Sustained Release Excipients Market (2026 - 2033)

Sustained Release Excipients Market Summary

The global sustained release excipients market size was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2026 to USD 3.0 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2026 to 2033. North America dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 42.0% in 2025. The market growth has been largely influenced by the increasing number of patent expirations and the growing need for dosage forms for geriatric and pediatric populations.

Source: Grand View Research, IR Documents, Primary Interviews, Paid Databases

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Demand for controlled-release formulations is diversifying as patients expect greater convenience. Excipients are the main components of controlled-release formulations. The growing awareness of the added benefits of controlled-release formulations is projected to drive industry growth.

Oral drug delivery is a widely used route of administration, with several pharmaceutical products delivered systemically in various dosage forms. Conventional formulations are often supplied in numerous dosage regimens in long-term therapy for the treatment of chronic illnesses and thereby have several negative effects. Owing to this, sustained-release solid unit dosage forms, such as tablets, are required to alleviate the disadvantages of multiple dosing. These factors have positively impacted the industry. Rapidly fueling the market of sustained-release oral drug delivery includes enabling technology and trends in patient preferences, and increasing the comfort of physicians with the capability of persistent drug release to deliver proper blood levels.

Various ongoing efforts have been made to improve the therapeutic efficiency, bioavailability, and patient compliance of oral drugs. Several sustained-release oral drug delivery technologies have been developed to meet the growing needs. For instance, in September 2024, Evonik Industries AG launched EUDRACAP colon, an oral capsule system designed for targeted ileo-colonic drug delivery. The system incorporates EUDRAGIT polymers, which are widely used as functional excipients in modified-release and sustained-release oral dosage formulations. Such innovations are supporting the development of advanced pharmaceutical products and the expansion of the application scope of sustained-release excipients.

The increasing number of formulation development partnerships and licensing agreements focused on controlled-release therapies is also contributing to market expansion. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in advanced excipient technologies to improve drug performance, enhance patient compliance, and support differentiated product development across multiple therapeutic areas. Growing demand for long-acting oral formulations in chronic disease management is further encouraging the adoption of sustained-release excipients in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

In addition, the need for patient-friendly dosage forms among pediatric and geriatric populations is supporting the development of sustained-release formulations. The availability of age-appropriate sustained-release products remains comparatively limited in certain therapeutic areas, creating opportunities for formulation innovation. Sustained-release excipients help improve dosing convenience, reduce administration frequency, and support treatment adherence, making them valuable components in the development of pharmaceutical products for diverse patient populations.

Analyst Perspective

The sustained release excipients industry is evolving alongside the pharmaceutical industry's growing focus on formulation efficiency, patient adherence, and differentiated drug-delivery platforms. As pharmaceutical companies seek to extend product lifecycles and improve therapeutic outcomes, demand for advanced excipients capable of delivering precise, predictable drug-release profiles continues to grow. Innovation is increasingly centered on multifunctional polymers, coating technologies, and excipient systems that support complex formulations and targeted delivery requirements. In addition, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the expansion of long-acting therapies are expected to create sustained opportunities for excipient manufacturers across global pharmaceutical markets.

Product Insights

The polymers segment led the market with the largest revenue share of over 41.0% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, maintaining its dominant position in the global market. The increasing adoption of sustained-release formulations has significantly expanded the use of polymers as functional excipients in pharmaceutical products. Polymers are widely used in controlled-release drug delivery systems for their ability to regulate drug release, improve formulation stability, and enhance therapeutic performance. In addition, polymer-based excipients offer superior mechanical strength, formulation flexibility, and extended shelf life compared to several conventional excipient categories. Pharmaceutical polymers have evolved from their traditional use in capsule and coating applications to becoming critical components in advanced sustained-release and targeted drug delivery systems, supporting the development of more effective and patient-friendly pharmaceutical formulations.

The chitosan segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and increasing use in advanced drug delivery systems. Chitosan is widely used in sustained-release formulations for its ability to control drug release, enhance drug stability, and improve mucoadhesion. The material is gaining attention in oral, nasal, transdermal, and targeted drug delivery applications owing to its favorable safety profile and functional versatility. In addition, growing research activities focused on natural and bio-based excipients are supporting segment growth.

Route of Administration Insights

The oral drug delivery segment led the market with the largest revenue share of over 35.0% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the projected period. Oral administration remains the most preferred route of drug delivery owing to its convenience, patient acceptance, ease of administration, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules continue to be widely used in the treatment and management of chronic diseases. Sustained-release excipients play a critical role in these formulations by enabling controlled drug release, improving therapeutic effectiveness, and reducing dosing frequency. In addition, the large absorptive surface area of the gastrointestinal tract and established formulation technologies continue to support the adoption of sustained-release oral drug products.

The transdermal route of delivery segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This route of delivery minimizes the limitations associated with oral and parenteral administration. The sustained release of drugs is easily facilitated with the use of transdermal patches through the skin surface. Since this method avoids difficulties associated with the gastrointestinal tract caused by drug interactions with food and enzymatic degradation, it is often preferred over the oral route of drug delivery.

Technology Insights

The targeted delivery segment led the market with the largest revenue share of around 23.0% in 2025. Targeted delivery system involves delivering the drug to a preferred site of action and preventing it from reaching unintended regions of the body, thereby reducing the risk of drug toxicity. Sustained-release drug delivery systems improve patient compliance, and targeted drug delivery technology localizes the drug, resulting in a uniform effect, reduced fluctuations in circulating drug levels, and a lower risk of adverse effects.

The transdermal route of technology is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.The growth of the transdermal route of administration is primarily driven by its ability to provide controlled, sustained drug release while overcoming limitations associated with oral and parenteral routes. Transdermal systems deliver drugs directly through the skin into systemic circulation, avoiding gastrointestinal degradation and first-pass metabolism. These systems help maintain consistent drug concentrations, improve patient compliance, and reduce dosing frequency, making them particularly suitable for chronic disease management. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in transdermal patches, microneedle technologies, and long-acting drug delivery platforms are expanding therapeutic applications and supporting the adoption of sustained-release excipients in transdermal formulations.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global sustained release excipients market with the largest revenue share of approximately 42.0% in 2025. The region will continue to expand at a steady CAGR, maintaining its leading position throughout the forecast period. The region's growth is attributed to increased R&D activity and the presence of major pharmaceutical companies. In addition, increasing collaboration among healthcare organizations in this region to raise awareness of chronic diseases and available treatment options supports market growth in North America.

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Asia Pacific Sustained Release Excipients Market Trends

The sustained release excipients market in the Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this region can be attributed to the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure, and the growing demand for highly effective therapeutics. China, in particular, is an emerging market in the Asia Pacific region, and most international excipient suppliers are proposing to establish production facilities in the country to capture a high share of revenue. For instance, in April 2025, CARBOGEN AMCIS received a Drug Manufacturing License from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its Shanghai manufacturing facility. The site supports pharmaceutical development and commercial GMP production, reflecting continued investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities across the region.

Key Sustained Release Excipients Companies Insights

The sustained release excipients industry is characterized by ongoing investment in excipient innovation, strategic partnerships, distribution agreements, and geographic expansion. Companies are focusing on developing advanced functional excipients and strengthening their pharmaceutical ingredient portfolios to support the growing demand for controlled- and sustained-release drug formulations.

Key Sustained Release Excipients Companies

The following key companies have been profiled for this study on the global sustained release excipients market:

• BASF SE

• International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

• Ashland Inc.

• Evonik Industries AG

• Croda International Plc

• Gattefossé SAS

• Merck KGaA

Recent Developments

• In April 2026, Ashland announced a global distribution partnership with WACKER for pharmaceutical cyclodextrin excipients, including CAVAMAX, CAVASOL, and Cavitron products. These excipients are used to improve drug solubility, bioavailability, and formulation performance in advanced oral drug delivery systems, including sustained-release formulations.

• In May 2025, Colorcon partnered with ASHA Cellulose to distribute ASHACEL and ASHAKOTE ethyl cellulose polymers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Ethyl cellulose is widely used in sustained-release formulations to enable controlled drug release and improve dosage form performance.

• In May 2024, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF) launched a new Controlled Release Platform featuring its METHOCEL, ETHOCEL, and POLYOX excipient technologies. The platform was developed to support pharmaceutical companies in designing sustained- and controlled-release drug formulations that improve patient compliance and formulation flexibility.

Global Sustained Release Excipients Market Report Segmentation

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 sub-segment from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global sustained release excipients market report based on the product, technology, route of administration, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Gelatin

  • Polymers

  • Minerals

  • Sugars

  • Alcohol

  • Chitosan

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Targeted Delivery

  • Micro Encapsulation

  • Wurster Technique

  • Transdermal

  • Implants

  • Coacervation

  • Others

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Oral

  • Intramuscular

  • Subcutaneous

  • Transdermal

  • Vaginal

  • Ophthalmic

  • Intravenous

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Spain

    • France

    • Italy

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait