Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2023 – 2030

Industry Insights

[229+ Pages Report] According to Facts and Factors, the global pharmaceutical gelatin market size was valued at USD 880.78 million in 2022 and is predicted to surpass USD 1980.21 million by the end of 2023. The pharmaceutical gelatin industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 10.66%.

Market Overview

Pharmaceutical gelatin is a kind of gelatin that aligns with the requirements and standards for usage in the pharmaceutical industry. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen extracted from the connective tissues, bones, and skins of animals like pigs or cattle. The pharmaceutical gelatin is widely used in the formulation of various healthcare and pharmaceutical products. These are primarily used in the production of capsules and other drug delivery systems in both solid and liquid forms.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global pharmaceutical gelatin market size is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 10.66% over the forecast period (2023-2030).
• In terms of revenue, the global pharmaceutical gelatin market size was valued at around USD 880.78 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1980.21 million by 2030.
• The growing pharmaceutical industry to drive the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market.
• Based on the type, the type B segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the global market.
• Based on the function, the stabilizing agent segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• Based on the source, the porcine segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on the application, the hard capsule segment is expected to dominate the global market.           
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Growth Drivers

• Rising pharmaceutical sector is driving the growth of the global market.

The high growth rate of the pharmaceutical sector is driving the demand for pharmaceutical gelatin. Also, the increasing global healthcare requirements and the need for new drugs further support the growth trajectory. Gelatin capsules are widely used in pharmaceutical companies because of their quick dissolution, ease of use, and biocompatibility. The increasing preference for capsules as a drug delivery method is likely to contribute to the demand for pharmaceutical-grade gelatin.

Also, the surge in the popularity of nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical supplements is likely to propel the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market further. For instance, Gelita started a biotech hub for making proteins from biotechnological applications for use in medical products, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and cosmetics in July 2022.

Restraints

• Emergence of alternative capsule materials is likely to hamper the growth of the global market.

The pharmaceutical sector is expected to see a huge development of alternative materials for capsule protection, like hydroxypropyl, methyl capsules, and vegetarian capsules. The growing availability of non-animal alternatives is also likely to negatively impact the growth trajectory of the pharmaceutical gelatin industry.

Also, gelatin is derived from animal sources like cattle and pigs, which is a huge drawback in the industry. Certain cultures, preferences, and dietary restrictions limit the use of these animal-derived gelatin, thereby slowing down the growth of the pharmaceutical gelatin industry.

Opportunities

• Innovation in drug delivery is likely to foster growth opportunities in the global market.

The ongoing advancements in drug delivery technologies, like the development of control release formulations, are likely to boost the requirement for specialized gelatin products. Gelatin is tailored to align with certain specific requirements for drug profiles, and therefore, it is expected to widen the scope of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market in the coming years.

Additionally, the surge in awareness among people regarding their health and wellness is further leading to an increased demand for pharmaceutical and neurological products, which is expected to impact the market's growth positively.

For instance, Lonza extended its product offering of Capsugel with a titanium dioxide-free in May 2022 to align with the surging requirement of the food sector in Europe.

Challenges

• Surging trend of vegan products is a big challenge in the global market.

People are slowly transitioning towards veganism or vegetarianism, which has led to an increased demand for plant-based products. This trend is expected to emerge as a big challenge in the pharmaceutical gelatin industry, which in turn will limit the adoption of animal-based capsules during the forecast period.

Segmentation Analysis

The global pharmaceutical gelatin market can be segmented into type, function, source, application, and region.

By type, the market can be segmented into type B and type A. The type B segment accounts for the largest share of the pharmaceutical gelatin industry. Type B capsules are derived from bovine sources and are ideal for a wide range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Its compatibility with different formulations contributes heavily to the larger market share.

By function, the market can be segmented into gelling agents, stabilizing agents, and other functions. Stabilizing agent segment is likely to swipe the largest share of the pharmaceutical gelatin industry during the forecast period. Stabilizing agents are important in improving the stability of pharmaceutical formulations. It is vital for the development of drug formulations while maintaining the stability of the active ingredients.

Moreover, gelatin is the commonly used ingredient in pharmaceutical encapsulation. The stabilizing agent further helps in extending the shelf life of gelatin-based products. However, it also enhances the efficacy and safety of their products throughout their shelf life. Moreover, stabilizing agents help maintain the structural integrity of gelatin in different environmental conditions. Therefore, such a landscape is expected to propel the growth of the segment.

By source, the market can be segmented for marine, bovine bone, bovine skin, porcine, and others. The porcine segment is expected to dominate the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. Porcine is derived from the collagen present in the skin and bones of pigs.

Therefore, the reliable and abundant supply of porcine-derived raw materials is further contributing to the dominance of the segment. Moreover, porcine gelatin is known for its properties that make it ideal for pharmaceutical applications like capsule formulations. Also, the short manufacturing cycle in economic production with porcine is expected to further accentuate the demand in the market.

By application, the market can be segmented into absorbable hemostat tablets, soft gel capsules, hard capsules, and others. The hard capsule segment is expected to witness significant developments in the coming years. Hard capsules are ideal for oral drug delivery because of the patient’s acceptance, ease of solving, and convenience.

Moreover, hard capsules of a variety of drug formation. It can accommodate different types of formulations like pellets, granules, and powders, which makes it ideal for a wide range of pharmaceutical products, thereby contributing to its dominance in the pharmaceutical gelatin industry.

Also, hard capsules provide protection to active pharmaceutical ingredients from external factors that can affect their stability. This protective quality is also vital for maintaining the efficacy of the pharmaceutical products.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

• North America to dominate the global market.

North America accounts for the largest share of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. The regional market’s growth is driven by various factors like increasing demand for gelatin in different drug formulations, technological advancements, and the large pharmaceutical industry. The strong presence of gelatin manufacturers and suppliers in the region is leading to market growth.

Moreover, the region is home to a substantial pharmaceutical sector. It has many pharmaceutical companies engaged in the production of drugs and healthcare products, which is expected to grow the demand for pharmaceutical grade gelatin further. Gelatin capsules are widely used for drug encapsulation because of their biocompatibility and vitality.

Therefore, the growing popularity of gelatin capsules in North America is reflecting the prominence of the market in the region. Also, the pharmaceutical companies in the regions have strict quality standards and regulatory requirements. This favors the established gelatin manufacturers in the region. Therefore, such a landscape is expected to positively impact the growth trajectory of the regional market.

Asia Pacific is expected to see a steady growth rate in coming years because of the surge in demand for pharmaceuticals for both export and domestic purposes, which in turn is expected to drive huge demand for pharmaceutical-grade gelatin.

Moreover, the constantly rising healthcare expenditure in the region has led to the high requirement for pharmaceutical products in the region. Growing population is another prime factor contributing to the growth of the regional market.

Countries in the region, like India and China, have well-established manufacturing capabilities for pharmaceutical-associated ingredients. These are likely to serve as key production hubs for pharmaceutical gelatin, thereby helping the regional market generate high revenue. For instance, Procaps successfully took over a huge pharmaceutical facility in Florida in January 2022. The production capacity of the facility is around 1.8 billion capsules per year.

Competitive Analysis

The key players in the global pharmaceutical gelatin market include:

• Rousselot
• Gelita AG
• Nitta Gelatin Inc.
• Capsugel
• PB Gelatins
• Weishardt Group
• Sterling Gelatin
• Narmada Gelatines Limited
• PB Gelatins
• Italgelatine S.p.A.

For instance, Darling Ingredients is said to extend its range of purified pharmaceutical-grade modified gelatin under its brand Rousselot. The company came up with X-Pure GelDAT – Gelatin Desaminotyrosine, particularly for biomedical purposes.

The global pharmaceutical gelatin market is segmented as follows:

By Type Segment Analysis

• Type B
• Type A

By Function Segment Analysis

• Gelling Agents
• Stabilizing Agents
• Other Functions

By Source Segment Analysis

• Marine
• Bovine Bone
• Bovine Skin
• Porcine
• Others

By Application Segment Analysis

• Absorbable Hemostat Tablets
• Soft Gel Capsules
• Hard Capsules
• Others

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America