Generic Drugs Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, 2018-2028F By Type (Small Molecule Generics vs Biosimilars), By Application (Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Neurology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory Diseases, Others),

Generic Drugs Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, 2018-2028F By Type (Small Molecule Generics vs Biosimilars), By Application (Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Neurology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory Diseases, Others), By Drug Delivery (Oral, Topical, Parenteral, Others), By Form (Tablet, Capsule, Injection, Others), By Source (In House vs Contract Manufacturing Organizations), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Others), By Region and Competition


Generic Drugs Market was valued at USD 416.06 billion in 2022 and is further anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.51%, during the forecast period, owing to rising demand for generic drugs. The Generic Drugs market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, expiration of patent drugs, growing demand for low-cost drugs, and easy accessibility and supportive governments for allowing generic drugs in the market.

The increasing aging population, along with the growing demand for low-cost generic drugs, will further drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. As consumers become more aware of the cost savings and efficacy of generic drugs, they are more likely to choose them over branded drugs which is a factor expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Generic drugs are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, just like their branded counterparts. They contain the same active ingredients and are equivalent in strength, dosage, safety, and effectiveness.

Advancements in generic drugs have also contributed to the growth of the Generic Drugs market. Some generic drugs are now being developed as combination therapies, which combine two or more drugs into a single pill or other delivery systems. This can increase patient compliance and reduce the overall cost of treatment.

While the Generic Drugs market is growing rapidly, there are also several challenges that are impeding its growth. One of the biggest challenges the global generic drugs market is facing is ensuring the quality of generic drugs is the same as branded drugs. Others are Regulatory hurdles for approval of the generic drugs along with pricing pressures. Patent litigation is also a challenge that will hamper the growth of the global generic drugs market.

Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases due to long-term illnesses such as genetic, environmental, behavioral, and physiological factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Chronic diseases impact all ages across the globe. Also, non-communicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, malignancies and, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases are the most common diseases, which will further increase the demand for generic drugs in the forecast period. Similarly, some major factors like rapid urbanization, globalization of leading unhealthy lifestyle, and the growing aging population is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. The global prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases is increasing rapidly. As a result, there is a growing demand for affordable and effective treatments, which has driven the growth of the generic drugs market. So, patients prefer generic drugs as demand grows with time. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 51.8% of U.S adults have one chronic disease, and approx. 27% of people are suffering from several chronic diseases. Per year, 38 million people are affected because of chronic diseases across the globe, according to WHO. According to WHO, chronic diseases affect almost 41 million people, which is equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally; among these, 17.9 million deaths are caused for heart disease, 9.3 million deaths are caused due to cancer, and 4.1 million deaths due to respiratory diseases, 1.5 million deaths due to diabetes per year. Additionally, other factors are also influencing the growth of the market, such as exposure to the use of tobacco, increasing consumption of alcohol, and physical inactivity.

Chronic diseases can have a significant impact on the growth of the generic drugs market. Chronic diseases are long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing medical attention and often require the use of medication. Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and heart disease. Generic drugs are an attractive option for many patients with chronic diseases because they are typically less expensive than their branded counterparts. This is because generic drug manufacturers do not have to invest in expensive research and development or marketing campaigns, which can be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. The WHO also reports that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 71% of all deaths in 2019. However, according to the World Health Organization's 2021 Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking, the global prevalence of smoking has decreased from 27% in 2000 to 20% in 2020.

Growing Demand for Generic Drugs

The expiration of patents for branded drugs is a major driver of growth in the global generic drugs market, creating opportunities for innovation and making medications more accessible to patients. The expiration of patents for branded drugs can have a significant impact on the global generic drugs market. When a patent expires, it allows other manufacturers to produce and sell generic versions of the drug, often at a lower cost than the branded drug. This creates an opportunity for generic drug manufacturers to enter the market and offer more affordable options to consumers. As a result, the demand for generic drugs increases, driving growth in the generic drugs market. For example, Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor that is used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. It is manufactured under the patent by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lily Company in Europe, and it expired in 2018. It is thus expected to provide an opportunity for a large number of market players to manufacture its generic version.

In addition to increasing competition and lowering prices, the expiration of patents can also lead to innovation in the generic drugs market. Generic drug manufacturers may develop new formulations or delivery methods for the drug, improving its efficacy and convenience for patients.

However, it is important to note that not all drugs have a significant impact on the generic drugs market when their patents expire. Some drugs may not be profitable for generic manufacturers to produce, or the original drug may have unique properties that cannot be easily replicated by a generic version. Additionally, a supportive initiative by the FDA for promoting the development of biosimilars is encouraging manufacturers to focus on its development. As patents on brand-name drugs expire, generic drug manufacturers can enter the market and produce lower-cost versions of the drug. However, the availability of generic drugs can still be delayed if there are patent disputes or if the brand-name manufacturer implements strategies to delay competition.

Growing Demand for Low-Cost Drugs

Low-cost generic drugs have a significant impact on the global generic drugs market, making medications more affordable and accessible to patients, reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems, and driving innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than their branded counterparts, which makes them a more affordable option for patients. The availability of low-cost generic drugs can have a major impact on healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries, where access to affordable medications can be limited. This has led to increased demand for generic drugs in these regions, which has, in turn, contributed to the growth of the global generic drugs market. The cost savings associated with generic drugs also benefit healthcare providers, insurance companies, and governments. By using generic drugs, healthcare providers can reduce the cost of treatment for their patients, which can improve access to care and reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.

Additionally, to lower costs, low-cost generic drugs can also drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. As companies compete to produce the most affordable and effective generic versions of a drug, they may further invest in research and development to improve the formulation, delivery, and efficacy of the drug. In December 2021, the US FDA approved the first generic version of the drug Gilenya, used to treat multiple sclerosis.

Recent Development
  • In November 2021, the Indian government announced a new policy aimed at reducing the cost of generic drugs and promoting their use in the country.
  • In September 2021, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the use of generic drugs can lead to significant cost savings for patients with diabetes in the United States.
  • In August 2021, the US FDA approved the first generic version of the drug Advair Diskus, used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • In July 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new initiative aimed at increasing access to generic drugs and reducing the cost of medications worldwide.
Market Segmentation

Global generic drugs market is segmented based on type, application, drug delivery, form, source, distribution channel, and region. Based on type, the market is divided into Small Molecule Generics vs. Biosimilars. Based on application, the market is further segmented into Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Neurology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory Diseases, and Others. Based on drug delivery, the market is differentiated into Oral, Topical, Parenteral, and Others. Based on form, the market is segmented into tablets, Capsules, Injections, and Others. Based on the source, the market is divided into In House vs. Contract Manufacturing Organizations. Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, and Others.

Market Players

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Sandoz International GmbH (Novartis AG), Viatris Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Fresenius Kabi AG, STADA Arzneimittel AG, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Novo Nordisk A/S, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi SA, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited, Lupin Limited, among others, are some of the key players operating in the global Generic Drugs Market.

Report Scope:

In this report, Global Generic Drugs Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends, which have also been detailed below:
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Type:
  • Small Molecule Generics
  • Biosimilars
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Application:
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Diseases
  • Others
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Drug Delivery:
  • Oral
  • Topical
  • Parenteral
  • Others
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Form:
  • Tablet
  • Capsule
  • Injection
  • Others
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Source:
  • In House
  • Contract Manufacturing Organizations
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Distribution Channel:
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
  • Others
  • Generic Drugs Market, By Region:
  • North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • South America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Kuwait
Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global Generic Drugs market.

With the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information
  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).
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1. Product Overview
1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
1.2.1. Markets Covered
1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations
3. Executive Summary
3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends
4. Voice of Customer
5. Global Generic Drugs Market Outlook
5.1. Market Size & Forecast
5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
5.2.1. By Type (Small Molecule Generics vs Biosimilars)
5.2.2. By Application (Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Neurology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory Diseases, Others)
5.2.3. By Drug Delivery (Oral, Topical, Parenteral, Others)
5.2.4. By Form (Tablet, Capsule, Injection, Others)
5.2.5. By Source (In House vs Contract Manufacturing Organizations)
5.2.6. By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Others)
5.2.7. By Company (2022)
5.2.8. By Region
5.3. Market Map
5.3.1. By Type
5.3.2. By Application
5.3.3. By Drug Delivery
5.3.4. By Form
5.3.5. By Source
5.3.6. By Distribution Channel
5.3.7. By Region
6. North America Generic Drugs Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.2.1. By Type
6.2.2. By Application
6.2.3. By Drug Delivery
6.2.4. By Form
6.2.5. By Source
6.2.6. By Distribution Channel
6.2.7. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
6.3.1. United States Generic Drugs Market Outlook
6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.3.1.1.1. By Value
6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.3.1.2.1. By Type
6.3.1.2.2. By Application
6.3.1.2.3. By Drug Delivery
6.3.1.2.4. By Form
6.3.1.2.5. By Source
6.3.1.2.6. By Distribution Channel
6.3.2. Mexico Generic Drugs Market Outlook
6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.3.2.1.1. By Value
6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.3.2.2.1. By Type
6.3.2.2.2. By Application
6.3.2.2.3. By Drug Delivery
6.3.2.2.4. By Form
6.3.2.2.5. By Source
6.3.2.2.6. By Distribution Channel
6.3.3. Canada Generic Drugs Market Outlook
6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.3.3.1.1. By Value
6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.3.3.2.1. By Type
6.3.3.2.2. By Application
6.3.3.2.3. By Drug Delivery
6.3.3.2.4. By Form
6.3.3.2.5. By Source
6.3.3.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7. Europe Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.2.1. By Type
7.2.2. By Application
7.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.2.4. By Form
7.2.5. By Source
7.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7.2.7. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
7.3.1. Germany Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.3.1.1.1. By Value
7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.3.1.2.1. By Type
7.3.1.2.2. By Application
7.3.1.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.3.1.2.4. By Form
7.3.1.2.5. By Source
7.3.1.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7.3.2. United Kingdom Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.3.2.1.1. By Value
7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.3.2.2.1. By Type
7.3.2.2.2. By Application
7.3.2.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.3.2.2.4. By Form
7.3.2.2.5. By Source
7.3.2.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7.3.3. France Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.3.3.1.1. By Value
7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.3.3.2.1. By Type
7.3.3.2.2. By Application
7.3.3.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.3.3.2.4. By Form
7.3.3.2.5. By Source
7.3.3.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7.3.4. Italy Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.3.4.1.1. By Value
7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.3.4.2.1. By Type
7.3.4.2.2. By Application
7.3.4.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.3.4.2.4. By Form
7.3.4.2.5. By Source
7.3.4.2.6. By Distribution Channel
7.3.5. Spain Generic Drugs Market Outlook
7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.3.5.1.1. By Value
7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.3.5.2.1. By Type
7.3.5.2.2. By Application
7.3.5.2.3. By Drug Delivery
7.3.5.2.4. By Form
7.3.5.2.5. By Source
7.3.5.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8. Asia-Pacific Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.2.1. By Type
8.2.2. By Application
8.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.2.4. By Form
8.2.5. By Source
8.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8.2.7. By Country
8.3. Asia-Pacific: Country Analysis
8.3.1. China Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.3.1.1.1. By Value
8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.3.1.2.1. By Type
8.3.1.2.2. By Application
8.3.1.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.3.1.2.4. By Form
8.3.1.2.5. By Source
8.3.1.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8.3.2. Japan Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.3.2.1.1. By Value
8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.3.2.2.1. By Type
8.3.2.2.2. By Application
8.3.2.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.3.2.2.4. By Form
8.3.2.2.5. By Source
8.3.2.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8.3.3. South Korea Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.3.3.1.1. By Value
8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.3.3.2.1. By Type
8.3.3.2.2. By Application
8.3.3.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.3.3.2.4. By Form
8.3.3.2.5. By Source
8.3.3.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8.3.4. India Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.3.4.1.1. By Value
8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.3.4.2.1. By Type
8.3.4.2.2. By Application
8.3.4.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.3.4.2.4. By Form
8.3.4.2.5. By Source
8.3.4.2.6. By Distribution Channel
8.3.5. Australia Generic Drugs Market Outlook
8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.3.5.1.1. By Value
8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.3.5.2.1. By Type
8.3.5.2.2. By Application
8.3.5.2.3. By Drug Delivery
8.3.5.2.4. By Form
8.3.5.2.5. By Source
8.3.5.2.6. By Distribution Channel
9. South America Generic Drugs Market Outlook
9.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.2.1. By Type
9.2.2. By Application
9.2.3. By Drug Delivery
9.2.4. By Form
9.2.5. By Source
9.2.6. By Distribution Channel
9.2.7. By Country
9.3. South America: Country Analysis
9.3.1. Brazil Generic Drugs Market Outlook
9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.3.1.1.1. By Value
9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.3.1.2.1. By Type
9.3.1.2.2. By Application
9.3.1.2.3. By Drug Delivery
9.3.1.2.4. By Form
9.3.1.2.5. By Source
9.3.1.2.6. By Distribution Channel
9.3.2. Colombia Generic Drugs Market Outlook
9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.3.2.1.1. By Value
9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.3.2.2.1. By Type
9.3.2.2.2. By Application
9.3.2.2.3. By Drug Delivery
9.3.2.2.4. By Form
9.3.2.2.5. By Source
9.3.2.2.6. By Distribution Channel
9.3.3. Argentina Generic Drugs Market Outlook
9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.3.3.1.1. By Value
9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.3.3.2.1. By Type
9.3.3.2.2. By Application
9.3.3.2.3. By Drug Delivery
9.3.3.2.4. By Form
9.3.3.2.5. By Source
9.3.3.2.6. By Distribution Channel
10. Middle East and Africa Generic Drugs Market Outlook
10.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.2.1. By Type
10.2.2. By Application
10.2.3. By Drug Delivery
10.2.4. By Form
10.2.5. By Source
10.2.6. By Distribution Channel
10.2.7. By Country
10.3. MEA: Country Analysis
10.3.1. South Africa Generic Drugs Market Outlook
10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.3.1.1.1. By Value
10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.3.1.2.1. By Type
10.3.1.2.2. By Application
10.3.1.2.3. By Drug Delivery
10.3.1.2.4. By Form
10.3.1.2.5. By Source
10.3.1.2.6. By Distribution Channel
10.3.2. Saudi Arabia Generic Drugs Market Outlook
10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.3.2.1.1. By Value
10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.3.2.2.1. By Type
10.3.2.2.2. By Application
10.3.2.2.3. By Drug Delivery
10.3.2.2.4. By Form
10.3.2.2.5. By Source
10.3.2.2.6. By Distribution Channel
10.3.3. UAE Generic Drugs Market Outlook
10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.3.3.1.1. By Value
10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.3.3.2.1. By Type
10.3.3.2.2. By Application
10.3.3.2.3. By Drug Delivery
10.3.3.2.4. By Form
10.3.3.2.5. By Source
10.3.3.2.6. By Distribution Channel
10.3.4. Kuwait Generic Drugs Market Outlook
10.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.3.4.1.1. By Value
10.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.3.4.2.1. By Type
10.3.4.2.2. By Application
10.3.4.2.3. By Drug Delivery
10.3.4.2.4. By Form
10.3.4.2.5. By Source
10.3.4.2.6. By Distribution Channel
11. Market Dynamics
11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges
12. Market Trends & Developments
12.1. Recent Development
12.2. Mergers & Acquisitions
12.3. Product Launches
13. Global Generic Drugs Market: SWOT Analysis
14. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products
15. Competitive Landscape
15.1. Business Overview
15.2. Product Offerings
15.3. Recent Developments
15.4. Financials (As Reported)
15.5. Key Personnel
15.6. SWOT Analysis
15.6.1. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
15.6.2. Sandoz International GmbH (Novartis AG)
15.6.3. Viatris Inc.
15.6.4. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
15.6.5. Fresenius Kabi AG
15.6.6. STADA Arzneimittel AG
15.6.7. Aurobindo Pharma Limited
15.6.8. Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
15.6.9. Cipla Ltd
15.6.10. Novo Nordisk A/S
15.6.11. Abbott Laboratories Inc.
15.6.12. Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
15.6.13. Sanofi SA
15.6.14. Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
15.6.15. Lupin Limited
16. Strategic Recommendations

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