Semi-solid Dosage Form Drugs Market

Semi-Solid Dosage Form Drugs Market Analysis

The Semi-solid Dosage Form Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 130.22 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 171.81 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The key factor driving the growth of the market is the rising prevalence of skin-related diseases such as acne, dermatitis, and fungal infections and the site-specific action of semi-solid preparations in various dermatological conditions.

Fungal infections on the skin are common and frequently treated with semi-solid products such as creams, gels, lotions, solutions, or ointments. Various advances in semi-solid dosage forms, such as incorporating nanoparticles in antifungal ointments, have emerged as a new area for development among researchers. For instance, in an article published in January 2024 in the Discover Nano journal, the researchers showed that nanoparticle-based antifungal ointments showed a significant potential to treat fungal diseases. Incorporation of nanoparticles can hold multiple antifungal drugs as a combination therapy for different types of fungal infections. Thus, owing to such advantages offered by the semi-solid preparations, the demand is likely to rise, leading to market growth during the forecast period.

Also, the high burden of various dermatological conditions is expected to require various semi-solid preparations. For instance, as per the article published in February 2024 in the Scientific Reports journal, based on a questionnaire conducted among the medical students at An-Najah National University (ANU) in Palestine, the researchers found that the prevalence of acne among women was higher with 85% compared to the overall population. Thus, owing to the occurrence of acne issues, the demand for semi-solid products is likely to rise, leading to market growth during the forecast period.

Additionally, an increased number of psoriasis cases enhances the need for various skin ointments and gels to treat the condition. For instance, as per the August 2023 update by Skin Health Institute, psoriasis is anticipated to impact around 2-3% of the Australian population, ultimately leading to a common dermatological condition in the country. Thus, owing to the occurrence of such dermatological conditions, the demand for semi-solid products is likely to rise, promoting market growth during the forecast period.

Also, significant product launches and regulatory approvals related to ointments, creams, and other dermatological products are expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in April 2023, Zydus Lifesciences received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to market metronidazole topical cream to treat a skin disorder known as rosacea. Hence, such regulatory approvals are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Thus, due to the increase in dermatological and skin diseases, the rise in benefits offered by the semi-solid preparation in treating various skin conditions, and notable regulatory approvals for semi-solid products, the market is expected to witness a notable growth during the forecast period. However, stringent regulatory scenarios and an increase in pricing pressure on pharmaceutical companies are expected to restrain the market growth.

Semi-Solid Dosage Form Drugs Market Trends

The Ointments Segment is Anticipated to Witness a Healthy Growth During the Forecast Period

Ointments are one of the most commonly utilized semi-solid preparations, which include medicines, moisturizers, and cosmetics. They are applied to the eyes, skin, and mucus membranes and are used to treat dry skin, cuts, scrapes, burns, and hemorrhoids.

Factors such as an increase in the launch of advanced ointment products, the rise in the adoption of ointments owing to the quick action and increase in advancements, and the emergence of combination therapies in ointments are expected to drive the segment growth during the forecast period. For instance, as per the article published in June 2023 in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, the researchers found that once-daily crisaborole ointment was effective and significantly tolerated for long-term maintenance treatment and reduction of skin flares in adult and pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). Hence, the benefits offered by the ointments are expected to bolster the segment growth during the forecast period.

Due to the high burden of skin diseases, the demand for ointments is expected to increase, which ultimately creates a rush for product approvals and launches. For instance, in June 2023, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd launched its TOFATAS, a 2% tofacitinib ointment intended for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) among patients of 18 years and above. Similarly, in October 2023, Bausch Health Companies Inc. received the New Drug Application approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CABTREOTM topical Gel 1.2%/0.15%/3.1%, intended for the treatment of acne vulgaris among patients 12 years of age and older. Hence, owing to such product launches and favorable regulatory approvals, the ointment segment is likely to witness notable growth during the forecast period.

Hence, the segment is anticipated to foresee lucrative growth due to the high adoption of ointments for skin disease treatment, the rise in product launches, and other strategic activities by the key players.

North America is Expected to Witness a Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

North America is expected to witness significant market growth in the semi-solid dosage form drugs market due to the high prevalence of skin diseases, the presence of major market players, and the high and easy availability of dermatological semi-solid drugs in the market. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society 2024 report, approximately 0.1 million new melanoma cases are estimated to be diagnosed (about 59,170 in men and 41,470 in women) in the United States. Medical practitioners often prescribe imiquimod creams to cancer patients if not all the cancer cells can be removed. Thus, owing to the country's high prevalence of melanoma cases, the demand for semi-solid products, like cream and ointment, will likely rise, leading to market growth during the forecast period.

Also, a rise in product launches, strategic activities, and regulatory approvals by government authorities are further expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2023, Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc. received new drug application (NDA) approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ZORYVE (roflumilast) topical foam, intended for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis among nine years of age and older. Similarly, in July 2022, Incyte received FDA approval for Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream to treat vitiligo. Hence, owing to such advanced product approvals and launches for semi-solid dosage forms, it is expected to drive market growth in the region.

Semi-Solid Dosage Form Drugs Industry Overview

The semi-solid dosage form drugs market is fragmented and consists of several major players. Many companies have been contributing significantly to the growth of the market. Market players actively participate in new product launches, collaborations, and developments to expand their market share. In terms of market share, a few of the major players dominating the market are Galderma, AbbVie Inc., Almirall SA, Bayer AG, GSK PLC, Mayne Pharma, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Viatris Inc., LEO Pharma A/S, and Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC.

Semi-Solid Dosage Form Drugs Market Leaders

Semi-Solid Dosage Form Drugs Market News

• May 2024: Zydus Lifesciences received regulatory approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell Dapsone Gel, 7.5% of which is to treat acne.
• May 2024: Dermavant received a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for 1% VTAMA (tapinarof) cream, intended for the treatment of atopic dermatitis among adults and children of two years of age and older.