Pharmaceutical Filtration Market Assessment, By Product Type [Membrane Filters, Depth Filters, Others], By System [Single-Use, Reusable], By Techniques [Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration, Other Techniques], By Scale of Operation [Manufactur

Pharmaceutical Filtration Market Assessment, By Product Type [Membrane Filters, Depth Filters, Others], By System [Single-Use, Reusable], By Techniques [Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration, Other Techniques], By Scale of Operation [Manufacturing Scale, Pilot Scale, Research and Development Scale], By Application [Final Product Processing, Raw Material Filtration, Cell Separation, Water Purification, Air Purification], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global pharmaceutical filtration market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10.43% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 16.5 billion in 2023 to USD 36.42 billion in 2031. The pharmaceutical filtration market is positively impacted by factors such as rising safety standards of regulatory bodies, infrastructural developments in the pharmaceutical industry, and technical advancements in filter designs. The significant growth in demand for pharmaceutical products to tackle the needs of the growing population and disease burden is driving the expansion of the pharmaceutical filtration market. Additionally, industry-supportive government initiatives and rising investment in the pharmaceutical sector greatly contribute to the market's development.

Regulatory standards have a significant impact on the demand for pharmaceutical filters. For instance, the FDA's stringent regulations require manufacturers to comply with specific requirements for filters used to produce injectable drug products. These regulations aim to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of the final drug products, such as preventing the release of fibers into the products. Manufacturers are encouraged to expand production and launch new products to cater to the growing demand.

In April 2023, Porvair Filtration Group announced the launch of Biofil™ 3 and Biofil™ 3 Plus range of polyethersulfone products for sterile liquid filtration. The products in this range are available in single and double-layer construction, in 0.2µm and 0.45m size. A more easily wettable membrane has been utilized for manufacturing the new range, which makes it ideal for applications not previously suitable. Porvair Filtration Group is the leader in providing filtration solutions.

Rising Safety Standards of Regulatory Bodies

Pharmaceutical filtration procedures are subjected to high safety standards by regulatory bodies. Strict guidelines and standards drastically regulate the manufacturing process for pharmaceutical products. Several regulations, specifically for filters used in the pharmaceutical sector, have come into existence recently. For instance, the Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 specifies that filters for liquid filtration used in manufacturing, processing, or packing injectable drug products intended for human use shall not release fibers into such products. ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170 offers guidance, regulation, and mandates to designers and operators of healthcare facilities. NSF/ANSI 53 Filters are certified to reduce contaminants with a health effect, and manufacturers can claim bacteria, viruses, and cysts reduction for their filtration system. In the pharmaceutical industry, terminal filtration must be handled by at least H13 category HEPA filters.

Such strict guidelines and norms have compelled the manufacturers to ensure efficient filtration, leading to the expansion of filter installation. These trends have significantly contributed to propelling the expansion of the pharmaceutical filtration market.

Technical Advances in Filter Design

Several technical advances in filter design and material have been noted, which have led to better filtration processes. These advances include the development of filters for liquid filtration that do not release fibers into injectable drug products intended for human use, solutions for processing small molecules, and API applications, such as adsorptive depth filtration, solids removal, recovery, reclaim, solvent and bulk chemical filtration, endotoxin and bioburden reduction, and use of different self-cleaning filters. Market players invest a lot of money in developing regulatory abide innovative filtration technologies for pharmaceutical industries.

For example, in May 2023, 3M Company announced an investment of USD 150 million to expand its capabilities in biopharma filtration technology. This investment is expected to strengthen their lead position in the market. It aims to improve vital filtration equipment for biological, bioprocessing, and small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing applications. 3M company offers a vast range of filters for scientific and industrial applications.

Government Initiatives and Key Player Focus Acting as Catalyst

Initiatives from the government are significantly contributing to the market expansion for pharmaceutical filtration. Developed domestically produced vaccines and pharmacological therapies with stringent filtering standards have been made easier by increased government expenditure and efforts to improve the regulatory environment. The market has been greatly boosted by government backing for cell-based research and the development of related technologies. Government spending on biotechnology, life sciences research, and pharmaceuticals has sparked growth and innovation in these industries. Industry players are intensely focused on using various strategies for industry’s growth. The emphasis on improving good manufacturing practice (GMP) in the pharmaceutical industry has also contributed immensely to the pharmaceutical filtration market.

For example, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, is implementing the “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry” (SPI) program between the duration of FY 21-22 to FY 25-26 to advance the infrastructure of pharmaceutical firms and imply GMP norms in pharmaceutical manufacturing. As a part of this program, the Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) helps pharmaceutical organizations develop GMP facilities, including sophisticated infrastructure for filtration systems.

Dominance of Membrane Filter Segment

The membrane filter segment is anticipated to cover major value share in the market because of its advantages over other types of filters. These are employed to sterilize and deionize water, which is a critical step in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure the purity of final products. Membrane filters, such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration, offer greater flexibility, control, cost-effectiveness, and lower energy costs than other filtration methods. These filters are also ideal for biological samples and minimize the risk of contamination. Due to their effectiveness in ensuring water purity and their applicability in various stages of pharmaceutical production, membrane filters are extensively utilized in this industry, leading to their dominance in this market. Depth filters are also extensively used in the biopharmaceutical industry and thus manufacturers are actively launching relevant products.

For instance, in April 2023, Eaton announced the expansion of its BECO CARBON product range with a new BECO CARBON ACF 03 grade. The BECO CARBON contains activated carbon depth filter media, which ensures product quality in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production. Eaton is a leader in providing filtration products for industrial purposes.

Final Product Processing Application Dominates

The final product processing segment under the pharmaceutical filtration market application category is anticipated to dominate the market. Effective filtration systems and filters are essential to meet the highest quality standards and ensure that the products manufactured are safe for patients. Additionally, the regulatory requisites for sterile products and guidelines for finished pharmaceutical products' quality standards compel manufacturers to utilize highly effective filters in final product processing. All these factors lead to the dominance of the final product processing application segment.

Asia-Pacific Leads Pharmaceutical Filtration Market

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the pharmaceutical filtration market with the highest CAGR. Asia-Pacific offers one of the most dynamic pharmaceutical landscapes, with emerging markets developing at record paces and offering significant growth opportunities. China and India, two leading countries in the region, produce more than half of the world's pharmaceutical ingredients, and nearly 50% of all clinical trials conducted globally have locations in Asia-Pacific. The advanced manufacturing capabilities and ambitious research and development endeavors in the region have contributed to its growing prominence in the global pharmaceutical landscape, further strengthening the demand for pharmaceutical filters in the future.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Growing regulatory standards for pharmaceuticals, especially for sterile products, is majorly driving the growth in the pharmaceutical filtration market.

Technological advancements in design and materials used in pharmaceutical filters, such as those materials that don’t release fibers in solution, are drastically contributing to the pharmaceutical filtration market.

Membrane filter segment is the leading segment in the product type category of the pharmaceutical filtration market due to their high efficiency and ease of use.

The pharmaceutical filtration market is anticipated to grow significantly under favorable government policies and a stringent regulatory framework.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the pharmaceutical filtration market include Sartorius AG, Merck KGaA, Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Eaton Corporation, and 3M Company. The market hosts players with diverse portfolios and innovative offerings for a vast customer base from researchers to pharmaceutical manufacturers. The market players adopt merger and acquisition tactics to acquire well-growing small-cap companies to expand their portfolios. Strategic product launches and updates in existing technologies are also a part of market strategies.

In January 2023, MECO acquired San Diego-based Water Works. The acquisition aims to strengthen its ultrapure water solutions for life science and biopharmaceutical consumers. MECO is part of Grundfos Holding Company and a market leader in providing ‘Water for Injection’, which is used for preparing parenteral formulations.

In January 2023, Indutrade Benelux, a technical company group, acquired Siersema Komponenten Service B.V., which specializes in process components, including valves, tubes, pumps, filters, and heat exchangers. Service B.V. primarily serves pharmaceutical and food industries. Moreover, they have an annual revenue of EUR 35 million and 50 employees.