Transdermal patches are a method of drug delivery in which an adhesive patch provides a pre-prescribed dose of medication that is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The term ‘transdermal’ describes a delivery method used for administering pharmaceuticals. These patches are designed for short-term or long-term administration and can either be electronic or mechanical. Transdermal patches adhere to the skin as a way to deliver drugs. They provide a specific, predetermined dose of medicine which is absorbed through the skin and into the blood. Although comparable to oral-dosage forms in efficacy, skin patches have several advantages over oral forms. They provide a non-invasive and painless method of drug delivery.
Market Statistics:
The global transdermal skin patches market was valued at US$ 7,695.0 Mn in 2021 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 10,839.7 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.0% between 2022 and 2028.
North America held dominant position in the global transdermal skin patches market in 2020, accounting for 42.4% share in terms of volume, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively.
Figure 1. Global Transdermal Skin Patches Market Share (%), by Region, 2021

Recent Developments:
In June 2020, Vektor Pharma announced the launch of the generic version of the transdermal Neupro patch (Rotigotine), often used to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In January 2018, Hisamitsu Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of Rivastigmine Tapes in Japan (Transdermal patches) for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In July 2018, UCB received the Import Drug License (IDL) for its transdermal rotigotine patch, NEUPRO from the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
Transdermal Skin Patches Market Report Coverage
Report Coverage |
Details |
Base Year: |
2021 |
Market Size in 2021: |
US$ 7,695.0 Mn |
Historical Data for: |
2017 to 2020 |
Forecast Period: |
2022 to 2028 |
Forecast Period 2022 to 2028 CAGR: |
5.0% |
2028 Value Projection: |
US$ 10,839.7 Mn |
Geographies covered: |
- North America: U.S. and Canada
- Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America
- Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East
- Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa
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Segments covered: |
- By Type: Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive, Multi-layer Drug-in-Adhesive, Matrix, and Other Types
- By Applications: Pain Relief, Smoking Reduction and Cessation Aid, Overactive Bladder, Hormonal Therapy, and Other Applications
- By Geography: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa
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Companies covered: |
Henan Lingrui Pharmaceutical Ltd, Purdue Pharma Manufacturing LP, Luye Pharma Group, 3M Company, Mylan (Viatris), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Samyang Biopharmaceuticals Corp. (Samyang Holdings), Novartis, and Teikoku Pharma USA Inc. (Teikoku Seiyaku Co. Ltd)
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Growth Drivers: |
- Growing adoption of transdermal skin patches
- Growing funding and investments for drug development
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Restraints & Challenges: |
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Market Drivers:
- Growing adoption of transdermal skin patches is expected to boost the growth of the global transdermal skin patches market during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2020, Agile Therapeutics, Inc. announced the U.S. commercial launch of Twirla (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system, a new non-daily, non-invasive contraceptive patch. It is now available in the U.S. by prescription for women of reproductive potential with a BMI 30 kg/m2. It is designed to be worn on the abdomen, buttock, or upper torso (excluding breasts).
- Growing funding and investments for drug development is expected to propel the growth of the global transdermal skin patches market over the forecast period. For instance, in May 2019, Mercia invested £2.0 million in transdermal drug delivery specialist Medherant Limited. This latest investment will enable Medherant to finalize the selection of three TEPI Patch products to take into clinical development. The development of patch products that will bring significant benefits to patients across the globe.
Figure 2. Global Transdermal Skin Patches Market Share (%), by Application, 2021

Market Restraints:
- Inability of the skin to absorb a range of active substance is expected to hinder growth of the global transdermal skin patches market. Transdermal drug delivery system utilizes the skin as executable route for drug administration but the foremost barrier against drug permeability is the stratum corneum and thus, it limits therapeutic bioavailability of the bioactive.
- Drug failure and recalls of transdermal drug delivery systems is expected to hamper growth of the global transdermal skin patches market. In November 2021, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA recalled a single lot of clonidine transdermal patches for failing to meet impurities/degradation specifications, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Alvogen, Inc. is voluntarily recalling two lots of Fentanyl Transdermal System 12 mcg/h transdermal patches to the consumer level.
Market Opportunities:
- Technological advances in transdermal drug delivery systems is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global transdermal skin patches market. For instance, in September 2021, ImQuest Biosciences announced the launch of an antiretroviral transdermal delivery patch. The patch is developed to deliver antiretroviral medicines. Antiretroviral drugs are often used for the treatment of HIV infection.
- Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases around the world is expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global transdermal skin patches market. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
Market Trends/Key Takeaways:
- Frequent approvals and launches of transdermal skin patches is expected to fuel growth of the global transdermal skin patches market. For instance, in June 2020, Luye Pharma Group announced that its Rivastigmine Transdermal Patch has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration in China. Transdermal Patch is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
- Introduction of novel products by market players is expected to drive growth of the global transdermal skin patches market. For instance, in March 2019, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the launch of generic version of Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine Transdermal System), 4.6 mg/24 hours, 9.5 mg/24 hours, and 13.3 mg/24 hours.
Competitive Landscape:
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- Novartis AG
- Teikoku Pharma USA Inc. (Teikoku Seiyaku Co. Ltd)
- Mylan NV (Viatris)
- 3M Company
- Luye Pharma Group
- Purdue Pharma Manufacturing LP
- Henan Lingrui Pharmaceutical Ltd
- Samyang Biopharmaceuticals Corp. (Samyang Holdings)
A transdermal patch is a modern technique of pain management designed to treat chronic pain and other conditions. Also known as a skin patch, a transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch, which is placed on the skin to deliver regular doses of medication into the bloodstream through the skin. Transdermal delivery systems have gained extensive attention due to the ease of administration and absence of hepatic first-pass metabolism. These patches are also used to treat migraine, hormones, pain, cardiovascular diseases, neurology disease, smoking cessation, among others. Currently, the use of transdermal drug delivery has increased due to improved bioavailability, reduced adverse events, reduced dosing frequency, and drug input termination at any point by the removal of the patch.
Market Dynamics:
Increasing prevalence of lung cancer and increasing number of smokers around the world is expected to boost the growth of the global transdermal skin patches market during the forecast period. Nicotine skin patches are used to help people stop smoking cigarettes. They provide a source of nicotine that reduces withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped. Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Moreover, according to the Canadian Lung Association 2021, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. Each year, an estimated 48,000 Canadians die as a result of smoking.
Key features of the study:
- This report provides in-depth analysis of the global transdermal skin patches market, and provides market size (US$ Million) and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for the forecast period (2022–2028), considering 2021 as the base year.
- It elucidates potential revenue opportunities across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrices for this market.
- This study also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approval, market trends, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by key players.
- It profiles key players in the global transdermal skin patches market based on the following parameters such as company highlights, products portfolio, key highlights, financial performance, and strategies.
- Key companies covered as a part of this study include
- Insights from this report would allow marketers and the management authorities of the companies to make informed decisions regarding their future product launches, type up-gradation, market expansion, and marketing tactics.
- The global transdermal skin patches market report caters to various stakeholders in this industry including investors, suppliers, product manufacturers, distributors, new entrants, and financial analysts.
- Stakeholders would have ease in decision-making through various strategy matrices used in analyzing the global transdermal skin patches market.
Detailed Segmentation:
- Global Transdermal Skin Patches Market, By Type:
- Single-layer Drug-in-Adhesive
- Multi-layer Drug-in-Adhesive
- Matrix
- Other Types
- Global Transdermal Skin Patches Market, By Applications:
- Pain Relief
- Smoking Reduction and Cessation Aid
- Overactive Bladder
- Hormonal Therapy
- Other Applications
- Global Transdermal Skin Patches Market, By Geography:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South America
- Middle East and Africa