Glucose excipient market

The global glucose excipient market size was valued at US$ 1,058.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 1,328.1 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2023 to 2030.

The increasing use of glucose based excipient in the biopharmaceutical industry is one of the major factors driving the growth of the global glucose excipient market. The demand for vaccines and other pharmaceutical drugs has increased exponentially worldwide due to the emergence of pandemics such as COVID-19. This rising demand from the pharmaceutical industry has played a key role in driving the growth of glucose excipient market. Glucose is one of the most commonly used excipients in drug formulations owing to its properties like solubility, stability, and easy availability. The growth in vaccine production thus translates to a higher consumption of glucose excipients. Similarly, the development of complex drug molecules and biologic drugs also requires the use of excipients like glucose to increase the solubility and bioavailability of active ingredients.

The growing demand for parenteral nutrition is another major factor driving the growth of the glucose excipient market. Parenteral nutrition is a method of providing nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Glucose is a major component of parenteral nutrition, and the increasing demand for this type of nutrition is leading to an increased demand for glucose excipients.

Glucose Excipient Market Regional Insights

• North America is the largest market for glucose excipients, accounting for a market share of 35.0% in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the rising demand for parenteral nutrition in U.S and Canada. Moreover, rising demand for sugar based pharmaceutical formulations due to an increase in the number of elderly and pediatric patients is also expected to drive market growth in North America.
• Europe is the second-largest market for glucose excipients, accounting for a market share of 29.0% in 2023. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to the growing awareness about glucose based excipients. In addition, technological advancements in excipient manufacturing technology and rising demand for injectable are other another major factor driving the growth of the market in this region.
• Asia Pacific is the third-largest market for glucose excipients, accounting for a market share of 24.0% in 2023. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the rising demand for parenteral nutrition in countries such as China, Japan, India, and others. Moreover, rising demand for sugar based pharmaceutical formulations due to an increase in the number of elderly and pediatric patients is also expected to drive market growth in Asia Pacific.

Figure 1. Global Glucose Excipient Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Glucose Excipient Market Drivers

• Pharmaceutical Industry Growth: The pharmaceutical industry is expanding globally, driven by factors such as an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in drug development. Glucose excipients are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as bulking agents, binders, fillers, and stabilizers, driving the demand for glucose excipients.
• Increased Drug Formulations: The development of new drug formulations, including tablets, capsules, syrups, and suspensions, requires the use of excipients such as glucose. Glucose excipients offer advantages such as ease of processing, compatibility with various active ingredients, and improved stability, which makes them a preferred choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Rising Demand for Oral Solid Dosage Forms: Oral solid dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, continue to be the most commonly used drug delivery systems. Glucose excipients are extensively used in these dosage forms as diluents and disintegrants, facilitating the production of tablets with appropriate hardness, disintegration time, and content uniformity. Thus, this is expected to be a driving factor for the market.

Glucose Excipient Market Opportunities

• Expansion in Emerging Markets: Emerging economies, such as India, China, Brazil, and Southeast Asian countries, are experiencing rapid growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. These regions offer significant opportunities for the glucose excipient market, as the demand for pharmaceutical formulations and healthcare products continues to increase. Expanding market penetration in these regions can lead to substantial growth and revenue generation.
• Increased Adoption of Biopharmaceuticals: Biopharmaceuticals, including protein-based therapeutics and monoclonal antibodies, are gaining prominence in the pharmaceutical industry. Glucose excipients are used in the formulation of biopharmaceuticals for stabilization, preservation, and as cryoprotectants during storage and transportation. As the demand for biopharmaceuticals rises, the glucose excipient market can benefit from increased adoption in this segment.
• Demand for Customized Excipients: The pharmaceutical industry is moving towards personalized medicine and specialized drug delivery systems. This trend creates opportunities for the development and supply of customized excipients, including glucose excipients tailored to specific drug formulations. Manufacturers that can offer customized solutions and collaborate closely with pharmaceutical companies have the potential to gain a competitive edge.

Glucose Excipient Market Trend

• Increased Focus on Patient Safety and Regulatory Compliance: There is a growing emphasis on patient safety and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry. Regulatory bodies are tightening their guidelines and requirements for excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations. This trend has led to increased scrutiny of excipient quality, traceability, and documentation. Glucose excipient manufacturers are investing in quality assurance processes, conducting rigorous testing, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to meet the evolving demands of the market.
• Demand for Specialty Glucose Excipients: As pharmaceutical formulations become more complex and personalized, there is a rising demand for specialty glucose excipients with specific functionalities. Specialty excipients offer advantages such as improved drug solubility, controlled release properties, taste masking, and enhanced stability. Manufacturers are focusing on developing and commercializing specialty glucose excipients to cater to the unique requirements of various drug formulations and therapeutic areas.

Glucose Excipient Market Restraints

• Stringent Regulatory Requirements: The glucose excipient market is subject to stringent regulatory requirements imposed by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Compliance with these regulations can be complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive documentation, quality control measures, and adherence to good manufacturing practices. The stringent regulatory landscape can pose challenges for manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in terms of compliance costs and delays in product approvals.
• Price Volatility of Raw Materials: The price of raw materials used in glucose excipient production, such as corn or wheat, can be subject to volatility due to factors like weather conditions, market demand, and geopolitical events. Fluctuations in raw material prices can significantly impact the cost of glucose excipients, affecting profit margins for manufacturers. Additionally, securing a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality raw materials can be a challenge, particularly during periods of price volatility.
• Limited Shelf Life: Glucose excipients, like many other excipients, have a limited shelf life, which can pose challenges for manufacturers and distributors. The shelf life of glucose excipients needs to be carefully managed to ensure product efficacy and safety. Manufacturers must carefully manage inventory and distribution channels to minimize the risk of expired or near-expiry products, which could lead to financial losses and impact customer trust.
• Availability of Alternative Excipients: The glucose excipient market faces competition from alternative excipients that offer similar functionalities. There are various excipients available in the market, including cellulose-based excipients, lactose, and others, that can be used as substitutes for glucose excipients in pharmaceutical formulations. The availability of alternative excipients gives manufacturers and formulators options when selecting excipients, potentially impacting the demand for glucose excipients.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In May 2023, Roquette Frères, a France-based excipient manufacturing company, announced that they had launched a new excipient, PEARLITOL ProTec, a plant-based co-processed blend of mannitol and maize starch that is used to stabilize moisture-sensitive active ingredients like probiotics, unlocking longer shelf life, improved consistency, and wider opportunities for consumer-friendly dosage formats.
• In July 2022, Roquette Frères announced that they had launched a new grade of glucose-based excipient called PEARLITOL 150 SD MANNITOL, which is used for direct compression of tablet.

Figure 2. Global Glucose Excipient Market Share (%), by Type, 2023

Top companies in Glucose Excipient Market

• Roquette Frères
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Ingredion
• ADM
• Merck KGaA
• DFE Pharma
• Gulshan Polyols Ltd.
• Tereos Group
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• ungbunzlauer Suisse AG

*Definition: Glucose excipients are primarily used in the formulation of medications to provide functions such as bulking, binding, stabilization, controlled release, and taste masking. They play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and patient acceptability of pharmaceutical formulations. The market encompasses supply and demand dynamics, industry players, regulatory aspects, and commercial activities related to glucose excipients.

Detailed Segmentation:

• By Type:
  • Dextrose Monohydrate
  • Anhydrous Dextrose
  • Specialty Glucose Variants
• By Form:
  • Powdered Glucose
  • Crystalline Glucose
  • Liquid Glucose
• By Function:
  • Fillers & Binders
  • Diluents
  • Disintegrants
  • Others
• By Application:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmeceuticals
• By End User:
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
  • Cosmeceuticals Companies
• By Region:
  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
  • Africa