Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Expected to Reach $2.8 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market," The pharmaceutical suppositories market size was valued at $1.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Suppositories are solid dosage forms of medication that are precisely designed for insertion into bodily cavities other than the mouth. They can be placed in the rectum, vaginal canal, or urethra. These items are designed to melt or dissolve in the cavity fluids after insertion, allowing the drug to be released. Suppositories are useful in delivering bitter & obnoxious drug. They are used in the treatment of constipation, infectious diseases and in viral infections. 

The pharmaceutical suppositories market trends include the aging global population which increasing the demand for suppositories, as elderly individuals often have difficulty swallowing pills or need localized drug delivery. In addition, the rise in chronic diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders and certain cancers, creates a need for effective, targeted treatments offered by suppositories.

Technological advancements in drug delivery, including improved formulations, are expanding the range of medications that are delivered via suppositories, which further drive pharmaceutical suppositories market growth. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting early diagnosis and the efforts of pharmaceutical companies to educate the public about suppository benefits are enhancing market growth and awareness. 

Furthermore, the presence of key players such as Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd and Zydus Lifesciences Limited, who have actively manufactured generic suppositories, further drive the growth during the pharmaceutical suppositories market forecast. Generic suppositories provide healthcare providers and patients with more accessible options, particularly during a time when healthcare costs are a significant concern. 

In addition, recently in August 2023, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, received a USFDA approval to manufacture and market Indomethacin suppositories, 50mg. Indomethacin suppositories, 50 mg is the generic version of the Reference Listed Drug (RLD) Indocin suppositories. The rise in such regulatory approvals not only increases competition in the suppositories market but also enhances patient access to essential medications. Thus, such trends are anticipated to continue driving market growth, promoting affordability, and expanding the range of suppository-based treatments available to patients and healthcare providers. 

On the basis of type, the pharmaceutical suppositories industry is categorized into rectal suppositories, vaginal suppositories and urethral suppositories. The rectal suppository segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2022. 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 pharmaceutical suppositories market analysis. 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 drives the market growth in the forecast period. 

On the basis of base, the market is categorized into fatty base, water miscible bases, and emulsifying bases. The emulsifying bases segment was the highest pharmaceutical suppositories market share contributor in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecasted period. 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 distribution channel, the market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online sales. The hospital pharmacies segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 owing to several factors. Hospitals commonly employ suppositories for targeted drug delivery, ensuring precise dosing and minimizing systemic side effects. This heightened demand for suppositories within the hospital setting, is driven by diverse medical conditions and treatment needs. 

However, the online sales segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecasted period owing to its convenience and accessibility. Online platforms provide a convenient way for consumers to purchase healthcare products, including suppositories, without the need to visit physical stores. The ease of ordering, broader product selection, and potential for competitive pricing make online sales an attractive option. 

On the basis of end user, the market is classified into hospitals & clinics, home care and nursing home. the hospital & clinics segment was the largest revenue contributor to the market in 2022. This was attributed to the fact that 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 forecasted period owing to several key factors. Patients increasingly prefer home-based healthcare, creating demand for user-friendly drug delivery methods such as suppositories. In addition, the aging population and the trend toward self-administration of medications at home further boost growth of this segment. 

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 2022. This is attributed to the increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for targeted drug delivery methods.

Moreover, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations and precision medicine are enabling tailored prescriptions for individual patient needs, expanding the prescribed suppositories segment growth. However, the OTC segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecasted period owing to increased consumer preference for self-care and convenience. OTC products are easily accessible without a prescription, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for treating common ailments. 

North America accounted for the largest pharmaceutical suppositories market share in terms of revenue in 2022, 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 which further provide pharmaceutical suppositories market opportunity in the region. 
 
Key findings of the study 
• On the basis of type, the rectal suppositories segment dominated the pharmaceutical suppositories market size in terms of revenue in 2022. However, the vaginal suppositories segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of base, the emulsifying bases segment held largest market share in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. 
• On the basis of distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment dominated the pharmaceutical suppositories industry in terms of revenue in 2022. However, the online sales segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of end user, the hospitals & clinics segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022. However, the home care segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of prescription type, the prescribed suppositories segment held the largest pharmaceutical suppositories industry share in 2022. However, the OTC segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period 
• On the basis of region, North America generated the largest revenue in 2022. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.