Unit Dose Manufacturing Market Size, Share Trends Analysis Report By Sourcing (In-house, Outsourcing), By Product (Liquid, Solid), By End Use (Independent Pharmacies, Long Term Care), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Unit Dose Manufacturing Market Trends

The global unit dose manufacturing market size was valued at USD 26.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.0% from 2024 to 2030. The market has grown largely in the post-pandemic times due to the increased adoption of unit doses as they help reduce medication errors. Simultaneously, the market is witnessing technological disruptions with automated packaging systems, serialization, and track-and-trace solutions revolutionizing the unit dose manufacturing landscape, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Unit dose packaging marketing refers to the production and development of packaging solutions to accurately deliver single doses of pharmaceuticals, and healthcare items. The regulatory bodies follow stringent guidelines emphasizing transparency. Unit dose packaging has emerged as a game-changer, minimizing medication errors and delivering accurate dosing. This trend is further propelled by the unprecedented surge in chronic diseases and the rapidly aging global population. Simultaneously, the market has witnessed technological disruptions with automated packaging systems, serialization, and track-and-trace solutions revolutionizing the unit dose manufacturing landscape, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The current developments in unit dose marketing indicate the significance of automated and personalized packaging for specific doses in the healthcare sector. As recycling and eco-friendly alternatives dominate the industry, the advancements in smart packaging technologies aim to encourage sustainability. Furthermore, the industry exhibits a growing dependence on digitalization to improve traceability and dosage control, enhancing their effectiveness. In addition, advanced security features result in tamper control and enhance traceability.

Sourcing Insights

The outsourcing segment accounted for the largest market share of 59.9% in 2023. Outsourcing has significantly dominated the unit dose manufacturing market, bringing cost-effectiveness, expertise, flexibility, risk reduction, and access to global markets. Outsourcing unit dose manufacturing through specialized contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) allows companies to reduce costs, use advanced technologies, and reduce labor costs without significant capital investment.

Outsourcing offers scalability and flexibility to adjust production capacity to market demand, which reduces the risks associated with in-house manufacturing. In addition, outsourcing enables companies to expand globally through marketing organization networks and partnerships.

The in-house segment is expected to grow at a steady CAGR over the forecast period. The segment growth is prominently attributed to combating the price inflation of drugs. As a countermeasure, many hospital pharmacists often purchase large quantities of medication to meet backorder and drug shortages. The in-house pharmacy team then repackages the medication in-house. Therefore, the significance of the in-house segment is expected to grow more in the forthcoming years.

Product insights

In 2023, the solid unit segment accounted for the largest market share of 49.4% in 2023. Solid unit dosage forms such as tablets and capsules dominate the unit dose marketing due to their convenience. The solid unit dose is expected to witness rapid expansion in the coming years. This is due to fixed-dose combinations, controlled-release dosage forms, and reformulations of existing drugs, which drive the contract manufacturing of solid dosage formulations.

The liquid unit dose segment is expected to witness a steady CAGR over the forecast period. It ensures accurate dosing and improves patient safety. Individual packaging allows convenience and clear identification, facilitates medication administration, and reduces errors. A fixed unit dose also reduces waste and contamination and maintains the integrity of the drug. Although, the market trends are influenced by several factors such as technology and regulations, the advantages of liquid unit dosage forms make them attractive for efficient and safe drug delivery.

End Use Insights

The independent pharmacies segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 35.9% in 2023 and is also anticipated to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to patient preference, product portfolio, and high patient footfall.

The hospital and healthcare facility segment is a major consumer of single-use drugs, driven by the need to improve patient safety and reduce medication errors. In hospitals and long-term care institutions, small improvements make it safe and more efficient for patients and health personnel. Unit dose packaging was created to develop safety while minimizing the time and effort required to produce a pharmaceutical medication. Furthermore, a single-dose container has its barcode. This makes it quick and easy for medical personnel to track any medication prescribed to the patient.

Regional Insights

The North America unit dose manufacturing market held the largest revenue share of 47.9% in 2023. Most drug manufacturers such as big pharma companies, generics, and nutraceutical segments adopt a patient-centric drug development approach. To cater to the patient needs, they introduce products with innovative packaging technologies and delivery solutions.

North America is anticipated to retain significant market share in the coming years due to the presence of well-established pharmaceutical companies and stringent regulations related to medication packaging and labeling.

Asia Pacific Unit Dose Manufacturing Market Trends

Asia Pacific unit dose manufacturing market is projected to witness substantial growth with a CAGR of 21.5% over the forecast period owing to the increasing healthcare expenditure, expanding pharmaceutical industry, and rising awareness about medication safety in countries like China and India. R&D subsidiaries of large multinational healthcare companies in these regions are also likely to fuel the industry.

Key Unit Dose Manufacturing Company Insights

Some key players in the market are Catalent, Inc, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Mikart, and others. Major players are implementing strategies such as new product launches and innovations, collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their presence in the market. The unit dose manufacturing market offers many opportunities for growth and advancement.

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is a global provider of scientific instruments, reagents, and software solutions for several industries, including healthcare, life sciences, and industrial markets. The company’s product offerings include analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, clinical diagnostics, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

• Catalent, Inc. is a global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer health industries. Catalent's capabilities span multiple delivery platforms, including oral, injectable, and respiratory formulations, and specialized unit dose packaging solutions.

Recent Developments

• In August 2022, LTS LOHMANN acquired Tapemark. The acquisition strengthened LTS's R&D capabilities in North America, enabling LTS to bring even more innovation and development support to customers developing innovative therapies.

• In June 2022, Catalent introduced a new line of single-use packaging for powder and granular products that offer precise dosing and easy administration. Also expanded its range of single-dose blister solutions for clinical trials and special therapeutic areas.

Unit Dose Manufacturing Market Report Scope

Global Unit Dose Manufacturing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides the analysis of latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2023 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global unit dose marketing market report based on sourcing, product, end use, and region.

• Sourcing Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • In-house

  • Outsourcing

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Liquid Unit Dose

  • Solid Unit Dose

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Independent Pharmacies

  • Long-Term Care Facility

  • Hospitals

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • India

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Mexico

  • Middle-East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait