Prefilled Syringes Market

The global market for prefilled syringes was valued at USD 18.43 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.95% from 2023 to 2030. The market is being driven by the increasing demand for user-friendly drug delivery devices and the efforts of healthcare professionals to minimize errors in hospitals. Technological advancements in self-injection devices, coupled with the impact of COVID-19, are expected to further propel market growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in immunizations worldwide, driving the demand for prefilled syringes, particularly those suitable for low-temperature storage. For example, BD positioned itself for a new COVID-19 vaccination opportunity by showcasing its glass prefilled syringes designed for ultralow temperature storage of mRNA doses. The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 resulted in a global surge in prefilled syringe sales.

The rise in the development of biological therapies is also contributing to market growth. Biologic drugs, including therapeutic vaccines, are increasingly replacing traditional treatment options due to their higher efficacy and safety. These drugs require innovative packaging solutions to maintain their potency and stability, making prefilled syringes an ideal container. The growing biologic drug market directly impacts the demand for prefilled syringes.

The risk of needlestick injuries and the transmission of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis is a concern. The high number of individuals living with HIV and the prevalence of accidental needle-stick injuries among healthcare professionals underscore the need for safety measures. Prefilled syringes offer a convenient and safe alternative, reducing the risk of sharps-related injuries and improving patient safety.

The use of prefilled syringes in hospitals has the potential to significantly reduce needlestick injuries. Safety measures, such as hidden needles and the elimination of dose preparation steps, make prefilled syringes an effective solution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that the use of prefilled syringes could decrease sharps-related injuries by 60-88%.

The approval of prefilled syringes by regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and the EU, and the expansion of the market contribute to industry growth. Companies like Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services have received regulatory approvals for their safety devices, driving the demand for prefilled syringes.

Auto-injectors are gaining popularity due to their advantages, including patient convenience and minimal contamination. Innovative auto-injector platforms, such as the Aidaptus by Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services, are expected to drive market growth by accommodating different prefilled syringe sizes.

Government investments in advanced syringe production, such as the investment in Hungary, are expected to support market growth by meeting the increasing global demand for prefilled syringes.

Type Insights:

The disposable prefilled syringes segment accounted for the largest market share of approximately 78.98% in 2023, primarily due to their widespread applications. These devices help reduce the risk of contamination, which drives their demand. Unsafe practices such as reusing prefilled syringes and needles without proper precautions can lead to needlestick injuries. While traditional disposable prefilled syringes protect the recipient, they do not ensure patient safety. As a result, there is a growing preference for disposable devices in hospitals and home care settings, which is expected to drive the growth of this segment.

The reusable prefilled syringes segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Companies are focusing on designing reusable devices to save costs, as these devices are more expensive due to advanced technology. There is a high demand for multi-dose, reusable devices like insulin pens and Epipen for conditions such as diabetes and anaphylaxis, where timely dosages are frequently required. Governments in emerging countries are also promoting the use of reusable prefilled syringes and needles to reduce disease transmission, further fueling the growth of this segment.

Material Insights:

The glass syringes segment dominated the market with a revenue share of approximately 53.27%. Glass syringes are currently considered the gold standard in prefilled syringes. They are easy to use for healthcare professionals and allow for easy detection of particulate impurities. The clarity and inertness of glass ensure the purity of the dose, making it a reliable option. However, the increasing demand for safer products that enable self-administration of medication and the fragility of glass during transportation may hinder the use of glass syringes in the market.

From a manufacturer's perspective, bulk sterilization and reuse of glass syringes significantly reduce costs and increase profit margins. For example, SCHOTT AG and Credence MedSystems have partnered to integrate Credence Companion technology with TOPPAC, a polymer syringe, and syriQ, a pre-fillable glass system. This collaboration aims to provide a unique solution for injectable medicine administration using prefilled syringes.

The plastic syringes segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Previously, plastic syringes were not preferred for most drugs due to issues like material clarity and leaching, which could affect the contents. However, the introduction of innovative materials such as Crystal Clear Polymer (CCP) and Polypropylene, which are inert to most drugs, is expected to drive the application of plastic prefilled syringes. These syringes offer advantages such as increased patient safety, customization based on patient requirements, and ease of transportation.

Application Insights:

In terms of application, the diabetes segment dominated the industry, accounting for approximately 53.75% of the revenue share. The segment's dominance is expected to continue throughout the forecast period due to a large patient base, the increasing prevalence of diabetes, and the demand for effective and safer insulin delivery devices. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise from 537 million in 2023 to nearly 783 million by 2045.

Major companies like BD are producing prefilled syringes specifically designed for chronic disease therapy to enhance their market position. For example, BD's Hypak SCF PRTC glass pre-fillable syringe is used to treat chronic disorders. BD also announced plans in May 2023 to spin out its Diabetes Care division as a separate, publicly-traded company, aiming to drive product demand. Additionally, other segments such as vaccines and biotech drugs are expected to experience significant growth as prefilled syringes simplify storage and eliminate the need to transfer drugs from vials.

Distribution Channel Insights:

The hospital segment held the largest market share of 52.39% in 2023, driven by increasing admissions of patients with conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Hospitals are the primary users of prefilled syringes due to their broad range of applications. The development of healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies in the Asia Pacific and Africa regions is expected to fuel segment growth. However, the trend of self-care and devices enabling fewer visits to healthcare professionals may negatively impact the growth of this segment.

The mail order pharmacies segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. These pharmacies serve patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and anaphylaxis. Subscription services through mail order pharmacies are preferred by patients who require regular injection doses, reducing the overall cost of therapy. Prefilled syringes sold through this channel need to be designed for maximum patient convenience as patients self-inject the doses.

Regional Insights:

Europe dominated the prefilled syringes market in 2023, holding the highest share of 39.51%. This is attributed to the healthcare practitioners' preference for prefilled injectable devices to reduce needle-related injuries. The region is home to major market players, strengthening their presence over the years. These companies, including Gerresheimer AG, SCHOTT group, Stevanato Group, Haselmeier AG, and Owen Mumford Ltd., have a consolidated market presence in Europe, making it challenging for new players to enter. Various government measures to promote the use of single-use medical supplies for infection prevention and the presence of prominent market participants are expected to contribute to the region's growth.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2030, driven by fast-growing economies and a large untapped market. Favorable demographic factors, such as a large population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, will fuel market growth in the region. China, Japan, and India provide significant growth opportunities, attracting major market players with increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and product demand. In China, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for approximately 80% of mortality among adults aged 60, with conditions such as Ischemic Heart Disease, Stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Type 2 Diabetes being the most common.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Major market players are implementing various strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, and product launches to strengthen their position in the market. For example, in April 2023, Packaging Nipro Pharma introduced CURACASE, an individually packaged product in compact and well-designed hard-plastic packaging. CURACASE's innovative design makes it compatible with feeders and automated pick-and-place systems, enhancing the company's ability to provide complete injection systems to the pharmaceutical industry and driving market growth.

In August 2023, SCHOTT AG, a German specialty glass business, and its partner Serum Institute of India acquired a 50% stake in the SCHOTT Kaisha joint venture in India. This acquisition ensures Serum's supply of high-quality pharma packaging amidst increasing global demand. While the syringe manufacturing market is becoming more consolidated, new competitors with advanced drug-filling technologies can still enter the market and offer innovative designs. Some prominent players in the global prefilled syringes market include Gerresheimer AG, Schott Group, Unilife Corporation, Nipro Medical Corporation, Owen Mumford, Haselmeier AG, BD, and others.

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis on the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2023 to 2030. For this study, MarketDigits has segmented the global prefilled syringes market report on the basis of type, material, application, distribution channel, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)
  • Disposable Prefilled Syringes
  • Reusable Prefilled Syringes
• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)
  • Glass Prefilled Syringes
  • Plastic Prefilled Syringes
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Others
    • Vaccines and Other Biotech Drugs
• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
  • Hospitals
  • Mail Order Pharmacies
  • Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
    • Colombia
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE