Donepezil Market By Dosage Strength (5mg, 10mg, 23mg) , By Route of Administeration (Oral, Transdermal) By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug stores and Retail Pharmacies, Online Providers) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033
The donepezil market was valued at $0.9 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 1.9% from 2024 to 2033.
Donepezil is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and cognitive function. Donepezil does not cure Alzheimer's, but it can help slow the progression of symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulties in thinking or reasoning, especially in the early to moderate stages of the disease.
The growth of the global donepezil market is driven by alarming rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias. According to a study published by the BrightFocus Foundation—a non-profit organization that funds exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma—approximately 55 million individuals are estimated to be suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementias. This number is anticipated to rise to 152 million by 2050. In addition, increase in awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and improved diagnostic capabilities lead to higher rates of diagnosis, contributing to the market growth. Moreover, surge in geriatric population acts as the key driving force of the global market. This is attributed to the fact that as people age, the brain naturally undergoes neurodegeneration, characterized by the loss of neurons and synapses, which is associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. As per the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 60 years and older was 1 billion in 2019. This number is estimated to increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. Furthermore, the introduction of generic versions of Donepezil offers more affordable treatment options, expanding the market reach and increasing patient adherence. However, common side effects of Donepezil, such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and muscle cramps, can lead to treatment discontinuation or non-adherence among patients, thus impacting the market growth. In addition, the development of alternative treatments for Alzheimer's, including other medications and non-pharmacological interventions, can limit the demand for donepezil. On the contrary, ongoing research into Alzheimer's treatments and the efficacy of donepezil spurs the market interest, as new formulations or combinations with other therapies may enhance treatment outcomes. Such developments are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the expansion of the global market during the forecast period.
The global donepezil market is segmented into dosage strength, route of administration, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of the dosage strength, the market is categorized into 5mg, 10mg, and 23mg. By route of administration, it is classified into oral and transdermal. Depending on distribution channel, it is segregated into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and online providers. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Key FindingsBy dosage strength, the 5 mg segment is expected to dominate the market from 2024 to 2033.On the basis of route of administration, the oral segment is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period.
Depending on distribution channel, the drug stores & retail pharmacies segment held a substantial portion of the donepezil market share.
Region wise, North America is poised to maintain its leadership in the donepezil market in the coming years.
Competition AnalysisCompetitive analysis and profiles of the major players in the global donepezil market include Eisai Co., Ltd. , Alteus, Corium, LLC. , DD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical, Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Cipla, and Alkem. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to sustain the intense competition and gain a strong foothold in the global market.
Key Market SegmentsBy Dosage Strength5mg
10mg
23mg
By Route Of AdministerationOral
Transdermal
By Distribution ChannelHospital Pharmacies
Drug stores and Retail Pharmacies
Online Providers
By RegionNorth America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
LAMEA
Brazil
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of LAMEA
Key Market PlayersEisai Co., Ltd.
Alteus
Corium, LLC.
DD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
Sun Pharmaceutical
Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.
Cipla
Alkem