Buccal Drug Delivery Systems Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Buccal Tablets & Lozenges, Sublingual Films), By Application, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global buccal drug delivery systems market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2021 to 2028. Buccal drug delivery systems have gained significant growth potential due to constant research and development in this field. Compared to oral dosage form, buccal delivery is considered the most convenient and preferred choice, especially among geriatric patients. This drug delivery route ensures elimination of first pass metabolism, allowing drugs that are pH sensitive and easily degraded to be administered effectively. Quicker absorption, minimized biofluid interaction, reduced side effects, high concentration availability at the target site, and shorter treatment regime are some of the factors responsible for the increased adoption of buccal drug delivery, thus driving the preference for these formulations.

Market leaders like Generex, NovaDel, Biodelivery Sciences International, and Transcept Pharmaceuticals are identifying newer drug candidates for formulating into rapid and controlled release buccal tablets, mucoadhesive discs, and lozenges. The most researched area is the development of buccal patches containing insulin to treat diabetes and formulations that control episodes in patients with Parkinson’s.

Despite the large investment and study to develop a newer formulation, the year 2020 saw a dramatic decline in this market. Halt on supply logistics, reduced raw material availability, decreased laboratory staff to conduct new research, the economic burden on end-users, and most importantly reduced need of buccal delivery medications led to the dip in the market. However, the market is expected to bounce back by mid-2022.

Type Insights

The buccal tablets and lozenges segment captured the largest share of over 45.0% in 2020. Increased consumer acceptance, ease of formulation, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability of drug candidates for formulation are the factors responsible for the segment growth.

The sublingual films segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. Factors such as immediate availability of high concentration of drug at a target site and increased research to develop controlled release formulation are responsible for the high growth of the segment. Due to their quicker onset of action, these formulations are used extensively being used in anti-addiction treatments and emergency care centers.

End-user Insights

The hospitals segment dominated the market with a share of over 40.0% in 2020. Increased admission in hospitals, especially of geriatric patients, the abundance of emergency care supplies, and product development and research by various community hospitals are the reasons behind this segment growth. Studies conducted by various hospitals bring novelty and improve the commercialization of the formulation.

For instance, in 2020, 3 community hospitals in Japan conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to develop mucoadhesive microparticle-laden gels for oral mucositis. The result confirmed the high concentration of the drug at the target site and quicker treatment than traditional dosage forms are likely to improve the adoption. Additionally, many hospitals in developed countries are involved in the study and development of buccal mucoadhesive formulation including insulin, potent analgesics, and drugs to treat heart failure. Ambulatory centers are expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, followed by the others segment that includes clinics, home health, and OTC medications.

Application Insights

The smoking cessation segment accounted for the largest share of over 30.0% in 2020. Buccal drug delivery is often the most preferred and effective formulation for treating patients with smoking or nicotine addiction. Studies have confirmed that nicotine lozenges are more effective in delivering a higher concentration of the drug than gums or other dosage forms. It is also a great alternative for those reluctant to constantly chew on gums and a great choice to cease low and high dependent smoking.

Increased research to treat sudden cardiac arrest outside hospitals and growing adoption of immediate treatment options have improved the acceptance of sublingual tablets, films, or even injections. This is responsible for the highest growth rate of the angina pectoris segment. Additionally, companies like Bio delivery Sciences and Catalent are developing sublingual films for pain management. Studies suggest that nearly 40% to 60% of adults with chronic non-cancer pain, when administered with non-buprenorphine (pain analgesic) based opioid treatment, are likely to observe severe opioid-induced constipation. Thus, the company developed its leading product, sublingual buprenorphine film to effectively treat chronic pain.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 30.0% in 2020. The presence of a large number of market players, improved research to identify suitable drug candidates, significant investment by large players to improve the development of newer formulations, and improved rate of diagnosis and treatment are the factors boosting the regional market growth. High adoption rates and favorable reimbursement scenarios are some of the factors expected to fuel the market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. A rise in the geriatric population, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and an enormous rise in domestic players are likely to boost the regional market growth. The region includes the largest share of the geriatric population, which is prone to several lifestyle-associated cardiovascular conditions. Increasing awareness regarding de-addiction options and easy availability of OTC products are some of the factors expected to drive the regional market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is consolidated with the presence of large and small players. Most contract manufacturers partner with large players to conduct research and manufacture newer buccal mucoadhesive products. The market is still emerging in terms of new product launches due to the limited identification of suitable drug candidates. However, large market players are undertaking collaborative growth strategies with contract research organizations (CROs) to identify drug candidates and introduce new products at a faster rate. A rise in mergers and acquisitions is likely to strengthen the market value of the players, which will ultimately boost the market growth. Some prominent players in the global buccal drug delivery systems market include:

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Pfizer Inc.

• GlaxoSmithKline plc.

• Indivior Pharmaceuticals

• Generex Biotechnology

• Catalent

• ARx LLC

• BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.

• Cynapsus Therapeutics Inc. 

• Endo Pharmaceuticals plc

Buccal Drug Delivery Systems Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global buccal drug delivery systems market report on the basis of type, application, end-user, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Sublingual Films

  • Buccal Tablets and Lozenges

  • Oral Sprays

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Pain Management

  • Smoking Cessation

  • Angina Pectoris

  • Others

• End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Hospitals

  • Ambulatory Centers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Norway

    • Sweden

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Turkey

    • UAE