Topical Drugs CDMO Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2024 - 2032

Topical Drugs CDMO Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2024 - 2032


The Global Topical Drugs CDMO 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 & Scope
1.1 Market scope & definition
1.2 Research design
1.2.1 Research approach
1.2.2 Data collection methods
1.3 Base estimates & calculations
1.3.1 Base year calculation
1.3.2 Key trends for market estimation
1.4 Forecast model
1.5 Primary research and validation
1.5.1 Primary sources
1.5.2 Data mining sources
Chapter 2 Executive Summary
2.1 Industry 360° synopsis
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 disorder across the globe
3.2.1.2 Growing adoption of outsourcing of manufacturing activities
3.2.1.3 Growing aging population
3.2.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.2.2.1 Challenges in quality control
3.2.2.2 High capital investment
3.3 Growth potential analysis
3.4 Regulatory landscape
3.5 Porter's analysis
3.6 PESTEL analysis
Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2023
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company matrix analysis
4.3 Competitive analysis of major market players
4.4 Competitive positioning matrix
4.5 Strategy dashboard
Chapter 5 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Product Type, 2021 – 2032 ($ Mn)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Semi-solid formulations
5.2.1 Creams
5.2.2 Ointments
5.2.3 Gels
5.2.4 Other semi-solid formulations
5.3 Liquid formulations
5.4 Transdermal patches
5.5 Solid formulations
Chapter 6 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Therapeutic Area, 2021 – 2032 ($ Mn)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 Dermatology
6.3 Pain management
6.4 Wound care
6.5 Ophthalmology
6.6 Other therapeutic areas
Chapter 7 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Service Type, 2021 – 2032 ($ Mn)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Contract manufacturing
7.3 Contract development
Chapter 8 Market Estimates and Forecast, By End Use, 2021 – 2032 ($ Mn)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 Pharmaceutical companies
8.3 Biotechnology companies
8.4 Other end users
Chapter 9 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Region, 2021 – 2032 ($ Mn)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 North America
9.2.1 U.S.
9.2.2 Canada
9.3 Europe
9.3.1 Germany
9.3.2 UK
9.3.3 France
9.3.4 Spain
9.3.5 Italy
9.3.6 Netherlands
9.4 Asia Pacific
9.4.1 China
9.4.2 Japan
9.4.3 India
9.4.4 Australia
9.4.5 South Korea
9.5 Latin America
9.5.1 Brazil
9.5.2 Mexico
9.6 Middle East and Africa
9.6.1 South Africa
9.6.2 Saudi Arabia
9.6.3 UAE
Chapter 10 Company Profiles
10.1 Ascenida Pharmaceuticals
10.2 Bora Pharmaceuticals
10.3 Cambrex
10.4 Contract Pharmaceuticals
10.5 DPT Laboratories
10.6 MedPharm
10.7 PCI Pharma Services
10.8 Pierre Fabre Group
10.9 Piramal Pharma Solutions
10.10 The Lubizol

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