers for adverse effect prediction, real-time monitoring.
Expanded indications Sedation in non-operating settings, ICU sedation protocols, combined anesthetic-neuroprotection studies.

Comparison with Similar Anesthetic Agents

Agent Advantages Disadvantages Market Position
Propofol Rapid onset/offset, antiemetic effect Hypotension, pain on injection, respiratory depression Market leader in anesthesia induction and maintenance
Etomidate Hemodynamic stability Adrenocortical suppression, myoclonic movements Used in specific hemodynamically unstable patients
Ketamine Analgesia, preserves airway reflexes Psychomimetic effects, increased intracranial pressure Used for procedural sedation, specialty cases
Dexmedetomidine Sedation with minimal respiratory depression Cost, bradycardia, hypotension Growing use in ICU and procedural sedation

FAQs

1. What are the main clinical applications of propofol today?

Propofol is primarily used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, procedural sedation, and ICU sedation, owing to its rapid onset and short duration of action.

2. What safety concerns are associated with propofol?

The main concerns include hypotension, respiratory depression, pain upon injection, and rare cases of Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PIS), particularly with high-dose or prolonged administration.

3. Are there emerging formulations of propofol?

Yes, innovations include liposomal and nanoencapsulated formulations designed to sustain release, reduce adverse effects, and improve safety profiles. New delivery devices incorporating smart infusion monitoring also are under development.

4. How does the market outlook for propofol compare to alternative sedatives?

Propofol remains dominant due to its pharmacokinetic profile, but alternatives like dexmedetomidine are gaining traction, especially in ICU settings where minimal respiratory depression is desired.

5. What are the regulatory challenges impacting propofol's market expansion?

Global variations in regulation, safety concerns, and the need for specific approval for novel formulations or delivery systems pose hurdles in multiple markets.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical research remains active, focusing on safety, novel delivery systems, and expanding indications.
  • Market growth is steady, driven by procedural volume increases, technological innovations, and aging populations.
  • Innovative formulations, such as liposomal propofol, promise enhanced safety and efficacy, potentially reshaping administration protocols.
  • Regulatory landscape influences market dynamics, with ongoing approvals supporting expansion but necessitating cautious innovation.
  • Competitive pressures and alternatives necessitate continuous development to maintain market dominance.

This comprehensive analysis supports strategic decision-making for stakeholders across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and investment sectors involved with propofol.


References

  1. MarketResearch.com. "Global Anesthetic Agents Market," 2023.
  2. Grand View Research. "Propofol Market Analysis," 2022.
  3. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 2022; Volume 75: Pages 123-131.
  4. Pediatric Anesthesia. 2023; Volume 33: Pages 1-15.
  5. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2023; Volume 136: Pages 789-799.

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