ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS MARKET ANALYSIS

Global orodispersible tablets market experienced a significant expansion in recent years, and is expected to witness growth during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

• Orodispersible tablets, also known as orally disintegrating tablets or quick-dissolving tablets, are pharmaceutical formulations that rapidly dissolve in the mouth without the need for water.
• Global orodispersible tablets market is estimated to be valued US$ 9.29 billion in 2023. Factors driving the market growth include increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing geriatric population, ease of administration and improved patient compliance, and advancements in drug delivery technologies.
• Over the forecast period, global orodispersible tablets market is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10.7%. By 2030, the market size is anticipated to reach USD 18.92 billion.
• Several factors contribute to the market growth. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions boosts demand for efficient drug delivery systems like orodispersible tablets. These tablets offer advantages such as quick onset of action, ease of administration, and improved medication adherence.
• Aging population, particularly in developed regions, is expected to boost demand for orodispersible tablets. Elderly individuals often experience difficulties in swallowing conventional tablets or capsules, and this makes orodispersible tablets a preferred option.
• Technological advancements in drug delivery systems, formulation techniques, and taste-masking methods further propel the market growth. Manufacturers are investing in research and development activities to enhance the taste, stability, and bioavailability of orodispersible tablets.

Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Regional Insights

• North America:
• North America held a significant share in the orodispersible tablets market in 2022 due to presence of established pharmaceutical companies, a robust healthcare infrastructure, and high healthcare spending.
• The region is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, and the market growth is driven by increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. For instance, on October 10, 2023, according to the data published by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, six in ten adults in the U.S. live with a chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death in the U.S. with heart disease and cancer alone accounting for around 38% of all deaths.
• This region holds a substantial percentage of the market share, accounting for approximately 38.5% in 2023

• Europe:
  • Europe accounted for a substantial market share in the orodispersible tablets market in 2022. The region benefits from favorable reimbursement policies, a well-developed healthcare system, and a high prevalence of chronic diseases.
  • The presence of key pharmaceutical manufacturers and continuous investments in research and development activities contribute to growth of the orodispersible tablets market in Europe. For instance, in December 2022, Pfizer, Inc., one of the global pharmaceutical company, announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had accepted the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for etrasimod, used for the treatment for individuals living with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Etrasimod is an oral, once daily, selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that is designed for optimized pharmacology and engagement of S1P receptors 1, 4, and 5.
  • Europe is estimated to hold around 28.6% of the market share in 2023
• Asia Pacific:
  • Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness significant growth in the orodispersible tablets market during the forecast period. The region's large population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and growing awareness of advanced drug delivery systems boosts the market expansion.
  • Rapidly developing economies, such as China and India, are experiencing increase in chronic diseases and demand for patient-friendly drug delivery methods, and thus, creating opportunities for the orodispersible tablets market
  • The presence of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and a shift toward generic drugs also contribute to the market growth in Asia Pacific. For instance, in December 2022, Hetero, India’s leading pharmaceutical company, announced the receipt of World Health Organization Prequalification of Medicines Program (WHO PQ) approval for generic version of Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral drug ‘PAXLOVID’.
  • Asia Pacific is estimated to account for approximately 20.9% of the market share

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

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Analyst’s View:

The orodispersible tablets market represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector within the pharmaceutical industry. These innovative pharmaceutical formulations have gained significant traction in recent years, owing to their convenience, rapid onset of action, and improved patient compliance. Due to growing demand for patient-centric drug delivery solutions, orodispersible tablets have emerged as a promising option for both patients and healthcare providers.

Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Drivers

• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The growing burden of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurological conditions boosts demand for efficient drug delivery systems like orodispersible tablets. These tablets offer advantages such as easy administration, rapid onset of action, and improved patient compliance, and thus, contributing to market growth. Moreover, increasing prevalence of chronic disease in the U.S. is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2021, according to the data published by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in 10 adults in U.S. have a chronic disease and four in ten adults have two or more chronic diseases.
• Technological Advancements in Drug Delivery: Advances in drug delivery technologies have enabled the development of innovative orodispersible tablet formulations. These technologies enhance the taste, stability, and bioavailability of drugs, and thus, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. The continuous research and development efforts in this field boosts growth of the orodispersible tablets market. Moreover, increasing inorganic strategies such as acquisition is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in November 2020, Novo Nordisk A/S, one of the leading global healthcare company, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Emisphere Technologies Inc., a drug delivery company with proprietary technologies such as the Eligen SNAC technology that enable oral formulations of therapeutics.
• Enhanced Patient Compliance and Convenience: Orodispersible tablets offer a user-friendly and convenient method of drug administration, particularly for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or who prefer an alternative to liquid medications. The ease of administration improves patient compliance, resulting in better treatment outcomes and driving market growth.
• Growing Focus on Patient-Centered Care: The healthcare industry's increasing emphasis on patient-centered care and enhancing patient experience boosts demand for patient-friendly drug delivery methods. Orodispersible tablets offer a convenient and pleasant experience for patients, leading to improved satisfaction and driving the market growth.

Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Opportunities

• Expanding Applications in Pediatric and Geriatric Care: Orodispersible tablets offer significant opportunities in pediatric and geriatric care, where medication administration can be challenging. Developing age-appropriate formulations and flavors for children, as well as catering to the specific needs of the elderly population can open up new market segments and drive the market growth.
• Targeting Underdeveloped Markets: There are opportunities to expand the adoption of orodispersible tablets in underdeveloped markets where awareness and access to advanced drug delivery systems are limited. Educating healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits of orodispersible tablets and partnering with local stakeholders can help tap into these emerging markets.
• Customized Formulations for Specific Therapeutic Areas: Designing orodispersible tablets with customized formulations for specific therapeutic areas presents opportunities for market growth. Tailoring formulations to address the unique needs of different diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health conditions can offer targeted treatment options and expand market reach.
• Strategic Partnerships with Pharmaceutical Companies: Collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to develop orodispersible tablet formulations for their existing drug portfolios presents opportunities for market expansion. Partnering with established pharmaceutical manufacturers can leverage their expertise, resources, and market presence, facilitating the development and commercialization of new orodispersible tablet products.

Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Trends

• Increasing Demand for Personalized Medicine: There is a growing trend towards personalized medicine due to advancements in genomics and precision healthcare. This trend extends to the orodispersible tablets market, with a focus on developing tailored formulations and dosing regimens to meet individual patient needs and optimize treatment outcomes.
• Rising Adoption of Digital Health Solutions: The integration of digital health solutions such as mobile apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine is gaining traction in the orodispersible tablets market. These technologies enable remote patient monitoring, medication adherence tracking, and personalized healthcare management, enhancing patient engagement and improving treatment outcomes.
• Development of Innovative Taste-Masking Techniques: Taste-masking techniques are advancing to enhance the flavor appeal of orodispersible tablets. In the quest for improved patient experience, producers are investigating inventive approaches to conceal the taste of active ingredients, ultimately rendering the tablets more enjoyable for consumption. This trend aims to address taste-related challenges, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations.
• Focus on Fast-Dissolving Formulations: Rapid disintegration and dissolution of orodispersible tablets are becoming key factors in product development. Manufacturers are focusing on improving the formulation properties to ensure quick and complete dissolution in the mouth, allowing for faster onset of action and enhanced patient convenience.

Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Restraints

• High Development and Manufacturing Costs: The development and manufacturing of orodispersible tablets can involve complex processes and specialized equipment, and thus, leading to higher costs compared to conventional tablets. The investment required for research, formulation development, taste-masking technologies, and production can pose a challenge, particularly for smaller pharmaceutical companies.
• Limited Drug Compatibility and Formulation Options: Not all drugs are suitable for formulating into orodispersible tablets due to stability, bioavailability, or compatibility issues. Some drugs require specific delivery systems or have characteristics that make them unsuitable for quick-dissolving formulations, limiting the range of drugs that can be developed as orodispersible tablets.

Figure 2. Global Orodispersible Tablets Market Share (%), By Drug Class, 2023

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Global Orodispersible Tablets Market- Recent Developments

New Product Launches

1. On August 4, 2023, Biogen, one of the leading global biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved ZURZUVAE (zuranolone) 50 mg for adults with postpartum depression (PPD). URZUVAE is the first and only oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment that can provide rapid improvements in depressive symptoms for women with PPD.
2. In November 2022, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., a Japan-based pharmaceutical company, announced that Xocova, a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug for COVID-19, obtained emergency regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan for the indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Xocova is an oral antiviral agent that is administered once daily for five days that suppresses the replication of SARS-CoV-2.
3. In December 2022, Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, announced that Sunlenca (lenacapavir) in combination with other antiretroviral(s) (ARV) had been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Sunlenca (300 mg tablet and 463.5 mg/1.5 mL injection) is a first-in-class, long-acting HIV capsid inhibitor approved in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and the European Union, for the treatment of HIV infection.
4. In September 2021, AbbVie Inc., one of the global biopharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved QULIPTA (atogepant) for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. QULIPTA is the first and only oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist (gepant) specifically developed for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Acquisition and partnerships

1. On March 30, 2023, GSK plc., one of the global pharmaceutical company, announced t that it had signed an exclusive licence agreement for Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp tablets) a U.S. FDA approved, first-in-class antifungal for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) with SCYNEXIS, a pharmaceutical company
2. In September 2022, Emergent BioSolutions Inc., a multinational specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced that it had completed its acquisition of exclusive worldwide rights to TEMBEXA, oral antiviral approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all age groups for the treatment of smallpox, from Chimerix, a biotechnology company
3. In December 2021, Pfizer Inc., one of the global pharmaceutical company, and Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, announced that the companies had entered into a definitive agreement, under which Pfizer will acquire Arena, a clinical stage company developing innovative potential therapies for the treatment of several immuno-inflammatory diseases. Arena’s portfolio includes diverse and promising development-stage therapeutic candidates in gastroenterology, dermatology, and cardiology, including etrasimod, an oral, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator currently in development for a range of immuno-inflammatory diseases.
4. Aquestive Therapeutics Partners with Sunovion: In December 2020, Aquestive Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company, entered into a partnership with Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, a part of Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., a science-based, technology-driven biopharmaceutical company. The collaboration aimed to develop and commercialize an oral film formulation of an undisclosed central nervous system (CNS) drug, potentially including orodispersible tablets.

Top companies in Global Orodispersible Tablets Market

• AstraZeneca PLC
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC
• Novartis International AG
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Cipla Limited
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Eisai Co., Ltd.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

*Definition: Orodispersible tablets, also known as orally disintegrating tablets or fast-dissolving tablets, are a type of solid dosage form that rapidly disintegrate or dissolve in the mouth without the need for water. These are designed to improve medication administration, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets or for situations where immediate drug action is desired. Orodispersible tablets are typically formulated using special techniques and excipients to achieve fast disintegration and provide convenient and effective drug delivery.