The global synthetic small molecule API market was valued at USD 131.63 billion in 2021 and it is predicted to surpass around USD 217.85 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.76% from 2022 to 2030.
Report Highlights
This can be attributed to the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and new small molecule-based drugs globally. Moreover, small molecules API offers versatility between dosage forms and has an easier means of purification, which makes it more acceptable and increases the demand.
There is an increasing dominance of synthetic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, which is expected to propel the requirement of raw materials such as small molecule APIs for production. Moreover, technological advancements related to the enhancement of existing products are expected to provide new opportunities for small molecule therapeutics. For instance, in March 2022, Evonik launched the new EUDRATECSoluFlow technology that enhances the solubility of oral small molecules.
The market is driven by positive government support for the production of APIs in various regions, particularly in Asia, where the majority of API manufacturers are dependent on the supply of API for the production of synthetic small molecule APIs. There has been an increasing focus on outsourcing activities for API production. For instance, in April 2020, for managing COVID-19, Wavelength Pharmaceuticals expanded the supply of key drug ingredients for certain pharmaceutical products needed to manage respiratory critical care patients and launched API CDMO services. Emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia represent significant opportunities for growth.
The investment in new and complex technologies is relatively low for Asian manufacturers as they are more focused on less complex molecules that can be produced in bulk. Thus, the investment in high-yielding, low-cost technologies is an alternative for manufacturers in other developed regions such as Europe and North America to avoid competitive pressure.
Key players operating in the market are focusing on collaboration for the production of potent API products. For instance, in August 2021, Almac Sciences signed an agreement with Pila Pharma for the production of the API XEN-D0501, a highly potent and selective small molecule TRPV1 antagonist. Moreover, CDMOs are constantly evolving by expanding their capacities to meet the heightened demand for synthetic drugs. For instance, in April 2022, AGC Inc. announced the expansion of its Spanish facility by 7500 m2 for synthetic pharmaceutical production, which is expected to enhance the demand for synthetic small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients in the region.
Scope of The Report
Report Coverage | Details |
Market Size in 2021 | USD 131.63 billion |
Revenue Forecast by 2030 | USD 217.85 billion |
Growth rate from 2022 to 2030 | CAGR of 5.76% |
Base Year | 2021 |
Forecast Period | 2022 to 2030 |
Segmentation | Manufacturer, application, region |
Companies Covered |
Merck & Co., Inc.; AbbVie, Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH; Cipla, Inc.; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. |
Manufacturer Insights
The in-house segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 60.08% in 2021. The growth of the segment can be attributed to manufacturers aiming to lower the reliance on CDMOs and suppliers for raw materials and rather focusing on developing their own API. For instance, in April 2021, Lonza launched a new small-molecule manufacturing complexat its Visp, Switzerland, site that would enhance future small-molecule technologies expansion.
The outsourced segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period owing to the increasing shift of manufacturing companies towards contract research and development organizations for the production of API commercially. For instance, in 2021, Curia, a CDMO invested more than USD 35 million in the expansion of its commercial manufacturing capacity at its Rensselaer, New York facility. Moreover, the increasing demand for the requirement of complex manufacturing processes further increases the growth of the segment.
Application Insights
The cardiology segment led the market with a revenue share of over 20.13% in 2021. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of target diseases worldwide owing to changes in food habits and lifestyles. Moreover, the market is driven by increasing implementation of treatment for cardiovascular conditions. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation drug sales account for one of the highest shares in the CVD drugs and API market. According to the WHO in 2021, around 1.28 billion adults are estimated to have hypertension, which accounts for a larger share of drug sales.
The oncology segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The increasing global prevalence of cancer is a key factor driving this market. Moreover, an increase in oncology research and development is resulting in the launch of a number of novel drugs that further boost oncology adoption, which, in turn, fuels the growth of the oncology segment. For instance, in 2021, 9 novel drugs were launched, which were developed from small molecule API for the treatment of various forms of cancer.
Regional Insights
North America accounted for the largest revenue share of over 35.33% in 2021. This can be attributed to the increasing support from the government with favorable initiatives, coupled with the increased interest of players in the development of novel products in the region. For instance, in September 2021, AbbVie announced the U.S. FDA approval of Qulipta (atogepant) for episodic migraine in adults. The medication is the first and only oral antagonist of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. Moreover, the government in this region is becoming increasingly supportive in terms of regulation of API production, which further has reduced the dependence of the region on Asian manufacturers.
Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period due to the dependence of pharmaceutical manufacturers for API production on China and India, increasing focus on the development of less complex molecules that can be produced in bulk, and involvement in supplying API globally at a low cost. Moreover, increasing government support for investments in API businesses is leading to growth.
Key Players
Market Segmentation
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Definition
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Data Sources
2.3. Assumptions & Limitations
Chapter 3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Market Variables and Scope
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Market Classification and Scope
4.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3.1. Raw Material Procurement Analysis
4.3.2. Sales and Distribution Channel Analysis
4.3.3. Downstream Buyer Analysis
Chapter 5. COVID 19 Impact on Synthetic Small Molecule API Market
5.1. COVID-19 Landscape: Synthetic Small Molecule API Industry Impact
5.2. COVID 19 - Impact Assessment for the Industry
5.3. COVID 19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
5.4. Market Trends and Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape
Chapter 6. Market Dynamics Analysis and Trends
6.1. Market Dynamics
6.1.1. Market Drivers
6.1.2. Market Restraints
6.1.3. Market Opportunities
6.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
6.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers
6.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers
6.2.3. Threat of substitute
6.2.4. Threat of new entrants
6.2.5. Degree of competition
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
7.1.1. Company Market Share/Positioning Analysis
7.1.2. Key Strategies Adopted by Players
7.1.3. Vendor Landscape
7.1.3.1. List of Suppliers
7.1.3.2. List of Buyers
Chapter 8. Global Synthetic Small Molecule API Market, By Manufacturer
8.1. Synthetic Small Molecule API Market, by Manufacturer, 2022-2030
8.1.1. In-house
8.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
8.1.2. Outsourced
8.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
Chapter 9. Global Synthetic Small Molecule API Market, By Application
9.1. Synthetic Small Molecule API Market, by Application, 2022-2030
9.1.1. Cardiology
9.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.2. Oncology
9.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.3. CNS and Neurology
9.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.4. Orthopedic
9.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.5. Endocrinology
9.1.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.6. Pulmonology
9.1.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.7. Gastroenterology
9.1.7.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.8. Nephrology
9.1.8.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.9. Ophthalmology
9.1.9.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
9.1.10. Others
9.1.10.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2017-2030)
Chapter 10. Global Synthetic Small Molecule API Market, Regional Estimates and Trend Forecast
10.1. North America
10.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.1.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.1.3. U.S.
10.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.1.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.1.4. Rest of North America
10.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.1.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.2. Europe
10.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.2.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.2.3. UK
10.2.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.2.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.2.4. Germany
10.2.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.2.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.2.5. France
10.2.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.2.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.2.6. Rest of Europe
10.2.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.2.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.3. APAC
10.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.3.3. India
10.3.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.3.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.3.4. China
10.3.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.3.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.3.5. Japan
10.3.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.3.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.3.6. Rest of APAC
10.3.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.3.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.4. MEA
10.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.4.3. GCC
10.4.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.4.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.4.4. North Africa
10.4.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.4.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.4.5. South Africa
10.4.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.4.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.4.6. Rest of MEA
10.4.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.4.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.5. Latin America
10.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.5.3. Brazil
10.5.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.5.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
10.5.4. Rest of LATAM
10.5.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Manufacturer (2017-2030)
10.5.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Application (2017-2030)
Chapter 11. Company Profiles
11.1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
11.1.1. Company Overview
11.1.2. Product Offerings
11.1.3. Financial Performance
11.1.4. Recent Initiatives
11.2. Cipla, Inc.
11.2.1. Company Overview
11.2.2. Product Offerings
11.2.3. Financial Performance
11.2.4. Recent Initiatives
11.3. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
11.3.1. Company Overview
11.3.2. Product Offerings
11.3.3. Financial Performance
11.3.4. Recent Initiatives
11.4. Merck & Co., Inc.
11.4.1. Company Overview
11.4.2. Product Offerings
11.4.3. Financial Performance
11.4.4. LTE Scientific
11.5. AbbVie, Inc.
11.5.1. Company Overview
11.5.2. Product Offerings
11.5.3. Financial Performance
11.5.4. Recent Initiatives
11.6. Aurobindo Pharma
11.6.1. Company Overview
11.6.2. Product Offerings
11.6.3. Financial Performance
11.6.4. Recent Initiatives
11.7. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
11.7.1. Company Overview
11.7.2. Product Offerings
11.7.3. Financial Performance
11.7.4. Recent Initiatives
11.8. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
11.8.1. Company Overview
11.8.2. Product Offerings
11.8.3. Financial Performance
11.8.4. Recent Initiatives
11.9. Albemarle Corporation
11.9.1. Company Overview
11.9.2. Product Offerings
11.9.3. Financial Performance
11.9.4. Recent Initiatives
11.10. Viatris Inc.
11.10.1. Company Overview
11.10.2. Product Offerings
11.10.3. Financial Performance
11.10.4. Recent Initiatives
Chapter 12. Research Methodology
12.1. Primary Research
12.2. Secondary Research
12.3. Assumptions
Chapter 13. Appendix
13.1. About Us
13.2. Glossary of Terms