The acute pain market reached $4.5B in 2025, with 98% of pain drugs generic. Voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors like Journavx offer non-opioid relief, while 39% of the pipeline uses non-small-molecule modalities.
The FDA approved 46 novel drugs in 2025, down from 50 in 2024. Small molecules accounted for 31 approvals (67%), with oncology leading at nine approvals. Large molecules contributed 15 approvals (33%), spanning ADCs, bispecifics, and subcutaneous delivery innovations.
Drug Hunter has opened nominations for the 2025 Molecules of the Year following the announcement of the final Molecules of the Month for 2025. Eligible molecules must have been first disclosed or had a major update in 2025.
