DESFLURANE - Generic Drug Details

What are the generic sources for desflurane and what is the scope of patent protection?

Desflurane is the generic ingredient in two branded drugs marketed by Shanghai Hengrui and Baxter Hlthcare, and is included in two NDAs. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

There are three drug master file entries for desflurane. Three suppliers are listed for this compound.

Summary for DESFLURANE

US Patents:	0
Tradenames:	2
Applicants:	2
NDAs:	2
Drug Master File Entries:	3
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	3
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	38
Clinical Trials:	280
Patent Applications:	4,305
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in DESFLURANE?	DESFLURANE excipients list
DailyMed Link:	DESFLURANE at DailyMed

Recent Clinical Trials for DESFLURANE

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Xijing Hospital	PHASE3
Zagazig University	NA
Harran University	NA

See all DESFLURANE clinical trials

Pharmacology for DESFLURANE

Drug Class	General Anesthetic
Physiological Effect	General Anesthesia

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for DESFLURANE

N01AB	Halogenated hydrocarbons
N01A	ANESTHETICS, GENERAL
N01	ANESTHETICS
N	Nervous system

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for DESFLURANE

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
SUPRANE	Inhalation	desflurane	99.9%	020118	1	2008-09-11

US Patents and Regulatory Information for DESFLURANE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Baxter Hlthcare	SUPRANE	desflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	020118-001	Sep 18, 1992	AN	RX	Yes	Yes
Shanghai Hengrui	DESFLURANE	desflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	208234-001	Feb 26, 2018	AN	RX	No	No

Expired US Patents for DESFLURANE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Baxter Hlthcare	SUPRANE	desflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	020118-001	Sep 18, 1992
Baxter Hlthcare	SUPRANE	desflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	020118-001	Sep 18, 1992

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Desflurane

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

Desflurane, a volatile inhalational anesthetic, occupies a critical niche within the global anesthetic agents market. Known for its rapid induction and emergence profiles, desflurane is predominantly used in outpatient surgeries and procedures requiring precise anesthetic control. As healthcare systems evolve and surgical volumes expand, understanding the market dynamics and financial trajectory of desflurane becomes imperative for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, investors, and healthcare providers.

Market Overview

The global anesthetic agents market, valued at approximately USD 1.7 billion in 2022[1], is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% over the next five years. Within this landscape, inhalational agents like desflurane play a vital role, especially in advanced anesthesia procedures requiring quick awakening times. The increasing prevalence of minimally invasive surgeries, rising geriatric populations, and technological advancements in anesthesia equipment are primary catalysts underpinning this growth.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

1. Surge in Surgical Procedures: The global rise in surgical interventions, particularly outpatient and minimally invasive surgeries, boosts demand for fast-acting anesthetics like desflurane.
2. Technological Advancements: Innovations in anesthesia delivery systems, including vaporizers compatible with desflurane, enhance operational efficiency and patient safety, stimulating adoption.
3. Patient-Centric Care: The shift towards rapid recovery protocols heightens the preference for volatile anesthetics with faster offset times, positioning desflurane favorably.
4. Regulatory Approvals and Market Expansion: Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, fueled by improvements in healthcare infrastructure, present untapped opportunities for desflurane sales.

Market Challenges

• Cost Considerations: Desflurane's higher acquisition costs compared to alternatives like sevoflurane or isoflurane may hinder widespread adoption, especially in price-sensitive healthcare systems.
• Environmental Concerns: The high global warming potential (GWP) of desflurane raises environmental sustainability issues, prompting stricter regulations and potential restrictions[2].
• Supply Chain Constraints: Dependence on specialized manufacturing processes and regional sourcing can create supply vulnerabilities, impacting pricing and availability.

Competitive Landscape

Major players include Pfizer (now part of Pfizer Inc.), AbbVie, and Baxter International, all engaging in marketing, distribution, and technological innovations. Patent expirations for several inhalational anesthetics have intensified competition, with some companies developing novel formulations or delivery mechanisms. Additionally, the introduction of alternative anesthetic agents and the push for environmental sustainability influence competitive dynamics.

Financial Trajectory

Pricing Trends:
The typical wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) per unit of desflurane ranges from USD 20 to 30, depending on regional regulations and supplier agreements[3]. While the per-unit price remains relatively stable, total revenues depend heavily on volume, which correlates with global surgical procedures.

Revenue Projections:
Forecasts suggest that in the next five years, desflurane's market revenue could grow at a CAGR of approximately 6-8%, driven by increasing surgical volumes in emerging economies. In developed markets, growth may be tempered by competition and environmental policies. For example, Pfizer reported revenues from inhalational anesthetics, including desflurane, exceeding USD 300 million globally in 2022, with a slight upward trend predicted[4].

Cost Structures:
Manufacturing costs are high due to specialized vaporizer technology, high-purity requirements, and stringent quality controls. These costs influence pricing strategies, margins, and potential investment in sustainable manufacturing practices, such as developing lower-GWP alternatives or emission reduction technologies.

Regulatory and Environmental Impact

Environmental regulations, primarily in Europe (EU F-Gas Regulation), confront anesthetic agents with high GWP, including desflurane. These regulations may lead to phased reductions or bans, directly impacting future market size and revenue streams. Companies investing in capturing these shifts—either through eco-friendly alternatives or emission mitigation strategies—may gain competitive advantages.

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

• Eco-Friendly Formulations: Development of lower-GWP inhalational agents or reusable vaporizer technologies is an active area of R&D.
• Market Diversification: Companies are exploring regional expansion, especially in rapidly developing Asian markets, to offset stagnation in mature regions.
• Alternative Technologies: Innovations such as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) may challenge traditional inhalational anesthetics, including desflurane.
• Healthcare Policy Shifts: Policies favoring sustainable practices and cost-effective care will influence prescribing behaviors and procurement decisions.

Conclusion

Desflurane’s market trajectory is characterized by solid growth prospects driven by evolving surgical practices and technological advancements, balanced against regulatory and environmental challenges. Financially, its revenues will likely expand modestly but are susceptible to policy-induced constraints. Stakeholders must adapt to environmental regulations and innovate toward sustainable offerings to ensure sustained profitability.

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Key Takeaways

• The global anesthetic agents market, projected to grow at over 7% CAGR, supports desflurane's steady market presence.
• Rising outpatient surgeries and technological innovations bolster demand, especially in emerging markets.
• Cost and environmental concerns are significant barriers, prompting regulatory scrutiny and innovation investment.
• Revenue growth remains promising but will require strategic adaptation to environmental policies and competitive pressures.
• Sustainability efforts, including eco-friendly formulations, will shape the future financial landscape for desflurane producers.

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FAQs

1. How does desflurane compare financially to other inhalational anesthetics?
Desflurane is typically more expensive per unit than agents like sevoflurane or isoflurane, primarily due to manufacturing complexities. However, its rapid onset and offset can reduce anesthesia time, potentially lowering operating costs in high-turnover settings.

2. What are the environmental concerns associated with desflurane?
Desflurane has a high global warming potential (GWP approximately 2,540), which makes it a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Regulatory bodies are increasingly imposing restrictions, leading to a shift toward lower-GWP alternatives.

3. Are there ongoing developments to address desflurane’s environmental impact?
Yes. Companies are investing in developing lower-GWP agents or capturing technologies that reduce emissions during anesthesia procedures. Environmental sustainability is becoming a core component of product innovation and regulatory strategy.

4. How are regional markets influencing desflurane sales?
Developing regions like Asia-Pacific offer growth opportunities due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and increasing surgical volumes. Conversely, mature markets face competitive saturation and regulatory constraints.

5. What are the potential implications of environmental regulations on the future of desflurane?
Stricter environmental policies may lead to phased reductions, bans, or increased costs associated with emissions mitigation, potentially shrinking the market unless manufacturers innovate eco-friendly alternatives or adapt their product portfolios.

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References

[1] MarketsandMarkets. Anesthetic drugs market report, 2022.
[2] U.S. EPA. "Healthcare Sector Emissions," 2021.
[3] IQVIA. Pricing analytics for inhalational anesthetics, 2022.
[4] Pfizer Annual Report, 2022.