CNS drug market to hit $235.9b by 2033 as neurological diseases surge

Mergers and licensing deals are accelerating as the global market valuation nears quarter-trillion mark. 

The global market for central nervous system (CNS) therapies is expected to expand steadily over the next decade, driven by rising neurological disease burden and increased drug development activity, according to a recent report by Astute Analytica.

The market was valued at approximately $129.4b in 2024 and is projected to reach US$235.9b by 2033, growing at an annual rate of nearly 7%.

CNS therapies are used to treat conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, epilepsy, and stroke.

Drug development remains active, with hundreds of CNS therapies currently in clinical trials worldwide, many targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Mental health treatments, including ketamine-based therapies, are also expanding, particularly in the United States.

Gene and cell therapies are gaining traction for rare neurological conditions, offering potential long-term treatment options. Meanwhile, stroke and other neurovascular diseases continue to account for a significant share of CNS treatment demand due to their high global incidence.

Industry activity remains strong, with pharmaceutical companies increasing investments through mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements.

Regulatory approvals have also supported growth, with dozens of new drugs cleared in 2024, including several that use new treatment mechanisms.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to record faster growth than other markets, supported by rising healthcare expenditure, ageing populations, and regulatory reforms aimed at accelerating drug approvals in countries such as China and Japan.

Major pharmaceutical companies operating in the CNS market include AstraZeneca, Biogen, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Merck & Co., and GlaxoSmithKline.