Oral Thin Films Market is Segmented By Product (Sublingual Film, Fast Dissolving Dental/Buccal Film), By Disease Indication(Migraine, Schizophrenia, Opioid Dependence, Nausea and Vomiting, Other Disease Indications), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Other Distribution Channels), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031
Oral Thin Films Market Report Overview
The oral thin films market report analyses the size, shares, recent trends, competitive intelligence, and future market outlook. The demand for oral thin films in the pharmaceutical industry is increasing due to their ease of administration and improved patient compliance. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a surge in demand for oral thin films. The competitive rivalry is intensifying with major players such as ZIM Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. actively operating in the market.
Oral thin films (OTF) are thin, flexible films targeted for drug delivery. The thin films are taken orally and dissolve immediately in the mouth or are applied to the mucosa. For transmucosal films, the active substance enters the bloodstream directly via the oral mucosa without first passing through the gastrointestinal tract.
Oral Thin Films Market Scope and Summary
Metrics |
Details |
Market CAGR |
9.1% |
Segments Covered |
By Product, By Disease Indication, By Distribution Channel, and By Region |
Report Insights Covered |
Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
Fastest Growing Region |
Asia Pacific |
Largest Market Share |
North America |
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Oral Thin Films Market Dynamics and Trends
Oral thin films market growth is driven by the rise in demand for thin film drug delivery systems, considerable research & development, and strategic alliances between novel technology owners and large pharmaceutical companies.
Rising demand for thin film drug delivery systems is expected to drive growth in the forecast period
The demand for thin-film drug delivery systems is rising due to benefits such as larger surface area, precision medication, and pleasant color & flavor over traditional drug delivery systems. Thin-film drugs are reported to be the preferred choice of patients and medical practitioners, as they are more patient-friendly and offer good-quality results. Oral thin film drugs offer high compliance to patients and ease of storage and transportation. Moreover, these offer precise and accurate dosing with the desired effective outcome. Hence, the thin film drug delivery system market has recorded substantial attractiveness. High acceptance levels and impressive advantages have further propelled the global oral thin film market.
Technical limitations of oral thin films are likely to hinder the market growth
Few technical limitations to these oral thin films that restrain the market growth. The incorporation of water-insoluble drugs into oral thin films is still in starting stages. Tablets and capsules can carry excipients that help the drug dissolve. On the other hand, oral thin films are a more streamlined drug delivery system primarily dependent on polymers to increase the solubility of the drug. This may reduce the drug's solubility compared to other forms.
COVID-19 Impact on Oral Thin Films Market Growth
Governments and healthcare institutions have been striving to render efficient medical treatment to COVID patients. Advanced drug delivery systems like oral thin films are being considered a boon for the repurposing of drugs. However, the disruption of supply chains and research programs due to a lack of labor and lockdowns is restraining market growth.
Oral Thin Films Market Segment and Shares
The sublingual film segment is expected to hold the largest share in this market segment
Pharmaceutical scientists worldwide are trying to explore thin films as novel drug delivery tools. Thin films have been identified as an alternative approach to conventional dosage forms. The sublingual route is targeted for the delivery of drugs exhibiting high permeability across the mucosa and is utilized to treat acute disorders. The diffusion of the active ingredients achieves systemic drug delivery through the ventral surface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
Tailorable Sublingual films are also available in the market, having characteristics including dissolution rates, adhesion, film thickness, material composition, taste-masking, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient absorption rates. Dissolution may be triggered for a specific biological fluid, pH, or other condition. Multi-layered product constructions were available for optimum bio-availability and stability.
Additionally, the market segment growth is also propelled by the launch of products by different market players in different regions. For instance, in December 2020, Breckenridge Pharmaceutical received final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Asenapine Sublingual Tablets, in 2.5 mg and 10 mg strengths from the United States Food and Drug Administration. It is generic for Saphris, indicated for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. It is developed in collaboration with MSN group and Breckenridge Pharmaceutical. Such co-development of products and launches is fueling the market's growth.
Oral Thin Films Market Geographical Analysis
North American region holds the largest market share of the global oral thin films market
In the North American region, the United States accounted for the largest market share, as a major section of the population is approaching schizophrenia medication therapies, primarily due to hectic lifestyles. Moreover, the country offers advanced medical care for early treatment capabilities and the government's involvement in increasing healthcare expenditure. This is driving the growth of the market studied.
Moreover, new product launches and the presence of key market players are anticipated to fuel market growth over the forecast period. In November 2019, Aquestive Therapeutic's Exservan Oral Film received early-action approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an orphan disease.
Oral Thin Films Companies and Competitive Landscape
The global oral thin films market is moderately competitive with the presence of a few local as well as global companies. Some of the key players which are contributing to the growth of the market include ZIM Laboratories Limited, Aquestive Therapeutics Inc, IntelGenx Corp, C.L. Pharm, Cure Pharmaceutical, LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, Viatris Inc, NAL Pharma, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc, DK Livkon Pvt. LTD. The major players are adopting several growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, which are contributing to the growth of the market globally. For instance, In April 2021, Revive Therapeutics filed United States provisional patent application for an oral thin-film psilocybin product.
Oral Thin Films Market – Key Companies to Watch
Cure Pharmaceutical
Company Overview: CURE Pharmaceutical is an innovative drug delivery and development company committed to improving drug efficacy, safety, and patient experience through its proprietary drug dosage forms and delivery systems. It was founded in 2011 and it has positioned itself to advance numerous therapeutic categories, including the pharmaceutical cannabis sector with partnerships in the U.S., Canada, Israel, and Germany, among other markets.
Product Portfolio: It includes products like CUREfilm is an oral thin film platform for optimizing the absorption and metabolism of therapeutic actives.
Key Developments: In October 2020, CURE Pharmaceutical’s wholly-owned subsidiary SeraLabs introduces Nutri-Strips, a revolutionary oral thin-film strip technology.