The European Market for Injectable Drug Delivery

The growth rate of the European market for advanced injectable products was around 10-15% in 2001 and is expected to grow substantially, according to a new study by Frost & Sullivan (London, UK), an international marketing consulting firm. The global market for injectable drug delivery, estimated at around US$3.8 billion, is expected to exceed $7 billion in 2006.

The growing incidence of cancer and other chronic disorders has shifted attention to the compassionate use of medication and improvement in quality of life, say Frost & Sullivan analysts. Unfortunately, many cancer and biotechnology drugs can only be given by needle injection. This method remains one of the most effective and reliable ways of delivering large molecule and poorly soluble small molecule drugs. To make these more patient-friendly, some companies are using advanced delivery techniques. At least 400 genetically engineered drugs are now in development, and many of the developers will embark on collaborative projects with drug delivery companies.

Research in the development of novel technologies in the injectable drug delivery domain has resulted in a new generation of systems, especially in the liposomal/lipid based and sustained release sector. Some injectable products incorporating advanced delivery systems are not realizing their full sales potential because of rising healthcare costs and limited clinical data. Also, many doctors till favor conventional therapies.

There are around 14 drug delivery companies operating in this market. The majority are involved in sustained release injectable delivery. However, a new wave of drug delivery companies are focused on sustained injectable delivery of proteins and poorly soluble drugs. Sustained release injectable technologies are the most established form of injectable drug delivery.


"Physicians are familiar with using injectables and are likely to be skeptical of the efficacy of certain drugs if given orally or by inhalation. Oral and inhaleable delivery of proteins, such as insulin, have encountered a number of setbacks, including concerns over safety,” cautions the study.




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