Oral thin films are thin, sheet-like strips that rapidly dissolve on the tongue or buccal cavity without the need for water, and are a convenient and discreet dosage form for medications that allow for precise dosing. Oral thin films provide advantages over conventional tablets and capsules in terms of ease of administration, rapid onset of action, and enhanced patient compliance especially among pediatric and geriatric populations.

The global Oral Thin Films Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3335.68 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market key Trends:

Growing acceptance of over-the-counter medications is a major factor driving the growth of oral thin films market. Oral thin films have a low risk of choking and are ideal for pediatric and geriatric patient populations, providing convenience in medication intake without water. They mask unpleasant tastes and dissolve rapidly in the mouth, improving patient compliance. Oral thin films have been conventionally developed for treating conditions like nausea, headache and cough and cold. However, oral thin films are now being explored for diverse therapeutic applications including antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-acne, anti-allergy treatments owing to their quick absorption and relief mechanism. Their rising popularity can be attributed to patient needs for convenient dosage forms and growing demand for OTC medications.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Oral thin films provide fast onset of action of drugs due to rapid disintegration when placed on the tongue. This property makes them more convenient for patients compared to conventional tablets.

Weakness: Manufacturing of oral thin films involves complex technologies requiring high capital investment. The delicate nature of films makes them susceptible to damage or breakage during manufacturing, packaging, distribution and storage.

Opportunity: Rising adoption of oral thin films among pediatric and geriatric populations who have difficulty in swallowing tablets or capsules. Also, growing preference for convenient dosage forms with ease of administration.

Threats: Competition from alternative drug delivery forms such as orally disintegrating tablets and liquids that offer similar benefits of rapid disintegration. Stringent regulations pertaining to manufacturing and quality control of oral thin films.

Key Takeaways

The global Oral Thin Films Market Share  is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period owing to advantages such as fast onset of action, convenience and ease of administration for various patient demographics. The market was valued at US$ 3335.68 Mn in 2024 and is anticipated to reach over US$ 5500 Mn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5%.

Regional analysis:

North America currently dominates the global market due to growing adoption of innovative drug delivery technologies and presence of major players in the region. The North America oral thin films market is projected to cross US$ 2000 Mn by 2031. Asia Pacific exhibits high potential for growth and is estimated to witness a CAGR of around 6.5% during the forecast period. Increasing healthcare expenditures and rising patient awareness in countries such as China, India are factors that will support market expansion in Asia Pacific.

Key players:

Some of the prominent players operating in the oral thin films market are Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Mallinckrodt, Pfizer Inc., Assertio Holdings, Inc., Par Pharmaceutical, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Trevena, Inc., Lupin, and Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Key players are focussed on new product launches, obtaining regulatory approvals and expanding geographic presence through collaborations and mergers & acquisitions to strengthen their market share.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it