Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Global pharmaceutical contracting revenue predicted to reach $361 Billion in 2016

Packaging segment, worth $6.4 billion this year, should be worth $9.3 billion in 2016, says BCC Research report.

Hp 20020 I Stock Pharma Mfg 000013904542 X Small
This year, global pharmaceutical contracting revenues totaled nearly $218 billion, and by 2016 that will rise to almost $361 billion-at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%, according to "Contract Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Research and Packaging: Global Markets," (PHM043D) from BCC Research.

BCC says the global market for pharmaceutical contracting can be broken down into four segments: contract manufacture of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and nutraceuticals, contract manufacture of bulk and dosage form drugs, contract research, and contract packaging.

The OTC drug and nutraceutical segment accounted for nearly $128 billion in 2011 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% to reach nearly $215 billion in 2016.

The bulk and dosage form drug segment held a value of $53.4 billion in 2011 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 10.1% to reach $86.3 billion in 2016.

The research segment was worth $30.2 billion in 2011 and should be worth $50.5 billion in 2016, a CAGR of 10.8%.

The packaging segment, worth $6.4 billion in 2011, should be worth $9.3 billion in 2016, a CAGR of 7.8%.

According to the BCC report, "The current pharmaceutical industry is highly influenced and aided by contract manufacturers, packagers, and researchers. New state-of-the-art facilities as well as specialized expertise and capabilities have granted contract manufacturers a large share in the pharmaceuticals industry. With increasing competition among generic brands as well as drug patent expirations, pharmaceutical companies are relying increasingly on contract manufacturers to meet consumer demand."

The report continues, "Other reasons why more contract manufacturers are being utilized include rising research-and-development costs, waning patent life, a decrease in overall drug discoveries, and increasing regulatory pressures. The trend in the industry is toward pharmaceutical companies consolidating their functions and focusing on basic or specialized functions while outsourcing the rest of their functions to contract manufacturing companies.

"Since the market for pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, research, and packaging is dependent on the pharmaceutical market, as the pharmaceutical market increases, so does the contract manufacturing market."
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO