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Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Synopsis

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Size Was Valued at USD 29.34 Billion in 2023, and is Projected to Reach USD 41.4 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 3.9% From 2024-2032.

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are medications that are available without a prescription and are used to relieve pain and reduce fever. They are commonly used to alleviate minor aches and pains such as headaches, muscle aches, backaches, menstrual cramps, and toothaches. OTC analgesics work by blocking the production of chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are non-prescription medications used to relieve pain and reduce fever. They are commonly used for various medical conditions and symptoms. Common applications include headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, toothaches, back pain, fever, minor injuries, post-surgery pain, and general pain relief. Headaches are relieved by acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Muscle pain is reduced by NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Arthritis is alleviated by NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Menstrual cramps are relieved by women using OTC analgesics.
  • Temporary relief from toothaches and dental pain is provided by OTC analgesics. Back pain is managed by managing acute and chronic conditions. Minor injuries are alleviated by OTC analgesics. OTC analgesics are a popular choice for quick pain relief without a prescription, making them accessible to a broader population. They are typically more affordable than prescription medications, making them suitable for those without health insurance or seeking cost-effective treatment options. Many people prefer self-treatment for minor aches and pains, empowering them to manage their health independently.
  • OTC analgesics come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, and patches, catering to different preferences and needs. They are known for their effectiveness in providing relief from various types of pain and improving the quality of life. They offer a non-invasive treatment option, making them a preferred first-line approach before more invasive treatments. Increased consumer awareness and education about OTC analgesics have contributed to their growing demand, ensuring safe and effective use.

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Trend Analysis

Consumers are Familiar with OTC Analgesics Effective Pain Relief

  • The demand for Over-the-Counter (OTC) analgesics is driven by the belief that consumers are familiar with these medications and trust them for safe and effective pain relief. This trust is based on the widespread use of OTC analgesics like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, which have become household staples for managing common ailments like headaches, muscle aches, and minor pains.
  • The ease of access to these medications, which are readily available without a prescription at various stores, further reinforces this trust. Pharmaceutical companies invest in marketing campaigns to promote their products, emphasizing their safety, efficacy, and reliability. Positive experiences with OTC analgesics often lead to word-of-mouth recommendations, fostering trust and loyalty among friends, family, and peers.
  • Healthcare professionals often recommend OTC analgesics for mild to moderate pain and fever treatment, reinforcing consumer trust. The safety profile and regulatory oversight of OTC analgesics ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy, enhancing consumer confidence in these medications. Overall, trust in OTC analgesics is a key driver in the market.

Restraint

Long-term or Excessive Use of OTC Analgesics can Cause Side Effects

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, such as NSAIDs, can pose significant health risks, including gastrointestinal issues, stomach bleeding, and liver damage. Regular use can mask underlying conditions, such as chronic headaches or joint pain, which require proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Long-term or excessive use of certain analgesics, particularly those containing caffeine or combination medications, can lead to medication overuse headaches, which can be a rebound effect when the pain-relieving effects wear off. Some individuals may develop tolerance to the effects of OTC analgesics, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief.
  • Dependence or addiction can also occur with certain medications, particularly opioids. Long-term use of OTC analgesics can increase the risk of drug interactions with other medications, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. Continuous use of OTC analgesics can result in significant costs, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage or access to affordable healthcare.

Opportunity

Expansion into Emerging Markets

  • The growth of Over-the-Counter (OTC) analgesics in emerging markets is driven by rising demand for affordable and accessible treatments for common ailments. The changing healthcare landscape in these markets is characterized by a greater emphasis on self-care and over-the-counter treatments, allowing consumers to tap into new consumer segments and expand their market reach.
  • Retail expansion in emerging markets, such as pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets, provides convenient access points for consumers to purchase OTC analgesics without a prescription. Manufacturers can tailor their products to meet the specific needs and preferences of consumers in these markets by developing culturally acceptable formulations, packaging sizes, and pricing strategies.
  • Innovative dosage forms and educational initiatives can also help build trust and credibility in the market. The regulatory environment in many emerging markets allows for the sale of certain medications without a prescription, making it a favorable environment for OTC analgesics.

Challenge

Lack of Awareness or Understanding of Proper Usage, Dosage

  • The lack of awareness and understanding about the proper usage and dosage of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics is a significant issue in healthcare. It can lead to health risks such as liver damage and gastrointestinal bleeding. Misuse can occur due to a lack of awareness, leading to incorrect dosages or inappropriate use. Consumer confusion about the wide array of available OTC analgesics can also increase the risk of adverse effects.
  • Insufficient education from healthcare providers or pharmacists can further exacerbate this issue. Language and literacy barriers can exacerbate the lack of understanding, leading to unintentional misuse or underutilization. Cultural beliefs and practices can also influence perceptions and behaviours, leading to misconceptions and traditional remedies, further contributing to the lack of awareness and understanding.

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Segment Analysis:

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market is Segmented on the basis of type, form, and distribution channel.

By Type, Acetaminophen segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period

  • Acetaminophen is a widely available over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics medication due to its wide availability, safety profile, versatility, paediatric use, consumer preference, and physician recommendation. It is widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores, making it a convenient choice for consumers seeking pain relief.
  • Acetaminophen is generally considered safe, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to NSAIDs. It is effective for relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever, making it a versatile choice for various types of pain. It is also commonly recommended for children due to its safety profile. Healthcare professionals often recommend acetaminophen as a first-line treatment for pain relief.

By Form, Tablet segment held the largest share of 56.4% in 2023

  • The tablet segment of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics is the largest due to its convenience, precise dosing, longer shelf life, widespread consumer recognition, and manufacturing efficiency. Tablets are easy to store, transport, and consume, making them readily available and familiar to consumers.
  • They also offer longer shelf life, reducing the risk of spoilage or degradation. Popular OTC analgesic brands are primarily available in tablet form, demonstrating widespread trust. However, consumer preferences and market dynamics may evolve, potentially impacting the dominance of specific forms.

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Regional Insights:

North America is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast Period

  • North America, with its high healthcare expenditures, is a prime market for OTC analgesics due to their widespread availability and accessibility. The region's robust pharmaceutical industry, with major players manufacturing and distributing OTC analgesics, drives innovation and product availability. Consumer preference for self-medication and the aging population, particularly in the US and Canada, fuels the demand for OTC analgesics.
  • Pharmaceutical companies in North America invest heavily in marketing and advertising campaigns to raise awareness and drive sales. The regulatory environment in North America ensures product safety and efficacy, with consumers trusting OTC analgesics approved by authorities like the FDA and Health Canada.

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Top Key Players:

  • Johnson & Johnson (US)
  • Pfizer Inc. (US)
  • Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (US)
  • Procter & Gamble Co. (US)
  • Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (US)
  • Medterra (US)
  • Mylan N.V. (US)
  • Bayer AG (Germany)
  • Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH (Germany)
  • Merck KGaA (Germany)
  • GlaxoSmithKline plc (UK)
  • Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (UK)
  • GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd. (UK)
  • Sanofi S.A. (France)
  • Endo International plc (Ireland)
  • Novartis AG (Switzerland)
  • Perrigo Company plc (Ireland)
  • Aurobindo Pharma Limited (India)
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India)
  • Cipla Limited (India)
  • Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)
  • Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (Japan)
  • Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Japan)
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)
  • Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa), and other major players

Key Industry Developments in the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market:

 

  • In December 2023, Pfizer Inc. announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Seagen Inc., a global biotechnology company specializing in discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative cancer medicines. Pfizer finalized its acquisition of all outstanding common stock of Seagen for $229 in cash per share, amounting to a total enterprise value of approximately $43 billion.
  • In April 2024, Bayer and Evotec, the German-based life science company, announced an update to the focus of their strategic collaboration on April 30, 2024. They have shifted their attention to developing innovative precision treatments for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The collaboration's objective was to identify and validate novel targets, aiming to build a portfolio of precision cardiology therapeutics by utilizing Evotec's disease modeling capabilities with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs offered unique opportunities to uncover new disease mechanisms and pathways for novel treatments.
 

Global Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market

Base Year:

2023

Forecast Period:

2024-2032

Historical Data:

2017 to 2023

Market Size in 2023:

USD 29.34 Bn.

Forecast Period 2024-32 CAGR:

3.9 %

Market Size in 2032:

USD 41.4 Bn.

Segments Covered:

By Type

  • Acetaminophen
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Aspirin

By Form

  • Liquid
  • Tablet
  • Capsule

By Distribution Channel

  • Pharmacies/Drug Stores
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Online Retailers

By Region

  • North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
  • Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)
  • Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)
  • Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New-Zealand, Rest of APAC)
  • Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)
  • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

Key Market Drivers:

  • Consumers are Familiar with OTC Analgesics Effective Pain Relief

Key Market Restraints:

  • Long-term or Excessive Use of OTC Analgesics can Cause Side Effects

Key Opportunities:

  • Expansion into Emerging Market

Companies Covered in the report:

  • Johnson & Johnson (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (US), Procter & Gamble Co. (US), Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (US), and Other Major Players.
  1. INTRODUCTION
    1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
    3. RESEARCH PROCESS
    4. SCOPE AND COVERAGE
      1. Market Definition
      2. Key Questions Answered
    5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
  2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  3. MARKET OVERVIEW
  4. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES BY SEGMENT
  5. MARKET LANDSCAPE
    1. PORTERā€™S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
      1. Bargaining Power Of Supplier
      2. Threat Of New Entrants
      3. Threat Of Substitutes
      4. Competitive Rivalry
      5. Bargaining Power Among Buyers
    2. INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
    3. MARKET DYNAMICS
      1. Drivers
      2. Restraints
      3. Opportunities
      4. Challenges
    4. MARKET TREND ANALYSIS
    5. REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
    6. PESTLE ANALYSIS
    7. PRICE TREND ANALYSIS
    8. PATENT ANALYSIS
    9. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
    10. MARKET IMPACT OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
      1. Geopolitical Market Disruptions
      2. Supply Chain Disruptions
      3. Instability in Emerging Markets
    11. ECOSYSTEM
  6. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET BY TYPE (2017-2030)
    1. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
    2. MARKET OVERVIEW
    3. ACETAMINOPHEN
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
    4. NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS)
    5. ASPIRIN
  7. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET BY FORM (2017-2030)
    1. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
    2. MARKET OVERVIEW
    3. LIQUID
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
    4. TABLET
    5. CAPSULE
  8. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL (2017-2030)
    1. OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
    2. MARKET OVERVIEW
    3. PHARMACIES/DRUG STORES
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 ā€“ 2030F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
    4. HOSPITAL PHARMACIES
    5. ONLINE RETAILERS
  9. COMPANY PROFILES AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
    1. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
      1. Competitive Positioning
      2. Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Share By Manufacturer (2022)
      3. Industry BCG Matrix
      4. Heat Map Analysis
      5. Mergers & Acquisitions
      6. JOHNSON & JOHNSON (US)
      7. Company Overview
      8. Key Executives
      9. Company Snapshot
      10. Role of the Company in the Market
      11. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
      12. Operating Business Segments
      13. Product Portfolio
      14. Business Performance (Production Volume, Sales Volume, Sales Margin, Production Capacity, Capacity Utilization Rate)
      15. Key Strategic Moves And Recent Developments
      16. SWOT Analysis
    2. PFIZER INC. (US)
    3. PRESTIGE CONSUMER HEALTHCARE INC. (US)
    4. PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. (US)
    5. PRESTIGE BRANDS HOLDINGS, INC. (US)
    6. MEDTERRA (US)
    7. MYLAN N.V. (US)
    8. BAYER AG (GERMANY)
    9. BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM GMBH (GERMANY)
    10. MERCK KGAA (GERMANY)
    11. GLAXOSMITHKLINE PLC (UK)
    12. RECKITT BENCKISER GROUP PLC (UK)
    13. GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER HEALTHCARE LTD. (UK)
    14. SANOFI S.A. (FRANCE)
    15. ENDO INTERNATIONAL PLC (IRELAND)
    16. NOVARTIS AG (SWITZERLAND)
    17. PERRIGO COMPANY PLC (IRELAND)
    18. AUROBINDO PHARMA LIMITED (INDIA)
    19. SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. (INDIA)
    20. CIPLA LIMITED (INDIA)
    21. TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (JAPAN)
    22. DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED (JAPAN)
    23. TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED (JAPAN)
    24. TEVA PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. (ISRAEL)
    25. ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED (SOUTH AFRICA)
  10. GLOBAL OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ANALGESICS MARKET BY REGION
    1. OVERVIEW
    2. NORTH AMERICA
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Type
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Form
      5. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Distribution Channel
      6. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. USA
        2. Canada
        3. Mexico
    3. EASTERN EUROPE
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. Russia
        2. Bulgaria
        3. The Czech Republic
        4. Hungary
        5. Poland
        6. Romania
        7. Rest Of Eastern Europe
    4. WESTERN EUROPE
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. Germany
        2. United Kingdom
        3. France
        4. The Netherlands
        5. Italy
        6. Spain
        7. Rest Of Western Europe
    5. ASIA PACIFIC
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. China
        2. India
        3. Japan
        4. South Korea
        5. Malaysia
        6. Thailand
        7. Vietnam
        8. The Philippines
        9. Australia
        10. New-Zealand
        11. Rest Of APAC
    6. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. Turkey
        2. Bahrain
        3. Kuwait
        4. Saudi Arabia
        5. Qatar
        6. UAE
        7. Israel
        8. South Africa
    7. SOUTH AMERICA
      1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      2. Key Manufacturers
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
      4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
        1. Brazil
        2. Argentina
        3. Rest of South America
  11. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
  12. ANALYST VIEWPOINT AND CONCLUSION
    1. Recommendations and Concluding Analysis
    2. Potential Market Strategies

Global Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market

Base Year:

2023

Forecast Period:

2024-2032

Historical Data:

2017 to 2023

Market Size in 2023:

USD 29.34 Bn.

Forecast Period 2024-32 CAGR:

3.9 %

Market Size in 2032:

USD 41.4 Bn.

Segments Covered:

By Type

  • Acetaminophen
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Aspirin

By Form

  • Liquid
  • Tablet
  • Capsule

By Distribution Channel

  • Pharmacies/Drug Stores
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Online Retailers

By Region

  • North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
  • Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)
  • Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)
  • Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New-Zealand, Rest of APAC)
  • Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)
  • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

Key Market Drivers:

  • Consumers are Familiar with OTC Analgesics Effective Pain Relief

Key Market Restraints:

  • Long-term or Excessive Use of OTC Analgesics can Cause Side Effects

Key Opportunities:

  • Expansion into Emerging Market

Companies Covered in the report:

  • Johnson & Johnson (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (US), Procter & Gamble Co. (US), Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (US), and Other Major Players.
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Frequently Asked Questions :

What would be the forecast period in the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market research report?

The forecast period in the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market research report is 2024-2032.

Who are the key players in the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market?

Johnson & Johnson (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (US), Procter & Gamble Co. (US), Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (US), Medterra (US), Mylan N.V. (US), Bayer AG (Germany), Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH (Germany), Merck KGaA (Germany), GlaxoSmithKline plc (UK), Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (UK), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd. (UK), Sanofi S.A. (France), Endo International plc (Ireland), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Perrigo Company plc (Ireland), Aurobindo Pharma Limited (India), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India), Cipla Limited (India), Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan), Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (Japan), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Japan), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa), and Other Major Players.

What are the segments of the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market?

The Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market is segmented Type, Form, Distribution Channel, and region. By Type, the market is categorized into Acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and Aspirin. By Form, the market is categorized into Liquid, Tablet, and Capsule. By Distribution Channel, the market is categorized into Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Hospital Pharmacies, and Online retailers. By region, it is analyzed across North America (U.S.; Canada; Mexico), Eastern Europe (Bulgaria; The Czech Republic; Hungary; Poland; Romania; Rest of Eastern Europe), Western Europe (Germany; UK; France; Netherlands; Italy; Russia; Spain; Rest of Western Europe), Asia-Pacific (China; India; Japan; Southeast Asia, etc.), South America (Brazil; Argentina, etc.), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia; South Africa, etc.).

What is the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market?

The Over-the-Counter (OTC) analgesics market refers to the industry that produces and sells pain relief medications that can be purchased without a prescription. These medications are commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Examples of OTC analgesics include acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. The market encompasses various forms of these medications, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and topical creams or patches.

How big is the Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market?

Over the Counter (OTC) Analgesics Market Size Was Valued at USD 29.34 Billion in 2023, and is Projected to Reach USD 41.4 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 3.9% From 2024-2032.