Number of pages: 100 | Report Format: PDF | Published date: April 28, 2023
Historical Years – 2021 | Base Year – 2022 | Forecasted Years – 2023 to 2031
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2022 |
US$ 1.63 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2031 |
US$ 2.67 billion |
CAGR |
5.61% |
Base Year for Estimation |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2031 |
Historical Year |
2021 |
Segments Covered |
Type, Base, Distribution Channel, and Region |
Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa |
According to the deep-dive market assessment study by Growth Plus Reports, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market was valued at US$ 1.63 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 5.61% to reach US$ 2.67 billion by 2031.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Fundamentals
Pharmaceutical suppositories are a type of medication delivery system designed to be inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. They are small, solid or semi-solid, bullet-shaped objects made of a waxy or oily substance that melts at body temperature. Suppositories can contain various active ingredients, including drugs for pain relief, anti-inflammatory agents, laxatives, antiemetics, and antifungal medications. The active ingredients are mixed with a base material, including cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol, or glycerinated gelatin, to form the suppository.
Once inserted into the body, the suppository dissolves or melts, releasing the medication directly into the affected area. This allows for rapid absorption and can be particularly useful for patients with difficulty swallowing pills or nausea and vomiting. A healthcare provider typically prescribes suppositories, but some over-the-counter suppositories are also available for self-medication. They are generally considered safe and effective when used as directed. However, they may cause some mild side effects, such as irritation or discomfort at the insertion site.
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Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Dynamics
Suppositories are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like constipation and hemorrhoids. With the increasing prevalence of these disorders, the demand for global pharmaceutical suppositories market is also increasing. Suppositories are easy to administer and can be used for patients with difficulty swallowing pills or nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, the development of new drug delivery technologies has led to the creation of more effective and efficient suppositories, which has increased their popularity among patients and healthcare providers, thus eventually leading to the growth of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market. Furthermore, suppositories are commonly used for delivering pain management drugs. The growing demand for pain management drugs is also boosting the growth market. With the increasing availability of over-the-counter medications, patients are becoming more aware of the benefits of self-medication. Suppositories are one of the preferred forms of self-medication because they are easy to use and do not require a prescription.
However, despite their benefits, suppositories are often overlooked as a treatment option, mainly due to a lack of awareness and understanding among patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, some drugs are unavailable in suppository form, limiting their use in certain patient populations. Moreover, suppositories are temperature-sensitive and require proper storage conditions to maintain their stability. This can be a challenge, especially in low-resource settings. Additionally, limited adoption in certain regions and challenges with storage and stability are some of the restraints impeding the overall market growth.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Ecosystem
The global pharmaceutical suppositories market is analyzed from four perspectives: type, base, distribution channel, and region.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market by Type
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Based on the types, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market is segmented into rectal suppositories, vaginal suppositories, and urethral suppositories
The rectal suppositories segment dominated the market with the principal revenue share in 2022, owing to the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, the growing geriatric population, and advancements in drug delivery technologies. Rectal suppositories are a type of pharmaceutical suppository specifically designed to be inserted into the rectum. They are typically used to deliver medication directly to the lower gastrointestinal tract, where they can be absorbed rapidly and efficiently. Rectal suppositories are commonly used to treat various conditions, including constipation, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, and pain relief. They can contain a range of active ingredients, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, laxatives, and antifungal medications. These aspects contribute to the growth of the rectal suppositories segment.
The vaginal suppositories segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment throughout the forecast period. Vaginal suppositories are typically used to deliver medication directly to the vaginal area, where they can be absorbed rapidly and efficiently. Vaginal suppositories commonly treat various conditions, including vaginal infections, vaginal dryness, and menstrual pain relief. They can contain a range of active ingredients, including antifungal agents, hormones, and pain relievers. These aspects contribute to the growth of the vaginal suppositories segment.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market by Base
Based on the type of base, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market is segmented into fatty bases, water miscible bases, and emulsifying bases.
The water miscible bases segment accounted for a prominent share of the market. Water miscible bases are a type of suppository base that can be mixed with water, making them suitable for use in aqueous formulations. Water miscible bases are commonly used to manufacture suppositories because they provide a stable and consistent base that can be easily mixed with active ingredients. They also have good lubricating properties and are easy to mold into suppository shapes. Common water miscible bases used to manufacture suppositories include PEG (polyethylene glycol) and glycerin. PEG-based suppositories are preferred for their low melting points, making them suitable for rectal and vaginal applications. These factors contribute to the growth of the water miscible bases segment.
Similarly, the emulsifying bases segment also accounted for a prominent market revenue share. Emulsifying bases are suppository base containing emulsifiers that allow the base to mix with both water-soluble and oil-soluble active ingredients. Emulsifying bases are commonly used to manufacture suppositories because they provide a stable and consistent base that can be easily mixed with active ingredients. They also have good lubricating properties and are easy to mould into suppository shapes. Some common emulsifying bases used to manufacture suppositories include cocoa butter and witepsol. Cocoa butter-based suppositories are preferred for their melting point close to body temperature, which makes them easy to insert and ensures optimal drug delivery. Witepsol-based suppositories are known for their high stability and compatibility with a wide range of active ingredients. Additionally, the emulsifying bases segment of the pharmaceutical suppositories market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing demand for suppositories, advancements in drug delivery technologies, and growing awareness about the benefits of emulsifying bases.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market by Distribution Channel
Based on the distribution channels, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.
The hospital pharmacies segment is a key player in the pharmaceutical suppositories market with the largest revenue share in 2022. Hospital pharmacies are responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing medications and other healthcare products within hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Hospital pharmacies typically carry a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including suppositories. Suppositories are often used in hospital settings as an alternative to oral medication when a patient cannot swallow pills, is experiencing nausea or vomiting, or has other gastrointestinal issues. These overall factors contribute to the growth of the hospital segment.
The online pharmacies segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment throughout the forecast period, owing to the increasing popularity of e-commerce and its convenience. Customers can easily order and receive their medication from the comfort of their homes, without visiting a physical pharmacy. Online pharmacies often offer a wider range of products and better prices than traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Online pharmacies are websites or platforms that sell pharmaceutical products, including suppositories, through the Internet. Additionally, this segment is driven by increasing demand for convenience, rising healthcare costs, and advancements in e-commerce technology.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market by Region
Geographically, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
North America dominated the global pharmaceutical suppositories market with the largest revenue share in 2022, attributed to the region's well-developed healthcare business, the existence of prominent manufacturers, and the region's high acceptance rate of suppositories. Additionally, companies across the region are continuously involved in launching new and innovative products, which are also expected to improve the pharmaceutical suppositories market outlook. For instance, in June 2019, Rising Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Rising Pharma Holdings Inc., announced the introduction and commercial distribution of a generic version of Canasa (mesalamine) Suppository in the United States. According to IMS Health, sales of Mesalamine Suppositories in the United States totaled roughly US$ 263 million in the fiscal year ended March 2019.
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Competitive Landscape
The prominent players operating in the global pharmaceutical suppositories market are:
Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Strategic Developments
Pharmaceutical suppositories are a type of medication delivery system designed to be inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra.
The global pharmaceutical suppositories market was valued at US$ 1.63 billion in 2022.
The estimated market size of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market in 2031 is US$ 2.67 billion.
The revenue CAGR of the pharmaceutical suppositories market during the forecast period will be 5.61% from 2023 to 2031.
Some prominent global pharmaceutical suppositories market players are Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Novartis AG, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Church and Dwight UK Ltd., and Bliss GVS Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
*Insights on financial performance are subject to the availability of information in the public domain