Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Hollow, Dissolving, Solid, Coated), By Material (Metal, Silicon, Polymer), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global microneedle drug delivery systems market size was valued at USD 5.57 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2021 to 2028. There is a growing demand for microneedle drug delivery systems owing to the availability of safer alternatives to the conventional hypodermic injection, which is minimally invasive and enables pain-free administration. The current global scenario, where the COVID-19 vaccine is in high demand, is expected to offer growth opportunities for microneedles. In addition, the increasing cases of diabetes are expected to boost the market growth.  For instance, as per the WHO, diabetes affected around 422 million individuals worldwide in 2014 from 108 million in 1980.

Microneedle drug delivery systems are more beneficial than conventional hypodermal injections because of advantages such as the quicker onset of action, increased permeability and efficacy, better patient compliance, and self-administration. Apart from improving therapeutic benefits, microneedles provide very precise and consistent results with low inter-subject variability in bioavailability. 

The use of microneedle drug delivery systems has extended its applications to many fields, such as vaccine administration, hormonal delivery, cancer therapy, pain management, and even cosmetics. Many microneedle products have entered the market in recent years. However, further research is needed to address various challenges before microneedles can be successfully introduced into the market. For instance, using 3D printed hybrid microneedle arrays, Carnegie Mellon University is developing a COVID-19 vaccine injection approach (Hybrid-MNA). Not only does the Hybrid-MNA technique allow for lesser doses, but it is also painless and has the potential for self-administration. These technologies will allow microneedles to be manufactured at a lower cost, thereby fostering the market growth.

There are chances of irritation or allergies to sensitive skin. As the needles are small and thin in comparison to the thickness of hair, microneedle tips might break, causing complications if they remain inside the skin. This necessitates the need for highly skilled and qualified medical practitioners. Furthermore, there are a limited number of products permitted by regulatory agencies across the world, which may limit the product's consistency and efficacy.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare system has witnessed enormous challenges. All outpatient treatments were limited or canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic to lessen the risk of viral transmission as most chronic pain therapies were regarded as non-urgent. COVID-19, on the other hand, is thought to be a springboard that is anticipated to dramatically increase patient footfall post-pandemic. Since then, demand for COVID-19 vaccines is expected to increase, and the market for microneedle drug delivery systems is estimated to expand more quickly as these systems are non-invasive and painless.

Type Insights

The hollow microneedle segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 26.0% in 2020. Hollow microneedles are commonly used to deliver vaccines and hormones, which include insulin for diabetic patients. These microneedles are capable of administering a larger dose of the drug as more amount of drugs can be accommodated into the empty space inside the needle, making it ideal for the use of vaccine and hormonal therapy patients. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 374 million people worldwide are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Thus, the increasing incidences of diabetes are expected to propel market growth.

The dissolving microneedle segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. As the dissolving microneedle is a less painful method of delivering active ingredients than the syringe, it only requires one step as the microneedle needs not to be removed after insertion. For patients who would otherwise require frequent injections, this could potentially improve their quality of life. Furthermore, there is a rising interest in dissolving microneedles constructed of biodegradable materials as they enable drug administration without leaving sharp, bio-contaminated, and non-degradable waste as the microneedles dissolve into the skin after insertion. All these factors are expected to have a positive impact on the market growth.

Material Insights

The metal material segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 27.0% in 2020. Stainless steel and titanium are the most frequently employed metals. Other metals used are palladium, nickel, and palladium-cobalt alloys. They have good mechanical and biocompatibility qualities. Metals are better suitable for microneedle manufacturing than silicon as they are strong enough to avoid breaking. Stainless steel was the first metal used in the manufacturing of microneedles. Thus, the above-mentioned factors are anticipated to augment the segment growth.

The silicone material segment is estimated to witness considerable growth from 2021 to 2028. The segment growth can be attributed to its flexibility, which allows it to produce needles of various sizes and shapes. It is a versatile material due to its attractive physical features. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved clearance for silicon devices, including silicon microneedles produced by NanoPass Technologies Ltd., which is expected to boost the market growth.

Application Insights

The drug delivery segment held the largest revenue share of more than 35.0% in 2020. Insulin is a hormone that is made up of peptides. The drug is recommended for patients with high blood sugar levels. Various scientists such as Martanto et al. and Henry et al. conducted numerous experiments on insulin administration and discovered that the insulin administered via microneedle drug delivery was appropriate, produced proper biological effects, and maintained blood glucose levels. In addition, the growing occurrence of diabetes worldwide is expected to drive the segment.

The vaccine delivery segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028. The increased awareness regarding vaccination among the population has led scientists to develop new approaches to vaccine administration. The Microneedle drug delivery system is an example of such an approach. Furthermore, researchers working on a possible vaccination for the novel coronavirus are considering utilizing microneedles to deliver the vaccine, which is expected to propel the overall market growth.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of over 40.0% in 2020. Patient outcomes and safety are of utmost importance in the U.S., and different projects have been formed to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. Another factor contributing to the market's rise is the fact that North America spends significantly more on health care than any other country.

In the Asia Pacific, the market is estimated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across APAC has highlighted shortcomings and faults in the region's healthcare system and the interconnectedness between health security and economic stability. As a result, the region is moving closer to achieving its goal of universal health care (UHC). Furthermore, in this region, the technology has attracted the curiosity of patients, healthcare professionals, and companies. In the coming years, microneedles are expected to have a greater impact on clinical care in APAC.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive with a large number of manufacturers accounting for a major share in the market. Product launches, approvals, strategic acquisitions, and innovations are a few of the important business strategies used by market participants to maintain and grow their global reach. For instance, in June 2021, Nanopass Technologies announced that its MicronJet, a microneedle-based technology for intradermal drug delivery, has received FDA clearance and CE marking. The device is designed for intradermal injections of any substance or medication, which has been approved for this method of administration. Some prominent players in the global microneedle drug delivery systems market include:

• Raphas

• Novartis International AG

• Becton Dickinson and Company

• B. Braun

• Nanopass Technologies Limited

• Termo

• Smiths Medical

• Cardinal Health

• 3M

Microneedle 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 microneedle drug delivery systems market report on the basis of type, material, application, and region:

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

  • Solid

  • Hollow

  • Dissolving

  • Coated

  • Others

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

  • Silicon

  • Metal

  • Polymer

  • Others

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

  • Dermatology

  • Drug Delivery

  • Pain Management

  • Cancer Therapy

  • Vaccine Delivery

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE