U.S. & Canada Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Expected to Reach $1.31 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “U.S. & Canada Pharmaceutical suppositories market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2035," The U.S. & Canada Pharmaceutical suppositories market size was valued at $0.74 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $1.31 billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2035. The vaginal suppository segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.6 during the forecast period.

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. In addition to medicinal applications, suppositories have cosmetic uses, such as delivering ingredients for skin hydration, anti-aging, or soothing irritation in sensitive areas. These cosmetic formulations may include moisturizing agents to promote skin health and comfort. 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 or cosmetic formulation upon contact with body heat.

The surge in prevalence of chronic diseases that require suppository-based treatments is a major factor driving the growth of the U.S. & Canada pharmaceutical suppositories market. 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 population. 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 the 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.

Furthermore, the rise in generic suppositories approvals presents a significant opportunity for contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). As key players like Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd and Zydus Lifesciences Limited increase production of cost-effective generic suppositories, pharmaceutical companies look to CDMOs for their expertise in scalable, efficient manufacturing. CDMOs enable companies to meet growing demand without investing heavily in infrastructure. Furthermore, this trend is accelerated by regulatory approvals, for instance, 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. In addition, CDMOs play a crucial role by supporting companies in maintaining quality, optimizing production timelines, and navigating regulatory standards, ultimately enhancing market accessibility and affordability.

On the basis of type, the market is categorized into rectal suppositories, vaginal suppositories and urethral suppositories.  The rectal suppository segment was the largest revenue contributor in 2023. This is attributed to its versatility, efficacy, and ability to treat the broad spectrum of medical conditions. In addition, the increase in use of cosmetic suppositories for skin nourishment and targeted wellness benefits further supports the market growth. Moreover, 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 during the forecast period.

Depending on base type, the market is categorized into glycerin suppository, progesterone suppository, bisacodyl suppository, antifungal suppository, hyaluronic acid suppository, probiotic suppository, boric acid suppository, and others. The others segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. This is attributed to the versatility of suppositories in treating a broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from pain management to skin care. The growing preference for non-invasive, targeted drug delivery methods, along with advancements in formulation and patient convenience, ensures the sustained growth of the segment. 

However, the progesterone suppository segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period owing due to its increasing use in managing conditions like infertility, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and preventing preterm births. The growing awareness of its benefits in fertility treatments and its effectiveness in bypassing gastrointestinal issues are key drivers for the rapid expansion of the 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 in 2023. This is attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the demand for targeted drug delivery solutions. In addition, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations, availability of cosmetic suppositories and precision medicine allow for personalized prescriptions tailored to individual patient requirements, further driving growth in the 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 issues.

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 in 2023. Hospitals commonly use 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 toward the market growth, offering a hassle-free and trusted shopping experience for consumers.

On the basis of end user, the market is classified into hospitals & clinics, home care, and others. The hospital & clinics segment was the largest revenue contributor 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.

U.S. accounted for the largest 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 the region. However, Canada is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to increase in geriatric population, rise in people suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids, and advancements in healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Key Findings of the Study

• On the basis of type, the rectal suppositories segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. However, the vaginal suppositories segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of base, the others segment held largest market share in 2023 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. However, the progesterone suppository 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 market share in 2023. However, the OTC 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.
• Country wise, U.S. generated the largest revenue in 2023. However, Canada is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.