Drugs in MeSH Category Anesthetics, Inhalation

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Hospira	HALOTHANE	halothane	LIQUID;INHALATION	083254-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		DISCN	No	No
Baxter Hlthcare	ETHRANE	enflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	017087-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		DISCN	No	No
Abbott	ENFLURANE	enflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	070803-001	Sep 8, 1987		DISCN	No	No
Halocarbon	HALOTHANE	halothane	LIQUID;INHALATION	080810-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		DISCN	No	No
Bh	HALOTHANE	halothane	LIQUID;INHALATION	084977-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		DISCN	No	No
Piramal Critical	ISOFLURANE	isoflurane	LIQUID;INHALATION	074416-001	Sep 30, 1994	AN	RX	No	No
Wyeth Ayerst	FLUOTHANE	halothane	LIQUID;INHALATION	011338-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		DISCN	No	No

Anesthetics, Inhalation Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The inhalation anesthetics market is experiencing robust growth driven by surgical demand and technological innovation, while the patent landscape reveals intense R&D focused on drug formulations and delivery systems.

Market Size and Growth Projections

The global inhalation anesthesia market is valued at USD 1.44–1.68 billion (2024–2025) and projected to reach USD 1.80–2.20 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.57–6.65%[1][4][16]. Discrepancies in growth rates stem from varying methodologies, but consensus highlights steady expansion due to:

• Rising surgical volumes, particularly in outpatient and ambulatory settings (160+ ASCs performing spine surgeries in the U.S. alone)[1].
• Technological advancements in vaporizers and monitoring systems, enabling precise dosing and faster recovery[7][16].
• Emerging markets: Medical tourism in India/Thailand and healthcare investments in Latin America and MEA drive regional growth[4][16].

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Key Market Drivers

1. Agent Efficacy and Safety

• Sevoflurane dominates (rapid onset, minimal airway irritation) and is prioritized post-desflurane phaseouts in Europe[16]. Newer agents reduce postoperative agitation and nausea[15].
• Environmental regulations: Shift toward agents like sevoflurane due to lower global warming potential vs. desflurane[16].

2. Surgical Innovations

• Minimally invasive procedures and same-day surgeries demand fast-recovery anesthetics. Over 46% of Canadian cancer diagnoses in 2021 required surgical intervention, amplifying demand[10].
• Cost-effectiveness: Inhalation anesthetics account for 5–13% of hospital drug budgets but reduce ICU stays and complications[3][13].

3. Strategic Collaborations

• Acquisitions (e.g., Dechra Pharmaceuticals acquiring sevoflurane/isoflurane portfolios) and public-private partnerships enhance supply chain resilience[10][16].

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Patent Landscape and Innovations

Drug Formulations

• US4762856: Covers 2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane compositions, foundational for modern halogenated agents[5].
• CN1247741A: Emulsified IV inhalational anesthetics reduce pollution and enable controlled sedation[9].

Delivery Systems

• Container Materials: Aluminum containers (US20110284418A1, WO2002022195A2) replace glass/plastic to prevent breakage and chemical degradation[8][11].
• Smart Devices: Patent US20140166527A1 describes polyester/fluoropolymer containers compatible with vaporizers, improving portability[2].

Neuroprotective Applications

• Isoflurane and xenon show NMDA/AMPA receptor antagonism, potentially mitigating cerebral ischemia damage[12].

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Environmental and Regulatory Dynamics

• Emission Reduction: Anesthetic recycling systems extract waste gases from ORs, aligning with EPA guidelines[13].
• Patent Expirations: Generics entering the market pressure firms to innovate (e.g., Halocarbon’s sevoflurane patents)[10].
• Regional Policies: EU phaseouts of high-GWP agents accelerate R&D in sustainable alternatives[16].

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Future Outlook

North America retains dominance (52.8% share in 2024)[4], but Asia-Pacific grows fastest due to healthcare infrastructure investments. Innovations in neuroprotection and eco-friendly delivery systems will shape the next decade, with sevoflurane remaining central to clinical practice.

"The integration of smart technologies and digital monitoring systems has enabled healthcare providers to maintain better control over anesthetic depth and reduce complications."
— Mordor Intelligence[1]

References

1. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/inhalation-anesthetics-market
2. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140166527A1/en
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16554286/
4. https://www.imarcgroup.com/inhalation-anesthesia-market
5. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/4762856
6. https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D018685
7. https://marketresearch.biz/report/inhalation-anesthesia-market/
8. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20110284418A1/en
9. https://patents.google.com/patent/CN1247741A/en
10. https://www.giiresearch.com/report/moi1441615-inhalation-anesthetics-market-share-analysis.html
11. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2002022195A2/en
12. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600410
13. https://www.nextmsc.com/report/inhalation-anesthesia-market
14. https://ispub.com/IJA/3/2/7433
15. https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/inhalation-anesthetics-market-13164
16. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/inhalation-anesthesia-market

Last updated: 2025-03-24