Central Pain Syndrome Market

• Central Pain Syndrome is a chronic neuropathic pain condition caused by damage to the central nervous system, most commonly following stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.
• Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other chronic pain syndromes. Tools like the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and painDETECT help differentiate central pain syndrome from peripheral or nociplastic pain sources.
• Central pain syndrome prevalence is underreported, but studies show centralized pain occurs in ~10–30% of spondyloarthritis patients, and 13–20% of ankylosing spondylitis patients meet fibromyalgia criteria, reflecting significant symptom overlap.
• Current treatment is primarily symptomatic with limited effectiveness, relying on antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and supportive non-pharmacological approaches; opioids and NSAIDs offer minimal benefit with notable risks.
• Adezunap (BHV-5000), a novel NMDA receptor modulator, is currently the only late-stage pipeline therapy targeting central neuropathic pain.
• There remains a significant unmet need in central pain syndrome, as current treatments rely largely on off-label use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and analgesics that provide limited relief, while development of targeted, disease-modifying therapies remains sparse.

DelveInsight’s comprehensive report titled “Central Pain Syndrome — Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034” offers a detailed analysis of central pain syndrome. The report presents historical and projected epidemiological data covering total diagnosed prevalent cases of central pain syndrome, cause- specific cases of central pain syndrome, and treated cases of central pain syndrome. In addition to epidemiology, the market report encompasses various aspects related to the patient population. These aspects include the diagnosis process, prescription patterns, physician perspectives, market accessibility, treatment options, and prospective developments in the market across seven major markets: the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan, spanning from 2020 to 2034.

The report analyzes the existing treatment practices and unmet medical requirements in central pain syndrome. It evaluates the market potential and identifies potential business prospects for enhancing therapies or interventions. This valuable information enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding product development and strategic planning for the market.

Central Pain Syndrome Overview

Central sensitization occurs when the nervous system remains in a state of hyperactivity, resulting in increased neuronal excitability and enhanced synaptic transmission. Despite limited input from the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the central nervous system (CNS) persistently amplifies pain signals. This hyperexcitability results in heightened pain sensitivity through the upregulation of ion channels, reduced inhibition, and maladaptive plasticity. Central pain syndrome, a subset of centralized pain disorders, results from CNS conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury. Central pain syndrome involves mechanisms distinct from those of nociplastic pain, such as that seen in fibromyalgia. While less common than nociplastic pain, central pain syndrome often develops following neurological injuries, making it crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate it from other centralized pain syndromes to guide appropriate interventions. Cold temperatures or emotional stress may exacerbate symptoms but are not required for diagnosis.

Central Pain Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm 

The diagnosis of Central pain syndrome remains primarily clinical, as the results of standard laboratory tests, including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and creatine kinase, are typically unremarkable. Screening tools for Central pain syndrome include the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and painDETECT. These modalities assist in evaluating neuropathic pain and centralized pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, respectively. Distinguishing between central and peripheral origins of pain can be challenging. For instance, painDETECT cannot localize the source of pain to either the CNS or PNS with precision.

Treatment often targets the underlying chronic disease associated with centralized pain. Managing comorbid conditions can significantly reduce pain severity. For instance, in knee osteoarthritis, neuroimaging abnormalities linked to centralized pain have improved following joint replacement. Central pain disorders tend to respond more effectively to neuromodulators, antiepileptics, or antidepressants than to pharmacologic agents targeting peripheral pain, such as NSAIDs or opioids. 

Central Pain Syndrome Epidemiology

The epidemiology section of the Central Pain Syndrome market report offers information on the patient populations, including historical and projected trends for each of the seven major markets. Examining key opinion leader views from physicians or clinical experts can assist in identifying the reasons behind historical and projected trends. The diagnosed patient pool, their trends, and the underlying assumptions are all included in this section of the report.

This section also presents the data with relevant tables and graphs, offering a clear and concise view of the prevalence of Central Pain Syndrome. Additionally, the report discloses the assumptions made during the analysis, ensuring data interpretation and presentation transparency. This epidemiological data is valuable for understanding the disease burden and its impact on the patient population across various regions.

• According to the secondary, chronic widespread pain seen in centralized pain occurs in 10% to 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• The daily impact of centralized pain is significant in patients with chronic back pain, including severe limitations in their activity level.
• Central neuropathic pain affects millions worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of around 10% globally.

Central Pain Syndrome Market Outlook

The Central Pain Syndrome market is further expected to increase by the major drivers, such as the rising prevalence population, technological advancements, and upcoming therapies in the forecast period (2025–2034).

With ongoing research and continued dedication, the future holds hope for even more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this challenging condition. According to DelveInsight, the Central Pain Syndrome in the 7MM is expected to change significantly during the forecast period 2025–2034.

Central Pain Syndrome Drug Chapters 

Emerging Central Pain Syndrome Drugs

Adezunap (AP707): Apurano Pharmaceuticals

Adezunap (AP707) is an investigational cannabinoid-based therapy developed by Apurano Pharmaceuticals GmbH as a potential treatment for central neuropathic pain, including central pain syndrome caused by conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. It employs nano lipid-based oral spray technology (PuranoTec®) to deliver THC sublingually, thereby enhancing bioavailability and minimizing psychotropic side effects. In Phase I studies, Adezunap demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics and tolerability with no serious adverse events reported. A critical Phase III trial (NCT06071949) is underway, evaluating efficacy and safety in patients with chronic central neuropathic pain.

Note: Detailed emerging therapies assessment will be provided in the final report.

Central Pain Syndrome Market Segmentation

DelveInsight’s ‘Central Pain Syndrome – Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a detailed outlook of the current and future Central Pain Syndrome market, segmented within countries, by therapies, and by classes. Further, the market of each region is then segmented by each therapy to provide a detailed view of the current and future market share of all therapies. 

Central Pain Syndrome Market Size by Countries

The Central Pain Syndrome market size is assessed separately for various countries, including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. In 2024, the United States held a significant share of the overall 7MM Central Pain Syndrome market, primarily attributed to the country’s higher prevalence of the condition and the elevated cost of the available treatments. This dominance is projected to persist, especially with the potential early introduction of new products.

Central Pain Syndrome Market Size by Therapies

Central Pain Syndrome Market Size by Therapies is categorized into current and emerging markets for the study period 2020–2034. 

Central Pain Syndrome Drugs Uptake

This section focuses on the sales uptake of potential Central Pain Syndrome drugs that have recently been launched or are anticipated to be launched in the Central Pain Syndrome market between 2020 and 2034. It estimates the market penetration of Central Pain Syndrome drugs for a given country, examining their impact within and across classes and segments. It also touches upon the financial and regulatory decisions contributing to the probability of success (PoS) of the drugs in the Central Pain Syndrome market.

The emerging Central Pain Syndrome therapies are analyzed based on various attributes such as safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, order of entry and other market dynamics, and the unmet need they fulfill in the Central Pain Syndrome market.

Note: Detailed assessment of drug uptake and attribute analysis will be provided in the full report on Central Pain Syndrome.

Central Pain Syndrome Market Access and Reimbursement

DelveInsight’s ‘Central Pain Syndrome – Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a descriptive overview of the market access and reimbursement scenario of Central Pain Syndrome.

This section includes a detailed analysis of the country-wise healthcare system for each therapy, enlightening the market access, reimbursement policies, and health technology assessments. 

KOL Views

To keep up with current Central Pain Syndrome market trends and fill gaps in secondary findings, we interview KOLs and SMEs’ working in the Central Pain Syndrome domain. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or Central Pain Syndrome market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the Central Pain Syndrome unmet needs.

Central Pain Syndrome: KOL Insights

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 50+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. These KOLs were from organizations, institutes, and hospitals, such as Mercer University, US, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, ellvitge-Idibell University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, and University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, among others.

“Management of CPS requires collaboration across multiple healthcare disciplines. However, coordination challenges frequently arise, with overlapping treatments, redundant testing, and polypharmacy increasing the risk of harm. To ensure consistency and safety, a single lead clinician, often referred to as the “quarterback,” should oversee the overall care plan and track each clinical decision. This role is commonly filled by neurologists or physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation who hold additional board certification in pain management.”

Note: Detailed assessment of KOL Views will be provided in the full report on Central Pain Syndrome.

Competitive Intelligence Analysis

We conduct a Competitive and Market Intelligence analysis of the Central Pain Syndrome Market, utilizing various Competitive Intelligence tools such as SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies. The inclusion of these analyses is contingent upon data availability, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed assessment of the market landscape and competitive dynamics.

Central Pain Syndrome Pipeline Development Activities

The report offers an analysis of therapeutic candidates in Phase II and III stages and examines companies involved in developing targeted therapeutics for Central Pain Syndrome. It provides valuable insights into the advancements and progress of potential treatments in clinical development for this condition.

Pipeline Development Activities

The report covers information on collaborations, acquisition and merger, licensing, patent details, and other information for emerging Central Pain Syndrome therapies.

Central Pain Syndrome Report Insights

• Central Pain Syndrome Patient Population
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Central Pain Syndrome Pipeline Analysis
• Central Pain Syndrome Market Size and Trends
• Central Pain Syndrome Market Opportunities
• Impact of Upcoming Therapies

Central Pain Syndrome Report Key Strengths

• 10 Years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Central Pain Syndrome Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Highly Analyzed Central Pain Syndrome Market
• Central Pain Syndrome Drugs Uptake

Central Pain Syndrome Report Assessment

• Central Pain Syndrome Current Treatment Practices
• Unmet Needs
• Central Pain Syndrome Pipeline Product Profiles
• Central Pain Syndrome Market Attractiveness

Key Questions

• How common is Central Pain Syndrome?
• What are the key findings of Central Pain Syndrome epidemiology across the 7MM, and which country will have the highest number of patients during the study period (2020–2034)?
• What are the currently available treatments for Central Pain Syndrome?
• What are the disease risk, burden, and unmet needs of Central Pain Syndrome?
• At what CAGR is the Central Pain Syndrome market and its epidemiology is expected to grow in the 7MM during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How would the unmet needs impact the Central Pain Syndrome market dynamics and subsequently influence the analysis of the related trends?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of Central Pain Syndrome in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan?
• Among EU4 and the UK, which country will have the highest number of patients during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How many companies are currently developing therapies for the treatment of Central Pain Syndrome?   

Reasons to buy

• The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the Central Pain Syndrome Market.
• Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
• Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of current treatment in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
• Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
• Highlights of Access and Reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of off-label expensive therapies, and patient assistance programs.
• To understand the perspective of Key Opinion Leaders around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future. 
• Detailed insights on the unmet needs of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.