Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast by Route of Administration, Application, End User, and Region, 2025-2033

The global pharmaceutical drug delivery market size was valued at USD 1,465.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 2,205.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of 42.6% in 2024. The rising demand for targeted and efficient drug delivery systems, increasing focus on personalized medicine fostering drug delivery innovations, and numerous advancements in nanotechnology are some of the major factors propelling the market share.

Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Analysis:

Major Market Drivers: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is augmenting the demand for targeted therapies, which in turn is catalyzing the market growth. Furthermore, the rising need for personalized medication as unique genetic profiles of patients require tailored drug administration methods is also contributing to the market growth.

Key Market Trends: Numerous advancements in nanotechnology and biomaterials that facilitate precise drug delivery mechanisms, allowing for controlled release and better bioavailability, are positively influencing market growth. Moreover, the rising adoption of user-friendly drug delivery systems that can cater to the specific needs of elderly patients is also acting as another significant trend, driving the market growth.

Geographical Landscape: According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share in the global market since the region has a robust healthcare infrastructure, strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, and a high prevalence of chronic diseases.

Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading pharmaceutical drug delivery market companies are AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Becton Dickinson and Company, Eli Lilly and Company, GSK plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi S.A., among many others.

Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges in the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market include regulatory hurdles, complex manufacturing processes, and the need for continuous innovation. Pharmaceutical drug delivery market recent opportunities include increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing demand for targeted and controlled drug delivery systems, and advancements in nanotechnology and biologics.

Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Trends:

Rising Demand for Targeted Therapies

The escalating demand for targeted therapies is a significant driver in the pharmaceutical drug delivery market. Traditional systemic drug administration often results in off-target effects and adverse reactions, which augment the need for targeted therapies and drug deliveries. Moreover, the growing prevalence of various life-threatening infections, such as COVID-19, is also prompting manufacturers to introduce effective drug-delivery devices and techniques. This is anticipated to significantly contribute to the pharmaceutical drug delivery market growth in the coming years. For instance, in February 2022, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited launched a nitric oxide nasal spray called FabiSpray in India for the treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 who had a high risk of progression of the disease. Besides this, the article published by Frontiers in July 2020 mentioned that it is necessary to develop appropriate delivery systems and complete therapy strategies according to the nature of drugs in treating diabetes mellitus. As per the source, drug-delivery devices have shown significant potential in various aspects of diabetes treatment. They enhance the stability of drugs, overcome biological barriers to increase bioavailability, and act as a smart, automated system to mimic natural insulin delivery, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Rapid Technological Advancements

Ongoing technological advancements in drug delivery devices and techniques to make them more patient-friendly, accessible, and accurate are further catalyzing the growth of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market. In addition to this, various key market players are extensively investing in the development and innovation of advanced drug-delivery devices. For instance, in May 2021, Phillips-Medisize launched its Aria Smart Autoinjector platform, which unlocked innovation, differentiation, and sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry. This device features advanced technologies such as a modular drug delivery platform that supports a variety of drug formulations and viscosities and has built-in Bluetooth, which enables connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and mobile apps. Similarly, in June 2021, Roche developed a Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS), a drug delivery implant, to free patients with wet age-related macular degeneration from the need to undergo frequent eye injections. Such innovations and technological advancements are anticipated to propel the pharmaceutical drug delivery market revenue in the coming years.

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The rising cases of various chronic ailments across the world are augmenting the demand for medicines and drugs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Ischemic heart disease alone was responsible for about 8.89 million deaths in 2019. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetic patients across the world is further promoting the adoption of drug delivery devices. According to the data published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer 2020, globally, 1 in 5 people develop cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 8 men and 1 in 11 women die. Breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers are common among women. Whereas lung and prostate cancer are the most common among men, accounting for nearly one-third of all male cancers. Furthermore, according to a report published by the National Institute of Health, India, on Prevalence and Potential Determinants of Chronic Diseases, 2022, about 21% of the elderly population in India reportedly have at least one chronic disease. The escalating cases of chronic ailments are projected to bolster the pharmaceutical drug delivery market demand.

Global Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on the route of administration, application, end user, and region.

Breakup by Route of Administration:

• Oral Drug Delivery
• Injectable Drug Delivery
• Topical Drug Delivery
• Ocular Drug Delivery
• Pulmonary Drug Delivery
• Implantable Drug Delivery
• Transmucosal Drug Delivery
• Nasal Drug Delivery

Oral drug delivery represents the most popular route of administration

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the route of administration. This includes oral, injectable, topical drug, ocular, pulmonary, implantable, transmucosal, and nasal drug deliveries. According to the report, oral drug delivery represented the largest segment.

Pharmaceutical drug delivery market forecast indicates that oral drug delivery is a prominent route of administration where pharmaceutical compounds are ingested through the mouth and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications are convenient to administer, making it a preferred choice for various medications. Moreover, the rise in R&D activities and product launches are likely to positively impact the pharmaceutical drug delivery market outlook. For instance, in June 2021, Shilpa Medicare Ltd. launched Molshil, a pediatric dose of paracetamol oral thin film, in India. Furthermore, according to the WHO, in 2021, approximately 275 million people used medications (drugs) at least once. Among them, approximately 62 million people used opioids.

Breakup by Application:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Diabetes
• Respiratory Diseases
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Others

Infectious diseases account for the majority of the market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application has also been provided in the report. This includes infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, central nervous system disorders, autoimmune diseases, and others. According to the report, infectious diseases accounted for the largest market share.

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, which can spread from person to person or through contaminated objects. As per the pharmaceutical drug delivery market report by IMARC, the rising prevalence of infectious diseases poses significant global health challenges, necessitating effective treatment strategies. For instance, according to an article by Frontiers in February 2022, non-typhoidal Salmonella, a common cause of bacterial enteritis in humans, causes almost 93.8 million cases of gastroenteritis globally each year.

Breakup by End User:

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Home Care Settings
• Diagnostic Centers
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user has also been provided in the report. This includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, home care settings, diagnostic centers, and others.

As per the pharmaceutical drug delivery market overview by IMARC, hospitals hold a significant share in the global market. Hospitals as primary care providers utilize a variety of drug delivery methods to ensure effective treatment for diverse patient needs. Ambulatory Surgery Centers demand specialized drug delivery techniques for perioperative care and pain management. Home Care Settings require user-friendly delivery systems for patient self-administration, promoting adherence and comfort. Diagnostic Centers rely on targeted drug delivery to enhance imaging and therapeutic interventions.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Indonesia
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Others
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Others
• Middle East and Africa

North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

As per the pharmaceutical drug delivery market statistics by IMARC, North America held the biggest share in the market since the region has a robust healthcare infrastructure, strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, and a high prevalence of chronic diseases. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society's 2022 report, approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022 in the United States. Besides this, the presence of leading manufacturers in the region, along with the introduction of new products, is also bolstering the growth of the market in North America. For instance, in February 2022, the United States FDA approved the generic Apokyn (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) drug cartridges to treat hypomobility and other episodes associated with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• AbbVie Inc.
• Amgen Inc.
• AstraZeneca plc
• Becton Dickinson and Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• GSK plc
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck KGaA
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sanofi S.A.

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Recent Developments

January 2024: Berry Global Healthcare, a patient-centered package design company, showcased its latest range of standard and bespoke pharmaceutical packaging solutions at Pharmapack 2024. The exhibition witnessed the launch of the BerryHaler, an all-plastic, dual chamber, dry powder inhaler (DPI) designed to deliver combination drugs and separately store two medications for subsequent simultaneous inhalation.

October 2023: Victrex plc, a pioneer in the development of PEEK biomaterial solutions launched a new product grade developed exclusively for Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Contact applications. VICTREX PC101 meets the highest levels of Industry biocompatibility certification for USP Class VI and also meets industry standards such as USP 661 for use in non-implantable pharmaceutical contact applications.

July 2023: Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company, and Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P. announced the launch of Breyna (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol, the first generic version of AstraZeneca's Symbicort. It comes with an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Key Questions Answered in This Report

1.What is pharmaceutical drug delivery?

2.How big is the pharmaceutical drug delivery market?

3.What is the expected growth rate of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market during 2025-2033?

4.What are the key factors driving the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market?

5.What is the leading segment of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market based on the route of administration?

6.What is the leading segment of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market based on application?

7.What is the leading segment of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market based on end user?

8.What are the key regions in the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market?

9.Who are the key players/companies in the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market?