NEEDLES MARKET ANALYSIS

Global needle market size is expected to reach US$ 14,901 Mn by 2030, from US$ 8,924 Mn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period.

Needless have been in use for thousands of years and remain one of the most important medical devices globally. There are different types of needles primarily classified based on their shape, size and intended medical use. Hypodermic needles are by far the most widely used and come with either a fixed shaft or a detachable needle from the syringe. These are used for delivery of medications like vaccines or injections, as well as blood sample collection. Suture needles are attached to surgical thread or wire and are used for stitching and closing wounds. Other specialty needles include biopsy, spinal, epidural and cannula needles that are designed for specific medical procedures They provide an easy and minimally invasive way of delivering drugs, extracting fluids or stitching tissue. Standard hypodermic needles are sterile, inexpensive, and mass produced. Precision specialty needles help physicians perform complex surgical and diagnostic procedures easily. However, needle-stick injuries pose a risk of transferring blood-borne infections like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis, if used improperly. Disposal of used needles especially in developing world remains an environmental and health challenge. Alternative needle-free technologies are being researched but traditional metal needles still remain the standard of care for majority of global healthcare needs.

Global Needles Market Regional Insights:

• North America North America is the dominant region in the global needle market over the past few decades. With the presence of leading medical device companies and well-established healthcare infrastructure, the US and Canada account for the largest share. Major players such as Abbott have established manufacturing and distribution networks across the globe. This helps them cater to the growing demand from other key markets. Besides domestic demand, North America also caters to the export markets. The region exports needles not only to developed countries but also emerging economies with growing healthcare needs. Strict regulations ensure product quality and safety. This has enhanced the brand image of North American players in international markets. The pricing of needles from the region is also competitive due to economies of scale. Overall, the North American needle market offers manufacturers an ideal mix of demand, supply, and regulatory environment to achieve dominance.
• Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for needles in recent years. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia have a huge patient population and rising access to healthcare. This is driving the use of needles for therapeutic applications as well as vaccination programs across the region. At the same time, many Asian countries are also actively working to develop their domestic medical devices industry. This is attracting major investments from multinational market players looking to tap into the large market. They are setting up manufacturing units to cater to the local demand. The region is also aiming to reduce its dependence on imports for needles and related products. The favorable business environment in countries like India and China is a big attraction for setting up cost-competitive manufacturing bases. If this growth momentum continues, Asia Pacific will play a much bigger role in shaping the global needle market landscape in the near future.
• In the Europe region, the needle type segment is dominated by conventional needles for subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Conventional needles account for over 75% of the total needle market due to their low cost and widespread adoption in routine healthcare procedures. Several European countries still rely heavily on conventional disposable needles for delivering common vaccines and medications. For instance, in May 2021, public health authorities in Italy released data showing that, over 95% of vaccine doses from 2018-2020 were administered using conventional needles. This is primarily because conventional needles are inexpensive and can be produced at large volumes, thus making them the preferred option for cash-strapped public health systems.

Analyst View: Global needle market is expected to witness significant growth due to rising prevalence of chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders worldwide. Increasing number of surgical procedures will continue driving the demand for suturing needles. Growing geriatric population is prone to various diseases and conditions are expected to propel the global needle market. Expanding vaccination programs, especially in developing nations, will augment the sales of injection needles. Further, rising awareness about importance of therapeutic injectables for effective treatment is likely to boost the adoption of the needles. However, stringent regulations pertaining to safety and design of needles may moderate the market growth. Preference for needle-free injection technology is also impacting the sales of conventional injection needles. Availability of alternative drug delivery methods could pose a challenge. High price point of certain specialty needles may restrict their availability in price-sensitive developing and underdeveloped markets. The needle market is dominated by North America, led by well-established healthcare infrastructure and heightened awareness. Asia Pacific is envisioned to witness fastest gain during the forecast period on back of increasing healthcare expenditure, burgeoning patient pool and rising medical tourism. Growing burden of chronic diseases will augment the demand from countries like China and India. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa offer immense scope due to unmet needs. Market players must expand in emerging territories through collaborative strategies.

Figure 1. Global Needles Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Global Needles Market Drivers:

• Rising geriatric population: Rising geriatric population is indeed a crucial factor expected to drive the needle market. Globally, the demographic shift towards an aging population is creating a higher prevalence of age-related ailments that often require medical interventions involving the use of needles. The elderly populations are more susceptible to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, and other health conditions that necessitate frequent blood tests, injections, and intravenous therapies. As a result, there is an increased need for needles for medication administration and diagnostic purposes. Moreover, with advancing age, there is always a need for routine vaccination against conditions like influenza and pneumococcal diseases, which further stimulates the demand for needles as part of public health initiatives. The geriatric population typically has a more compromised immune system, thereby increasing their reliance on medications and vaccinations for disease prevention, management, and treatment. From the perspective of healthcare management, this trend underscores the importance of making medical procedures as pain-free and uncomplicated as possible to improve patient compliance. Consequently, there is a push for technological innovations to develop less invasive and more patient-friendly needles, such as those with finer gauge and safety features to prevent needle stick injuries, and devices that are designed for easier use, which can help manage the unique healthcare needs of the elderly population. Considering these aspects, the growing geriatric demographic presents a significant opportunity for the expansion of the needle market. Manufacturers and healthcare providers focusing on this segment can customize their offerings to better serve the needs of the senior population, thereby aligning with market demands and driving the market growth. For instance, in 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. The share of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 1 Mn in 2020 to 1.4 Mn . By 2050, the world’s populations of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 Mn). The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 Mn.
• Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases: Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide is indeed a significant driving force for the expansion of the needles market. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases necessitate ongoing therapeutic interventions and frequent monitoring, which often involve the use of needles for drug delivery and blood sampling. Diabetes management typically requires regular blood glucose testing and insulin injections, which are mediated by an array of needle-based devices, including syringes, insulin pens, and lancets. According to the International Diabetes Federation's projection, global diabetic population will rise to 643 Mn by 2030 underscores the escalating demand for these products. Increase in cancer prevalence also contributes to market growth, as various chemotherapy treatments, supportive care medications, and diagnostic blood tests rely on the use of needles. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease treatments and diagnostic procedures frequently utilize needles for medication administration and blood draws. Global increase in the geriatric population is notable; as this age group is more prone to chronic health issues, there is a corresponding increase in the need for medical needles for a multitude of medical interventions. Rising surgical procedures and the worldwide push for vaccination programs, especially highlighted by the efforts to immunize populations against infectious diseases such as COVID-19, have further impelled the demand for needles. While the market is flourishing, manufacturers are also facing regulatory hurdles to ensure patient safety and product quality. Growing interest in needle-free drug delivery systems represents a challenge to needle market dominance. However, technological advancements such as the development of hollow micro needles present new opportunities. These micro needles enhance patient compliance by offering less invasive and less painful alternatives for drug delivery, thus potentially opening up new applications and market segments. Thus, global needle market is expected to witness growth, driven by persistent demand from the increasing chronic disease burden, but manufacturers must navigate evolving challenges and leverage technological innovations to sustain their market position.
• Advancements in needle technology: Advancements in needle technology are indeed expected to be a significant driver for the needle market. Recent technological developments have been focused on enhancing patient comfort, reducing pain, and minimizing tissue trauma during injections. These innovations are important factors that are likely to bolster the adoption of advanced needles across various medical applications. One such advancement is the introduction of safety needles, which are designed to reduce needle stick injuries among healthcare professionals. These needles are provided with protective mechanisms that retract, cover, or blunt the needle after use, thereby preventing accidental injuries. Another innovative breakthrough is the development of ultra-fine needles that cause less pain upon insertion. These are particularly useful for patients who require frequent injections, such as those with diabetes who need to manage their insulin levels regularly. There has been a significant interest in developing needles with specialized coatings that allow for smoother penetration into the skin and reduced friction, thus resulting in a more comfortable experience for the patient. Micro needle technology also presents an exciting avenue for growth in the needle market. Micro needles are minute needles that can painlessly penetrate the skin's surface to deliver vaccines or drugs transdermal. This technology has the potential to improve vaccine delivery and expand the scope for self-administration of drugs, thereby making treatment more convenient for patients. The advancements in needle technology not only aim to improve the patient experience but also endeavor to improve medication adherence by alleviating the discomfort that is associated with injections. This is crucial for the management of chronic conditions where patients may be reluctant to comply with treatment regimens that involve frequent needle use. Overall, as needle technology continues to evolve with features that promote safety, comfort, and effectiveness, global needle market is expected to experience robust growth, meeting the demands of both healthcare providers and patients more efficiently.
• Increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries: Increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) is indeed a significant driving factor for the needles market. MIS are surgical procedures that are performed through smaller incisions than those used in traditional surgeries, which helps in reducing trauma to the body, minimizing scarring, and speeding up patient recovery. In many MIS procedures, needles and other sharp instruments are essential for various functions, including the insertion of laparoscopic equipment, tissue retraction, suturing, and the administration of medications or anesthesia. Due to their less invasive nature, these surgeries are becoming increasingly popular among both healthcare professionals and patients, which in turn boost the demand for specialized needles. Surgical needles required for MIS need to be of high precision, with specific characteristics such as atraumatic tips, special coatings for easier tissue penetration, and compatibility with suturing devices. Growing inclination towards robotic-assisted surgeries, a subset of MIS, further emphasizes the need for precision and quality in needle manufacturing. Manufacturers are responding to the rising demand for MIS by developing advanced needles that offer higher control, better ergonomics, and decreased risk of patient complications. Increasing preference for MIS is also fostering innovation in needle technology to accommodate the delicate and precise nature of these procedures. As MIS continue to gain traction due to their benefits over traditional open surgeries, such as shorter hospital stays and lower infection rates, the needle market is likely to witness sustained growth. Healthcare expenditure on MIS is also increasing, thus contributing to the expansion of the related surgical instruments market, including needles.

 Global Needles Market Opportunities:

• Emerging economies with large patient pools: Emerging economies with large patient pools present vast opportunities for growth in the needle market. These countries, which include rapidly developing nations such as China, India, Brazil, and others in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, have significant populations that are increasingly gaining access to healthcare services. Emerging economies are experiencing growth in healthcare infrastructure, with an increase in the number of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals. As these economies grow, there is a corresponding increase in healthcare expenditure both by governments and private consumers, thereby allowing for greater access to medical services and products. Many of these regions have large and young populations that will require healthcare over the long term. Moreover, these countries are beginning to experience the epidemiologic transition towards more chronic diseases, which are prevalent in developed countries.
• Advancements in drug delivery devices: Advancements in drug delivery devices represent a significant opportunity to drive the needle market forward. As the pharmaceutical industry progresses, there is an increasing focus on patient-centric designs that prioritize ease of use, safety, and comfort. Innovative drug delivery devices like auto-injectors, pen injectors, and advanced syringes are greatly influencing the demand for needles. Auto-injectors, which allow for the self-administration of premeasured doses of medication, are particularly popular for chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe allergic reactions that require epinephrine. This convenience supports adherence to medication regimens and empowers patients with a more active role in their own healthcare management. Similarly, pen injectors that are commonly used for insulin delivery in diabetes management are designed to be user-friendly and portable, thus simplifying the injection process for patients. They often require specific types of needles that are thin, short, and cause minimal pain, which aligns with the ongoing trend towards less invasive medical procedures. Developments in syringe technology, including safety syringes and prefilled syringes. Safety syringes have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent needle stick injuries, while prefilled syringes offer convenience and reduced medication waste. The continued demand for biologics and the expansion of the biosimilars market contribute to the growth of drug delivery devices that require needles. Biologics, due to their complexity and stability requirements, are frequently delivered via injection, thus necessitating specialized needles that can handle high-viscosity formulations without compromising patient comfort. To capitalize on this opportunity, manufacturers in the needle market will need to closely collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. They must ensure that their products are compatible with the latest drug delivery devices, meet stringent quality standards, and enhance the overall patient experience. The advancements in drug delivery devices are not only a reaction to existing market needs but also anticipate future trends. Thus, these advancements can secure sustained growth and market presence for needle manufacturers in an increasingly competitive and innovative healthcare landscape.
• Increasing demand for biosimilars and biologics: Increasing demand for biosimilars and biologics is set to significantly bolster the needle market. Biosimilars and biologics are complex medications derived from biological sources that are used to treat a wide range of chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, among others. Due to their complex molecular structures, many of these drugs require administration through injection, which underpins the crucial role of needles in their delivery. Biologics often lead the way in terms of innovation within pharmaceuticals, thereby providing highly targeted therapies for patients with specific needs. As patents for original biologics expire, there is an increase in the production of biosimilars, which are similar in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy to approved biologics but are generally more affordable. The availability of biosimilars expands treatment options for patients and healthcare providers, thereby heightening the overall demand for needles. Specialized needles are required to ensure that these sensitive biological medications are delivered effectively and safely. This includes the necessity for devices such as autoinjector, prefilled syringes, and pen needles, all of which are specifically designed to administer biologics and biosimilars. The use of these devices can improve patient adherence to treatment regimens by simplifying the administration process and making self-injection more convenient and less painful. Growing prevalence of chronic diseases that are often managed with biologics and biosimilars further compounds the demand for needles. Expanding geriatric population, which typically has an increased incidence of chronic health conditions requiring biologic therapy, also contributes to market growth. To capitalize on this trend, manufacturers in the needles market would benefit from focusing on the development and production of delivery devices that align with the administration requirements of biologics and biosimilars. This includes investing in safety features, ease-of-use innovations, and patient comfort to enhance the overall acceptance and use of these medications. The burgeoning segment of biosimilars and biologics presents substantial growth opportunities for the needle market, thus promising an increase in the volume and variety of injectable therapies that will require the use of advanced needle technologies.

Global Needles Market Trends:

• Adoption of safety needles: Adoption of safety needles is a key trend in the market and is expected to drive growth in the needle market. Safety needles come with built-in safety mechanisms that are designed to prevent needle stick injuries, which are a significant health hazard for healthcare workers. These specialized needles aim to minimize the risk of exposing healthcare professionals to blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV through accidental needle stick injuries. Innovation in safety needles includes features such as retractable needles, needles with protective shields that activate after use, and self-blunting needles. These technologies help ensure that the needle is either contained or blunted immediately after injection, thus reducing the risk of an inadvertent stick. The drive toward enhanced safety measures in healthcare settings is being reinforced by legislation in numerous countries mandating the use of safety-engineered medical devices. For instance, the U.S. Needles stick Safety and Prevention Act and similar regulations in other regions have propelled the adoption of safety needles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The recognition of the importance of healthcare worker safety, combined with the regulatory impetus, has made the adoption of safety needles a standard practice in many parts of the world. Needles manufacturers are responding to the demand by expanding their product lines to include various forms of safety needles, thus catering to a range of medical practices from injections to blood collection. Furthermore, increasing awareness among healthcare workers regarding the importance of safety needles combined with advocacy and educational programs is also driving adoption rates. As the healthcare industry continues to prioritize worker safety and patient care, the safety needles market segment is expected to witness significant growth. Overall, the trend towards adopting safety needles reflects an industry-wide commitment in reducing preventable injuries and improving healthcare standards. This focus on safety is central to the future trajectory of the global needle market. Manufacturers that innovate and provide reliable and user-friendly safety needles are likely to witness strong demand and market growth in the near future.
• Transition towards single-use needles: Transition towards single-use needles is a notable trend within the healthcare sector and is expected to be a key driver for the needles market. Single-use, or disposable needles, are designed to be used once and then discarded, thereby significantly minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and the transfer of infectious diseases, which is a major concern with reusable needles. Single-use needles offer a higher standard of infection control, which is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis. Enhanced healthcare regulations and policies globally have mandated the use of single-use needles in various medical procedures to improve patient safety. Despite the need for repeated purchases, single-use needles can be cost-effective when considering the long-term costs that are associated with the sterilization of reusable needles and the treatment of needle stick injuries or infections.

Global Needles Market Restraints:

• Stringent government regulations: Stringent government regulations can create challenges that may hamper the growth of the needle market. Government agencies often impose rigorous standards for the manufacture, approval, labeling, and use of needles to ensure patient safety and product efficacy. The introduction of new needle products or technologies often requires navigating complex approval processes laid out by bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other regulatory authorities. These approvals can be time-consuming and costly, thus potentially delaying market entry. Compliance with manufacturing standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), can necessitate significant investment from companies to ensure their facilities and processes meet regulatory requirements. The need for strict control of production processes to prevent contamination or defects can increase production costs. Regulators require reporting and monitoring of adverse events associated with needles, like needle stick injuries or product failures. The need for robust post-market surveillance systems can be financially burdensome for needle manufacturers. Stringent quality control requirements entail rigorous testing and validation of needle products, which can lead to increased costs and resources spent on ensuring compliance. Disposal of needles, particularly single-use varieties, is subject to environmental regulations that mandate safe disposal practices to prevent needle stick injuries and environmental contamination. Compliance with these regulations, including the provision of secure disposal containers and services, adds complexity and costs for providers and manufacturers
• Availability and development of alternative drug delivery products: Availability and development of alternative drug delivery products pose challenge to the conventional needle market. These alternatives, which are designed to be less invasive, can reduce patient discomfort, and in some cases, improve the efficacy of drug delivery. These devices deliver medication through the skin using high pressure, without the need for a needle. The perceived lack of pain and decreased risk of needle stick injuries makes them attractive to both patients and healthcare providers. These patches deliver medication through the skin over a prolonged period. They are convenient and maintain consistent drug levels in the bloodstream, which can be advantageous for chronic disease management. Advances in oral drug formulations allow for the oral administration of drugs that otherwise would be delivered via injection, such as certain biologics that have been traditionally difficult to absorb through the digestive system.

Counterbalance:  The key market players should focus on innovating needle type, which when administered would be painless, thus necessitating the use of such needles for the patients.

Recent Developments:

New product launches & Approval:

• On October 13, 2023, Rhythmlink International, LLC, a medical device company, launched a new product family, concentric needles. The concentric needle is offered in four sizes or gauges, which also vary in needle diameter, length and color, matching the accepted workflows.
• In September 2022, Serpex Medical announced U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance of its Compass Steerable Needless – steerable biopsy needles that enable precise access to lung nodules in the intrapulmonary region to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The clearance of the compass steerable needles follows the clearance of Serpex's Recon Steerable Sheath.
• In May 2022, Roche Diabetes Care, a global leader in integrated personalized diabetes management (iPDM), launched Accu-Fine, quality pen needles to make the process of insulin delivery smoother and virtually painless for people with diabetes. This latest innovation from (Roche Diabetes Care, maker of Accu-Chek) the house of Accu-Chek aims to make the process of insulin delivery easier thereby leading to better diabetes management for people with diabetes.

Acquisition, Collaboration and Partnerships:

• On September 26, 2023, Sharps Technology, Inc., an innovative medical device and pharmaceutical packaging company and Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a privately owned U.S. leader in contract manufacturing and 503B outsourcing, announce the signing of an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) to acquire Nephron’s InjectEZ specialty syringe manufacturing facility. This includes a purchase agreement for over US$ 400 Mn from Nephron Pharmaceuticals for next-generation copolymer prefillable syringe systems.
• In January 2022, ICU Medical Inc., a medical device company, announced acquisition of Smiths Medical, a medical device company. Smiths Medical business includes syringe and ambulatory infusion devices, vascular access, and vital care products.

Figure 2. Global Needles Market Share (%), By Needles Type, 2023

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Top Companies in Global Needles Market:

• Abbott
• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Terumo Corporation
• Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.
• Braun SE
• Biotronik SE & Co. KG
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• Nipro Medical Corporation
• Medtronic
• Novo Nordisk A/s
• Cardinal Health
• Teleflex Incorporated
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Merck KGaA
• DTR Medical Ltd
• Stryker

Definition: Conventional needles which are also known as standard hypodermic needles are the most common type of needles that are used for a variety of medical purposes, ranging from the administration of injectable medications and vaccines to the extraction of fluids from the body, like drawing blood for testing. These needles consist of a hollow metal shaft with a pointed tip for penetration and are attached to a syringe. While effective, conventional needles do not have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent needle stick injuries after use, which is the major difference from safety needles. Safety needles are designed with integrated safety features that aim to protect healthcare workers and patients from needle stick injuries, which can transmit infectious diseases. These mechanisms are activated either automatically after the injection is given or manually by the healthcare provider. Safety needles can come in various forms Retractable needles, where the needle retracts into the syringe barrel after use.

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