The global topical drugs CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) market reached USD 43.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 10.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This expansion is fueled by a rising demand for non-invasive drug delivery systems that offer safer and more convenient alternatives to traditional oral and injectable therapies.Topical formulations, including creams, gels, ointments, and transdermal patches, are gaining traction as patients and healthcare providers seek solutions that allow targeted, localized treatment with minimal systemic impact. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly outsourcing the development and manufacturing of these specialized drugs to CDMOs, which provide essential expertise, advanced manufacturing technology, and regulatory compliance, allowing them to effectively meet the evolving demands of topical drug production.The market is segmented by product type into semi-solid, liquid, transdermal, and solid formulations, with semi-solid formulations leading the way, accounting for USD 27.3 billion in 2023. This segment includes various types of applications such as creams, ointments, and gels, which have become central to the treatment of numerous dermatological conditions. Semi-solid formulations excel in delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients directly to affected areas, making them highly effective in localized treatments with reduced systemic absorption, especially valuable in dermatology.In terms of therapeutic applications, the topical drugs CDMO market is divided into key areas such as dermatology, pain management, wound care, and ophthalmology. Dermatology is the largest segment, holding 34.5% of the market share in 2023, driven by the prevalence of skin disorders and the need for effective treatments. Skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, impact millions worldwide, propelling the demand for innovative topical treatments that offer rapid relief. Topical drugs are particularly valued in dermatology for their ability to deliver active ingredients directly to the affected areas, limiting systemic exposure and minimizing side effects.The U.S. topical drugs CDMO market, projected to grow at a 10.1% CAGR and reach USD 35 billion by 2032, plays a pivotal role in this global expansion. The country benefits from a strong presence of CDMOs collaborating closely with pharmaceutical companies, optimizing development and manufacturing processes to expedite time-to-market for new formulations. These partnerships not only streamline production but also enhance product quality and sustainability, aligning with the increasing demand for efficient and eco-friendly skincare solutions.
Chapter 1 Methodology
1.1 Market segmentation
1.2 Market definitions
1.3 Research design
1.4 Market size estimates and calculations
1.4.1 Approach 1: Market assessment from global pharmaceutical products market
1.4.2 Approach 2: Market assessment from U.S. pharmaceutical products market
1.5 Key trends for market estimates
1.6 Forecast model
1.7 Primary research & validation
1.7.1 Primary sources
1.7.2 Data mining sources
1.7.2.1 Paid sources
1.7.2.2 Public sources
Chapter 2 Executive Summary
2.1 Industry landscape, 2021 - 2032 (USD Billion)
2.1.1 Business trends
2.1.2 Regional trends
2.1.3 Product type trends
2.1.4 Therapeutic area trends
2.1.5 Service type trends
2.1.6 End use trends
Chapter 3 Industry Insights
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.2 Industry impact forces
3.2.1 Growth drivers
3.2.1.1 Increasing prevalence of skin diseases across the globe
3.2.1.2 Growing adoption of outsourcing of manufacturing activities
3.2.1.3 Growig aging population
3.2.2 Industry pitfalls
3.2.2.1 Challenges in quality control
3.2.2.2 High capital investment
3.3.1 By product type
3.3.2 By therapeutic area
3.3.3 By service type
3.3.4 By end use
3.4 Regulatory landscape
3.4.1 North America
3.4.1.1 U.S.
3.4.2 Europe
3.4.3 Asia Pacific
3.5 Porter's analysis
3.6 PESTEL analysis
Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2023
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The Lubrizol Corporation
4.1.2 DPT Laboratories Ltd.
4.1.3 Pierre Fabre Laboratories
4.2 Company matrix analysis
4.3 Competitive analysis of major market players
4.4 Competitive positioning matrix
4.5 Strategy dashboard
Chapter 5 Topical Drugs CDMO Market, By Product Type
5.1 Semi-solid formulations
5.1.1 Creams
5.1.2 Ointments
5.1.3 Gels
5.1.4 Other semi-solid formulations
5.2 Liquid formulations
5.3 Transdermal products
5.4 Solid formulations
Chapter 6 Topical Drugs CDMO Market, By Therapeutic Area
6.1 Dermatology
6.2 Pain management
6.3 Wound care
6.4 Ophthalmology
6.5 Other therapeutic areas
Chapter 7 Topical Drugs CDMO Market, By Service Type