The global sustained release coatings market is anticipated to reach USD 1,257.1 million by 2033 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for advanced drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce dosing frequency, thereby improving patient compliance. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions is fueling the need for long-acting medications. In addition, continuous advancements in polymer science and coating technologies are enabling the development of more effective and targeted sustained release formulations.
The tablets segment held the largest revenue share of 45.0% in 2024 as it remains a more cost-effective, scalable, and patient-friendly dosage form compared to capsules and pills. Tablets offer superior flexibility in incorporating complex sustained release technologies, making them better suited for both high-volume generic production and advanced branded formulations. Their greater stability, ease of storage, and simplified packaging further strengthen their commercial viability over other substrates, positioning them as the most preferred format among pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The ethyl and methyl cellulose segment held the largest revenue share of 34.2% in 2024 due to their superior film-forming properties, pH-independent release behavior, and broad compatibility with a wide range of APIs. These polymers are widely preferred for their proven stability, regulatory acceptance, and cost-effectiveness, making them highly suitable for both branded and generic sustained release formulations.
The in vitro segment held the largest revenue share of 63.5% in 2024 due to its critical role in early-stage formulation development, quality control, and regulatory compliance. In vitro testing offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and reproducible method for evaluating drug release profiles and coating performance under simulated biological conditions, compared to in vivo methods.
North America held the largest revenue share of 35.8% in 2024, driven by its advanced pharmaceutical infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and strong focus on innovation. The region benefits from early adoption of cutting-edge drug delivery technologies, robust regulatory support from the FDA, and the high prevalence of chronic diseases requiring long-acting therapies.
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Asia Pacific held the third-largest revenue share of 26.9% in 2024 due to the rapid growth of its pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, rising healthcare expenditure, and increasing demand for affordable generic drugs.
China held the largest revenue share of 37.9% in the Asia Pacific market in 2024 due to its robust pharmaceutical production capacity, growing investments in drug delivery innovation, and rising demand for chronic disease therapies.
Key industry participants include BASF SE, Evonik, Colorcon, Coating Place, Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer, Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Novartis AG, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline plc, AbbVie Inc.
The US held the largest revenue share of 69.9% in 2024 due to its highly developed pharmaceutical industry, strong R&D ecosystem, and early adoption of advanced sustained release technologies. High healthcare spending and a significant prevalence of chronic diseases further supported demand for long-acting drug formulations.
Grand View Research has segmented the global sustained release coatings market based onsubstrate, application, polymer material, and region:
Sustained Release Coatings Substrate Outlook (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)
Tablets
Capsules
Pills
Sustained Release Coatings Application Outlook (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)
In Vitro
In Vivo
Sustained Release Coatings Polymer Material Outlook (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)
Ethyl & Methyl Cellulose
Polyvinyl & Cellulose Acetate
Methacrylic Acid
PEG
Others
Sustained Release Coatings Regional Outlook (Volume Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)
North America
U.S.
Canda
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
List of Key Players in the Sustained Release Coatings Market
BASF SE
Evonik
Colorcon
Coating Place, Inc.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Pfizer, Inc.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Novartis AG
AstraZeneca
GlaxoSmithKline plc
AbbVie Inc.
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