The global pen needles market size was exhibited at USD 3.40 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 10.47 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2023, Europe dominated the market with 40.0% share due to its rising prevalence of the target disease in this region.
- In 2023, standard pen needles were identified as the largest segment with a commanding share of over 87.0%.
- Amongst the various needle lengths, 8mm sized pen needle accounted for a lucrative market size in 2023
- The insulin therapy segment dominated the market in 2023 with over 88.0% share and is also expected to showcase lucrative growth over the forecast period.
Market Overview
The pen needles market plays a pivotal role in the broader field of diabetes care and hormone-based injectable therapies. Pen needles are specialized disposable medical devices used in conjunction with injection pens to deliver medications subcutaneously. These pens are commonly prescribed for the administration of insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and growth hormones. Due to their ease of use, reduced pain perception, and portability, pen needles have become a patient-preferred alternative to traditional syringes.
This market has witnessed significant growth over the last decade, primarily driven by the global rise in diabetes prevalence, aging populations, and a shift toward self-managed care. Patients now increasingly seek convenient, minimally invasive, and discreet methods to administer daily medications, positioning pen needles as a vital tool in modern therapeutic regimens.
Additionally, manufacturers have focused on technological innovations, including ultra-thin wall designs, improved safety mechanisms, and universal compatibility, to cater to both healthcare professionals and patients. These advancements not only improve the efficiency of drug delivery but also address concerns such as needlestick injuries, compliance, and product sustainability.
Major Trends in the Market
-
Transition to Safety Pen Needles: Increasing preference for retractable and auto-shielded designs to minimize needlestick injuries.
-
Shorter and Thinner Needles: Rising adoption of 4 mm and 5 mm needles for pain reduction and enhanced patient comfort.
-
Smart Insulin Pens Integration: Emerging integration with digital pens and mobile applications for dose tracking and adherence monitoring.
-
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Disposal Solutions: Manufacturers are introducing recyclable packaging and bio-based needle caps.
-
Rise of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapies: Expanding indications for GLP-1 drugs are increasing pen needle use beyond insulin.
-
Home-Based Therapy and Self-Administration: Growing acceptance of at-home injections in chronic disease management.
-
Geographic Expansion in Developing Markets: Targeted distribution and affordability programs expanding access in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Pen Needles Market Report Scope
Market Driver: Rising Diabetes Prevalence Globally
One of the principal drivers of the pen needles market is the escalating global burden of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), over 537 million adults were living with diabetes in 2021 a figure expected to surpass 780 million by 2045. Many of these individuals require long-term insulin therapy, with pen devices and compatible pen needles forming the cornerstone of their treatment regimen.
Pen needles offer several advantages over traditional syringes, including portability, accuracy, reduced pain, and ease of use making them especially valuable for elderly and visually impaired patients. In response to the rising diabetic population, governments and healthcare providers are investing in structured diabetes management programs that include the distribution of injection pens and pen needles as essential components of care.
Market Restraint: Needle Phobia and Misuse
Despite advances in design and patient education, needle phobia and improper use of pen needles remain significant barriers to market growth. A substantial proportion of patients exhibit fear or anxiety toward injections, leading to poor adherence and, in some cases, avoidance of necessary treatment altogether. This is particularly problematic in younger populations and newly diagnosed individuals.
In addition to psychological barriers, incorrect use of pen needles such as failure to rotate injection sites or reuse of disposable needles—can lead to complications such as lipohypertrophy, infection, and poor glycemic control. While educational campaigns and support programs exist, these challenges persist, highlighting the need for improved training and digital tools to guide proper technique and reduce apprehension.
Market Opportunity: Expansion of GLP-1 and Growth Hormone Therapies
A compelling opportunity within the pen needles market is the rising adoption of non-insulin injectable therapies, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists and recombinant growth hormone treatments. GLP-1 drugs, initially introduced for glycemic control in T2DM, are now widely used for obesity management, cardiovascular protection, and even in pre-diabetic stages. Their weekly administration schedule, delivered via injection pens, increases the total number of patients using pen needles.
Similarly, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy for pediatric and adult growth disorders requires regular subcutaneous injections, expanding the scope of pen needle applications. With several new biologics entering the market and expansion of clinical indications, pen needle manufacturers have a growing opportunity to cater to a broader therapeutic landscape beyond traditional insulin delivery.
Segmental Analysis
By Product
Standard pen needles currently dominate the market, primarily due to their affordability, widespread availability, and simplicity. These needles are used by millions of patients globally, particularly in regions with constrained healthcare budgets. While lacking additional safety features, standard pen needles are easy to attach and dispose of, making them the default choice in many developing healthcare systems.
Safety pen needles are the fastest-growing product category, fueled by the need to prevent accidental needlestick injuries, especially among healthcare workers and home caregivers. These needles feature retractable mechanisms or automatic shields that cover the tip after use, thereby minimizing infection risks. Safety features are increasingly mandated by health authorities in Europe and North America, contributing to growing adoption.
By Needle Length
The 8 mm segment dominates in terms of volume, as it has traditionally been the standard needle length for adults requiring subcutaneous injections. It offers a reliable balance between penetration depth and drug absorption, and remains preferred in older patient populations or those with higher BMI.
The 4 mm and 5 mm segments are the fastest growing, reflecting a broader trend toward shorter needles that minimize pain, reduce the risk of intramuscular injection, and are easier to use, especially in pediatric and elderly patients. Advances in needle wall thickness allow for effective drug delivery even at reduced lengths. These shorter needles are recommended by clinical guidelines as suitable for nearly all body types, further accelerating their popularity.
By Therapy
Insulin therapy accounts for the largest share, given the long-established need for daily subcutaneous injections in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. The increasing diagnosis rate, coupled with guideline-recommended insulin intensification strategies, sustains consistent demand in this category.
GLP-1 therapy is the fastest-growing application, as weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide and dulaglutide) gain momentum in diabetes and obesity management. These therapies are being adopted globally not only for glycemic control but also for weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome. As these drugs move toward first-line status, their impact on pen needle demand is expected to multiply.
Regional Analysis
North America currently dominates the pen needles market, driven by a high prevalence of diabetes, favorable reimbursement structures, and robust public health campaigns. The U.S. in particular has a well-established insulin delivery ecosystem supported by major players like BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), with advanced supply chains and a strong focus on patient education and safety.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, spurred by rising diabetes incidence in countries such as India, China, and Indonesia. The region’s large undiagnosed population, increasing urbanization, and improved access to healthcare are fueling demand for pen-based drug delivery systems. Government-led initiatives and international collaborations to tackle diabetes are leading to increased awareness, diagnosis, and subsequent uptake of pen needles. Moreover, regional manufacturers are introducing competitively priced pen needles to cater to price-sensitive markets.
Some of the prominent players in the Pen needles market include:
- Novo Nordisk A/S
- Becton
- Dickinson and Company
- Terumo Corp.
- Owen Mumford Ltd.
- Ypsomed
- B. Braun Melsungen AG
- HTL-STREFA
- UltiMed, Inc.
- Allison Medical, Inc.
- Artsana S.p.A.
Recent Developments
-
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (April 2025): Announced the launch of a next-generation 4 mm x 32G pen needle with an ultra-thin wall to enhance comfort and improve drug flow for insulin and GLP-1 users.
-
Owen Mumford (March 2025): Introduced its safety pen needle line “UniSafe Plus” in European markets, targeting improved user protection in clinical and home settings.
-
Novo Nordisk (February 2025): Partnered with a regional manufacturer in Southeast Asia to localize pen needle production and reduce delivery lead times across emerging markets.
-
Ypsomed AG (January 2025): Expanded its digital health integration with Bluetooth-enabled smart pens, allowing real-time dose tracking when used with compatible pen needles.
-
Terumo Corporation (December 2024): Filed for regulatory approval in Japan for a new line of eco-friendly pen needles made with reduced plastic content and biodegradable caps.
Segments Covered in the Report
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global pen needles market.
Product
- Standard Pen Needles
- Safety Pen Needles
Needle Length
- 4 mm
- 5 mm
- 6 mm
- 8 mm
- 10 mm
- 12 mm
Therapy
- Insulin
- Glucagon-like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1)
- Growth Hormone
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Request Customization
Get a Sample
Get a Sample
Request Customization