Market Overview:
The APAC, MEA and SA microneedle patches market is US$ XX million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2024-2031) to reach a value of US$ XX million in 2031.
Microneedle patches are a type of transdermal patch that has been embedded with an array of tiny needles to deliver the drug solution. Every microneedle patch has an adhesive layer that sticks to the skin and needles that puncture the skin to facilitate drug delivery. Some microneedle patches contain the drug solution meant to enter the body, but others are used in tandem with transdermal patches for solution application
Owing to the factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, the rising aging population, increasing advancements in microneedle patches and increasing adoption of microneedle patches for various applications are expected to drive the market over the forecast period. There are many potential use cases for microneedle patches, including drug or vaccine delivery, disease diagnostics, cosmetics and patient health monitoring. Microneedle patches are a safe and easy alternative to certain shots or oral medications, which is ideal for patients at a greater risk of infections or having trouble ingesting oral medicine. Microneedle patches rely on prolonged skin contact and pressure to deliver their drug solution effectively. An adhesive backing holds a strip of microneedles loaded with the drug solution against the skin. The patch can be applied directly onto the body, where microneedles painlessly puncture a patient’s topmost layer of skin. The drug solution then travels through the tiny tunnels created by the needles through the layers of skin until it reaches the dermis, where it enters a patient’s bloodstream through their capillaries. In addition, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for the largest market share in the APAC, MEA and SA microneedle patches market over the forecast period.
Market Dynamics
Rising Aging Population
The rising aging population in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America is expected to drive the microneedle patches market over the forecast period. With aging comes an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Microneedle patches offer a convenient and minimally invasive way to deliver medications for managing these conditions by improving patient compliance and quality of life. For instance, according to the Asian Development Organization, by 2050, one in four people in Asia and the Pacific will be over 60 years old. The population of older persons (aged over 60) in the region will triple between 2010 and 2050, reaching close to 1.3 billion people. In addition, the ECLAC confirms that population aging is one of the main demographic phenomena affecting Latin America and the Caribbean and specifies that 88.6 million people aged 60 years and over are living in the region as of 2022, representing 13.4% of the total population, a proportion that will reach 16.5% by 2030. Aging populations often face specific health issues such as reduced skin elasticity, decreased muscle mass and impaired vision or dexterity, which can make traditional drug delivery methods like injections challenging. Microneedle patches, with their painless and user-friendly application and are well-suited to address these challenges.
Increasing Adoption of Minimally Invasive Procedures
The increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures is also expected to drive the microneedle patches market in APAC, MEA and SA. Patients across APAC, MEA and SA regions are increasingly seeking minimally invasive alternatives to traditional medical procedures. Minimally invasive methods are associated with reduced pain, shorter recovery times and fewer complications compared to invasive procedures, leading to greater patient acceptance and demand. For instance, on June 15, 2023, researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) designed a new microneedle patch for the treatment of skin infections. It enables the transdermal delivery of antibacterial nanoparticles for treating the infection caused by propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria at a minimally invasive approach. Microneedle patches offer a minimally invasive approach to drug delivery, vaccination and diagnostics. With their tiny needles that painlessly penetrate the skin's outer layers, microneedle patches provide a less intimidating and more comfortable alternative to injections and other invasive methods, driving their adoption. As the technology evolves and more applications are developed, the demand for microneedle patches as a minimally invasive solution is expected to increase across various healthcare sectors.
Restraints
The safety and efficacy concerns associated with the microneedle patches are expected to hamper the market over the forecast period. One of the primary concerns with microneedle patches is the potential for skin irritation and adverse reactions at the application site. While microneedles are designed to penetrate the skin gently, some individuals may experience discomfort, redness or allergic reactions, leading to concerns about safety and tolerability. Improper handling or reuse of microneedle patches could increase the risk of infection, particularly if the patches come into contact with contaminated surfaces or are not disposed of properly after use. This raises concerns about the safety of microneedle patches, especially in settings where infection control measures may be inadequate. The materials used in microneedle patch fabrication must be biocompatible and non-toxic to minimize the risk of adverse reactions or tissue damage. Concerns about the safety of materials, particularly in long-term or repeated use, could affect consumer confidence.
Covid-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the APAC, MEA and SA microneedle patches market. Vaccines are an essential component of pandemic preparedness but can be limited due to challenges in production and logistical implementation. While vaccine candidates were rapidly developed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), immunization campaigns remain an obstacle to achieving herd immunity. For instance, on September 22, 2021, ACS organization researchers reporting in ACS Nano developed a microneedle patch that delivers a COVID-19 DNA vaccine into the skin, causing strong immune responses in cells and mice. Importantly, the patch can be stored for over 30 days at room temperature. Dissolvable microneedle patches are advantageous for many possible reasons like improved immunogenicity, dose-sparing effects, expected low manufacturing cost, elimination of sharps, reduction of vaccine wastage, no need for reconstitution, simplified supply chain, with reduction of cold chain supply through increased thermostability, ease of use, reducing the need for healthcare providers and greater acceptability compared to traditional hypodermic injections. When applied to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and future pandemic outbreaks, microneedle patches have great potential to improve vaccination globally including APAC, MEA and SA and save many lives. As a possible solution for pandemic countermeasures, dissolvable microneedle patches should be considered as a vaccine delivery method. For instance, according to the National Institute of Health, the US government through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funded a total of $1.9 million to three groups developing microneedle skin patches [85]. The patches will contain the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—the basis of nearly all COVID-19 vaccines
Segmentation Analysis
The market value for dissolvable microneedle patches is likely to reach USD XX million in 2031, from its recorded value of USD XX million in 2023, growing with a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031. Microneedle patches are one of the emerging approaches for drug delivery involving minimal invasion and improved skin penetration of macro- and micro-entities. Herein, dissolvable microneedle patches as a novel tool for better systemic delivery of Simvastatin in the management of hypocholesteremia. Thiolated chitosan (TC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were employed in the development of dissolvable microneedle patches. Dissolvable microneedle patches offer a painless and minimally invasive method of drug delivery compared to traditional injections or oral medications. This attribute is particularly appealing to patients, especially those with needle phobia or aversion to injections
Dissolvable microneedle patches can be used for various applications such as drug delivery, vaccination, cosmetic treatments and diagnostic testing. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of therapeutic and preventive interventions. For instance, on September 22, 2022, Evidence Skincare (ESK) launched Ageless - dissolving microneedle eye patches designed to target the signs of aging skin, including skin brightness, fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet and pigmentation. ESK's Ageless dissolving microneedles are made of hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the skin. In addition to moisture and skin firmness, hyaluronic acid is involved in several important functions, including tissue repair. When used in micro-needles, hyaluronic acid is hard enough to painlessly create microchannels and then dissolve into the skin. Microneedle patches enable precise and targeted delivery of drugs or vaccines directly into the skin's epidermal or dermal layers. This targeted delivery can enhance the efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines while reducing systemic side effects. Dissolvable microneedle patches can encapsulate sensitive biological drugs, peptides or vaccines by providing stability and protection from degradation. This preservation of bioactivity is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of biological therapeutics during storage and administration. Unlike conventional needles, dissolvable microneedle patches eliminate the risk of needle-stick injuries and cross-contamination, thereby enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare providers. These patches are typically compact and easy to store, making them convenient for distribution and transportation. Additionally, their dissolvable nature eliminates the need for sharps disposal by simplifying waste management.
Region Analysis
The market value for the Asia-Pacific region is likely to reach USD XX million in 2031, from its recorded value of USD XX million in 2023, growing with a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031. Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan, India and South Korea, are experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing healthcare spending. This trend fuels the demand for advanced medical technologies including microneedle patches. The APAC region is home to a significant portion of the world's population, including a rapidly aging population in countries like Japan and China. This demographic trend drives the demand for innovative healthcare solutions to address age-related conditions and chronic diseases, which increases the demand for these patches. For instance, the Asia and the Pacific region is home to 60 percent of the world's population, 4.3 billion people and includes the world’s most populous countries, China and India.
APAC countries are known for their strong presence of major players for microneedle patches and technological capabilities and investment in research and development. This fosters innovation in microneedle patch technology, leading to the development of more advanced and efficient products. For instance, on September 22, 2022 Evidence Skincare (ESK), the Australian line of evidence-based cosmeceutical skincare products created by Australian celebrity doctor Ginni Mansberg, launched Ageless - dissolving microneedle eye patches designed to target the signs of aging skin, including skin brightness, fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet and pigmentation. As awareness about minimally invasive drug delivery methods like microneedle patches grows, healthcare professionals and patients in the APAC region are increasingly adopting these technologies. This trend further propels market expansion.
Company Share Analysis
The APAC, MEA and SA microneedle patches market is expected to be moderately competitive, owing to the presence of big brands. Also, the market is expanding due to the presence of several large and regional players entering the market. The key players that are contributing to the growth of the market include Nissha. Co., Ltd., Taiki Group, Harro HöfligerVerpackungsmaschinen GmbH, DermaJect, Azah Personal Care Pvt Ltd, WRINKLES SCHMINKLES PTY LTD, ESK CARE P/L, Remescar, DEPOLOGY and Beautical among others. The key players are adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and regional expansion to stand out as strong competitors in the market. Novel services and enhanced focus on research and development are other ways the leading players can improve their market presence.
