Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Expected to Reach $3.2 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market," The pharmaceutical suppositories market size was valued at $1.7 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $3.2 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2035.

A suppository is a solid, typically cone- or cylinder-shaped dosage form used to deliver medications through body cavities such as the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Made from easily meltable bases like cocoa butter or polyethylene glycol, Massuppol, and others, it dissolves or melts at body temperature to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Suppositories provide an alternative to oral or injectable medications, especially when patients cannot take drugs by mouth. They ensure localized or systemic drug absorption through the mucous membranes. Designed for ease of insertion, suppositories gradually soften and disperse the medication upon contact with body heat. 

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases that require suppository-based treatments is a major driver of the pharmaceutical suppositories market size. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hemorrhoids, and certain cancers benefit from localized drug delivery, which minimizes systemic side effects. The demand for suppository treatments is increasing as these conditions become more common due to lifestyle changes and aging populations. Patients with IBD often face recurrent flare-ups throughout their lives, experiencing both intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms.

In addition, according to an article published by National Library of Medicine, in September 2023, the rising incidence of IBD is propelled by pediatric-onset IBD, which is rising by 1.23% per year from 15.6 per 100,000 in 2023 to 18.0 per 100,000 in 2035. This rising trend presents significant growth opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, encouraging the development of new suppository formulations to meet the needs of individuals with chronic diseases which further drive pharmaceutical suppositories market growth. 
 
In addition, key players, such as Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd and Zydus Lifesciences Limited, are contributing to market growth by actively manufacturing generic suppositories. Generic options offer more affordable treatments, which is especially important as healthcare costs continue to be a major concern. Moreover, in August 2023, Zydus Lifesciences Limited received USFDA approval to manufacture and market Indomethacin suppositories (50mg), a generic version of Indocin suppositories. Thus, such regulatory approvals not only increase competition in the market but also enhance patient access to essential medications.

Furthermore, suppositories offer key advantages over oral drug formulations, such as bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and providing more effective local treatment. These benefits continue to drive the adoption and demand for pharmaceutical suppositories, promoting pharmaceutical suppositories market growth and expanding treatment options for both patients and healthcare providers.

In addition,  pharmaceutical suppositories market trends include advancements in formulation technologies, rising focus on pediatric and geriatric populations, and growing preference for localized and systemic drug delivery methods.

On the basis of type, the market is categorized into rectal suppositories, vaginal suppositories, and urethral suppositories.  The rectal suppository segment held largest pharmaceutical suppositories market share in 2023. This is attributed to its versatility, efficacy, and the broad spectrum of medical conditions it addresses. In addition, ongoing research and healthcare provider recommendations contribute to its sustained growth.

However, the vaginal suppositories segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increase in adoption of gynecological and health applications for women. Vaginal suppositories offer localized drug delivery for conditions such as vaginal infections and hormone therapy, resulting in quick, effective treatment while minimizing systemic side effects. Thus, such advantages offered by vaginal suppositories drive the market growth in the forecast period.

Depending on base, the market is categorized into fatty base, water miscible bases, and emulsifying bases. The emulsifying bases segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the pharmaceutical suppositories market forecast. This is attributed to its versatility in formulating various suppository types. Emulsifying bases are well-suited for a wide range of drug compatibility and release profiles, making them the preferred choice for pharmaceutical suppository formulations.

On the basis of prescription type, the market is bifurcated into OTC and prescribed suppositories. The prescribed suppositories segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023. This is attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the demand for targeted drug delivery solutions. Additionally, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations and precision medicine allow for personalized prescriptions tailored to individual patient needs, further driving growth in this segment. 

However, the OTC segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to a growing consumer inclination toward self-care and convenience. OTC products are readily available without a prescription, providing an accessible and cost-effective option for managing common health issue.

On the basis of therapeutic application, the market is classified into analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, antiemetics, laxatives, hormonal therapies, antifungals and antibacterials, and others. The analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2023. This growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of pain management needs, particularly among patients with conditions like hemorrhoids and cancer, where localized delivery offers effective relief and minimizes systemic side effects.

However, the hormonal therapies segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to rising cases of hormonal imbalances and related disorders, such as menopause and fertility issues. Increased awareness and acceptance of hormone replacement therapy, along with advancements in formulations that enhance efficacy and patient compliance, further drive demand for hormonal suppositories in clinical settings.

On the basis of fill volume categories, the pharmaceutical suppositories industry is classified into small fill volumes, medium fill volumes, and large fill volumes. The medium fill volumes segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2023 and is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. Medium fill volume suppositories are neither too small nor too large, making them easy to handle and administer. This size is particularly advantageous for patients, as it enhances comfort and compliance. Additionally, the availability of multiple formulations within this size range caters to various therapeutic needs, further driving segment growth during pharmaceutical suppositories market analysis as healthcare providers and patients increasingly opt for these versatile options.

On the basis of age group, the market is classified into pediatric use, and adult use. The adult use segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2023. This growth is attributed to the growing acceptance of suppositories for addressing various health conditions, particularly pain management and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, advancements in formulation technology and the availability of a wider range of effective products specifically designed for adults have increased their appeal, leading to greater market penetration and sales.

However, the pediatric use segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecasted period owing to several key factors. Increasing awareness among healthcare providers and parents about the benefits of suppositories for children, especially for those who struggle with oral medication, is driving this trend. Additionally, the development of child-friendly formulations and precise dosing options tailored to pediatric needs further supports the segment's rapid growth, ensuring safer and more effective treatments for young patients.

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, drug stores and retail pharmacies, and online providers.  The hospital pharmacies segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2023 owing to several factors. Hospitals commonly employ suppositories for targeted drug delivery, ensuring precise dosing and minimizing systemic side effects. This growing demand for suppositories within the hospital setting, is driven by diverse medical conditions and treatment needs.

However, the online providers segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to its convenience and accessibility. It offers discreet purchasing options, which appeal to consumers seeking privacy for sensitive products like suppositories. Enhanced digital payment security and reliable home delivery services also contribute to the growth, offering a hassle-free and trusted shopping experience for consumers.
 
By end user, the hospitals and clinics segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2023. Hospitals & clinics have increasingly showed an inclination toward pharmaceutical suppositories products. Moreover, a rise in number of government initiatives to ensure a high degree chronic disease treatment measure, and surge in number of hospitals with increased use of suppository therapy boost the growth of the hospitals & clinics segment. 

However, the home care segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. Patients increasingly prefer home-based healthcare, driving demand for user-friendly drug delivery methods like suppositories. In addition, the growing aging population and the trend toward self-administration boost the growth of the segment. Cosmetic suppositories, offering skin-nourishing benefits, further contribute to the popularity of home care treatments, enhancing convenience and accessibility. 

North America accounted for the largest pharmaceutical suppositories market share in terms of revenue in 2023, owing to increase in well-developed healthcare industry, presence of leading manufacturers in the region, and high adoption rate of suppositories in this region. However, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR in the pharmaceutical suppositories market during the forecast period, owing to increase in number of geriatric populations, rise in people suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids, and improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Key findings of the Study 

• On the basis of type, the rectal suppositories segment dominated the pharmaceutical suppositories industry in terms of revenue in 2023. However, the vaginal suppositories segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• As per base, the emulsifying bases segment held largest market share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period.
• Depending on prescription type, the prescribed suppositories segment held the largest market share in 2023. However, the OTC segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of therapeutic application, the analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs segment held the largest market share in 2023. However, the hormonal therapies segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of fill volume categories, the medium fill volumes segment held the largest market share in 2023. However, the small fill volumes segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• According to age group, the adult use segment held the largest market share in 2023. However, the pediatric use segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. However, the online providers segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of end user, the hospitals & clinics segment held the largest market share in 2023. However, the home care segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• Region wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2023. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.