Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Assessment, By Type [Type A, Type B], By Source [Bovine, Porcine, Others], By Application [Hard Gelatin Capsules, Soft Gelatin Capsules, Others], By Function [Stabilizing, Thickening, Gelling and Others], By End-user [Pharmac

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Assessment, By Type [Type A, Type B], By Source [Bovine, Porcine, Others], By Application [Hard Gelatin Capsules, Soft Gelatin Capsules, Others], By Function [Stabilizing, Thickening, Gelling and Others], By End-user [Pharmaceutical Companies, Biotechnology Companies, Academic and Research Institutions], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global pharmaceutical gelatin market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.57% during the forecast period 2024-2031F, growing from USD 1.25 billion in 2023 to USD 1.92 billion in 2031F. Various factors shape the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. These include increased investments in research, technological advancements, high demand for porcine gelatin, rise in the popularity of gelatin capsules, growing demand in the European market, and companies increasingly seeking expansion opportunities.

One significant driver of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market is the increased investment in research and development initiatives. These initiatives aid in promoting innovation and technological advancements in the industry, which is required for growth and increased production. Gelatin is finding new uses in pharmaceuticals thanks to technological developments in drug delivery and gelatin-based therapeutics. The high demand for porcine gelatin is another major factor driving the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. The superior qualities of porcine gelatin make it extremely desirable for use in the pharmaceutical industry. The applications of porcine gelatin are increasing with advancements in technologies, which indicates its continued demand for the product in the future.

Advancements are improving the performance and adaptability of gelatin capsules in capsule technology, such as the creation of plant-based gelatin capsules, which is increasing their appeal to both producers and customers. Gelatin capsules are in high demand in the global pharmaceutical gelatin market because of their ability to protect the contents from air, light, microbial growth and contamination. The European market is an additional significant factor boosting the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. Pharmaceutical gelatin is becoming more and more essential due to the European Union's growing pharmaceutical market and strong pharmaceutical sector.

Finally, businesses seek variety and growth. The introduction of new gelatin brands and the growth of established ones into new areas are clear indications of this. These factors are anticipated to fuel the further growth and diversification of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market in the upcoming years.

For example, in May 2024, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (KSIDC) and Nitta Gelatin Inc. Japan jointly launched an expansion project in Kerala valued at USD 7.18 million through Nitta Gelatin India Ltd (NGIL). This project is a portion of the USD 23.96 million investment that the Japanese MNC disclosed during the Kerala Chief Minister's most recent visit to Japan.

Research Initiatives Propel the Expansion of the Market

Due to the industry's growing research and development (R&D) activities, the global pharmaceutical gelatin market is expanding significantly on a large scale. Pharmaceutical corporations are heavily spending on research and development to create cutting-edge gelatin-based products like biodegradable capsules and sophisticated drug delivery systems. New gelatin brands and products have emerged as a result, such as X-Pure-GelDAT, a substitute for GelTYR-Gelatin Tyramine. Furthermore, it is anticipated that developments in gelatin production methods will boost productivity and affordability, propelling the expansion of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market.

For example, in January 2022, Darling Ingredients Inc. established a partnership with the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), a regenerative medicine research institute situated in California, through its Rousselot Health brand, which is the world leader in collagen-based solutions. Rousselot and TIBI will work together on the creation of gelatin-based treatments and their clinical application through this strategic alliance. Rousselot will provide TIBI with X-Pure modified gelatins, including X-Pure GelMA, in exchange for information on how gelatin behaves in the laboratory and throughout clinical trials.

Technological Advancements Spur Growth of the Market

Advancements in technologies such as nanotechnology, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are propelling the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. Pharmaceutical companies are making use of these technologies to produce novel gelatin-based goods that surpass the functionality and quality of conventional solutions. These technologies have made the development process of gelatin-based products more cost-effective and efficient. Gelatin is also being extensively used in other pharmaceutical sectors such as gene therapy, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The application of gelatin in the pharmaceutical industry will continue to expand due to these technologies propelling the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market.

For example, in December 2023, the health brand Rousselot from Darling Ingredients Inc. announced that it had received US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent No. US11795489B2, securing its intellectual property rights for StabiCaps, a specialized gelatin that enhances the stability and formulation of soft gel capsules to improve drugs' release.

High Demand for Porcine Gelatin Drives Market Growth

Due to the unique characteristics of gel-forming ability and the biocompatible nature of porcine gelatin, it is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, bolstering the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. Porcine gelatin is known for its clarity and flexibility, which makes it excessively useful in the manufacturing of hard gelatin capsules, and it also has other applications in the pharmaceutical industry, such as soft capsules, absorbable hemostats, etc. It is also used as a stabilizer in vaccines to preserve its efficacy and safety throughout the transit and storage process. Porcine gelatin is a preferred choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers because of its ease of production, nutritious content, and reduced cost.

For instance, to save production costs and waste related to soft gel leakers, Gelita AG, a global leader in gelatin, introduced Easyseal gelatin in December 2023. The novel solution can be obtained in swine form that complies with food and drug administration (FDA) requirements, and a corresponding China Drug Masterfile is available to facilitate entry into the Chinese market.

Rise in the Popularity of Gelatin Capsules Fuels Market Growth

There is a huge demand for gelatin capsules because of their versatility and ease of use. A significant demand for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals has been seen in the last few years, boosting the growth of gelatin capsules in the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. There is an increased demand for gelatin capsules made from alternative sources because of the rise in inclination towards vegan lifestyles and plant-based food. Gelatin capsules are becoming more customizable and effective due to technological and formulation advances, which appeal to both manufacturers and consumers.

In September 2023, Strides Pharma Science Limited declared that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has approved Icosapent Ethyl Capsules, 0.5 gram and 1 gram, through its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global Pte, Singapore. The product enhances the selection of authorized soft gelatin capsules offered by Strides.

Europe Shows Dominance in the Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market

Europe's pharmaceutical gelatin market has observed significant growth over the past couple of years. Companies are focusing on producing new products through research and development to cater to the growing demand that has arisen because of the growing burden of chronic diseases and the rise in the geriatric population. The global pharmaceutical gelatin market participants focus on continuous clinical trials to improve the efficacy of the medications. The global pharmaceutical gelatin market is expanding due to pharmaceutical companies and concerned authorities meeting patient requirements, surpassing challenges such as the limitations of sustainability and ethical concerns.

For example, Caldic B.V. and Nitta Gelatin, Inc. announced that they had reached an agreement to form a strategic distribution relationship in Europe. Through this partnership, Caldic will be able to provide a greater selection of specialty gelatin products and a broad range of collagen products that perfectly match its current line of products for the Food, Nutrition, Pharma, and Personal Care markets. Starting on January 1, 2024, Caldic and Nitta Gelatin collaborated to create prospects in Benelux, France, Iberia, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)

The significant shift toward biodegradable gelatin capsules is considered a major factor driving the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market in the future.

The global pharmaceutical gelatin market will witness a significant rise in the use of gelatin in the functional food industry.

Advanced technologies like nanotechnology and 3D printing are going to drive the global pharmaceutical gelatin market. These technologies are used to produce innovative gelatin products with enhanced properties.

An increased use of gelatin in cosmetics and personal care products is expected to significantly drive the growth of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

One of the main factors driving the expansion of the global pharmaceutical gelatin market is partnerships and collaborations. These partnerships guarantee that many viewpoints are considered to meet the needs of a diversified nature. Through successful collaborations, companies in the industry share their expertise in developing new and innovative solutions, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. Companies also often collaborate to increase their expansion in the global pharmaceutical gelatin market and reach new customers.

For example, in March 2024, BIO INX B.V., a leading material developer for 3D bioprinting, announced a strategic relationship with Rousselot GmbH, a global leader in gelatin- and collagen-based solutions included in Darling Ingredients Inc. This partnership represents a significant advancement in the field of 3D bioprinting. As part of this partnership, Rousselot's X-Pure gelatin biomaterials, which are known for their dependability and quality, will be distributed by BIO INX for research and technical purposes.