The global Small Molecule API market size was estimated at USD 175.35 billion in 2021 and is expected to surpass around USD 282.55 billion by 2030 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.48% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030. Some of the major factors propelling the market are the growing demand for small molecule drugs in the market and the increased outsourcing trend. The patent expiry of leading molecules is further driving growth by facilitating the entry of new players that propel the demand for raw materials like API for low-cost production of drugs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated the growth of the market by prompting the players to diversify their business geographically to avoid shortages. COVID-19 is further propelling investigation of small molecule products such as Molnupiravir for treatment of the condition. Repurposing of existing small molecule drugs is also under study for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Small molecules are anticipated to dominate the market as a technology, owing to the presence of a strong pipeline in which over two-thirds of the small molecule-based products are on accelerated pathways and are expected to enter the market in the upcoming years. As of October 2021, 58% of molecules in the drug development process are small molecules. This demonstrates a huge opportunity for contract manufacturers in the market.
Increased use of novel technologies and the emergence of specialty medicines are expected to lead to a paradigm shift in the industry. Instead, small volume production is projected to witness a surge. Moreover, with an increasing number of products being launched and produced, flexible manufacturing units and robust processes are being developed to meet changing demands.
The complexity of manufacturing is evolving towards increasingly complex molecules, thus creating the requirement for more compound manufacturing facilities. This is also in line with a pipeline that holds 30% of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPI) along with the surge in demand for highly potent molecules.
Report Scope of the Small Molecule API Market
Report Coverage |
Details |
Market Size |
US$ 282.55 Billion by 2030 |
Growth Rate |
CAGR of 5.48% from 2022 to 2030 |
Largest Market |
North America |
Fastest Growing Market |
Asia Pacific |
Base Year |
2021 |
Forecast Period |
2022 to 2030 |
Segments Covered |
Type, application, manufacturer, and Region, |
Companies Mentioned |
Merck & Co., Inc., AbbVie, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Cipla, Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Albemarle Corporation, Viatris Inc., Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. |
Type Insights
The synthetic segment dominated the market in 2021, attributable to the dominance of synthetic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry that propels the demand for raw materials such as small molecule APIs for production. Furthermore, the ease of production of these molecules and high effectiveness boost the segment growth.
The presence of many players in the synthetic segment is accelerating its growth. Moreover, an increasing number of players are aiming at backward integration and building new manufacturing plants to increase efficiency. The biotech segment is projected to grow at a lucrative rate, attributable to a rising focus on targeted therapies, along with a surge in demand for biotech-based products.
Manufacturer Insights
The in-house segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021, owing to a high number of companies manufacturing their API themselves, making them less reliant on suppliers for raw materials. For instance, in September 2021, AstraZeneca announced an investment of USD 360 million in an API manufacturing facility in Ireland for the commercialization of new products.
Outsourcing has been growing at a steep rate, which can be attributed to the increasing number of molecules being approved that require complex manufacturing processes. Moreover, most of these molecules belong to micro and small-sized companies that highly depend on CDMOs for commercial production of API. This has increased the movement in the CDMO industry, and major players have increased their capacities to meet industry demands.
Application Insights
The cardiology segment accounted for the largest share in 2021. This is on account of the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular conditions globally, owing to changes in lifestyle and food habits. Moreover, increased adoption of treatment for cardiovascular conditions is accelerating the market growth for the segment.
The oncology segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period due to a surge in the prevalence of cancer. The presence of a lucrative pipeline and increase in demand for cancer drugs is creating a pull for oncology API in the market. Players such as Heraeus Pharmaceutical Ingredients have announced the expansion of their production capabilities in the cancer active ingredients segment.
Regional Insights
North America accounted for the largest market share in 2021. The presence of favorable government initiatives, coupled with the increased interest of players in the region, is anticipated to propel the North American market. For instance, in November 2020, Cambrex announced an investment of USD 50 million for the expansion of its large-scale manufacturing in the U.S. The facility is aimed at meeting the continually surging demand for small molecules.
Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period due to improvements in overall healthcare infrastructure, improved access to healthcare, and the presence of local manufacturers in large numbers. These players supply globally and make Asia Pacific a key region for the production of small molecule API at a low cost. Increasing government support in nations such as India for investing in API business is further accelerating the growth of the region. In March 2022, Lonza announced the completion of the expansion of its laboratory in China’s API manufacturing facility, which allows the company to focus on small molecule high potency APIs.
Some of the prominent players in the Small Molecule API Market include:
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 2017 to 2030. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global Small Molecule API market
By Geography
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Key Points Covered in Small Molecule API Market Study:
Chapter 1 Small Molecule API Market: Methodology And Scope
1.1 Market Segmentation
1.1.1 Segment Scope
1.1.2 Regional Scope
1.1.3 Estimates And Forecast Timeline
1.2 Research Methodology
1.3 Information Procurement
1.3.1 Purchased Database
1.3.2 Nova one advisor’s Internal Database
1.3.3 Secondary Sources
1.3.4 Primary Research
1.3.5 Details Of Primary Research
1.4 Information or Data Analysis
1.4.1 Data Analysis Models
1.5 Market Formulation & Validation
1.6 Model Details
1.6.1 Commodity Flow Analysis
1.6.1.1 Approach 1: Commodity Flow Approach
1.6.1.2 Approach 2: Country-Wise Market Estimation Using Bottom-Up Approach
1.6.1.3 Approach 2: Country-Wise Market Estimation Using Top-Down Approach
1.7 Global Market: CAGR Calculation
1.8 Regional Market: CAGR Calculation
1.9 List of Secondary Sources
1.10 Objectives
1.10.1 Objective 1:
1.10.2 Objective 2:
1.11 List of Abbreviations
Chapter 2 Small Molecule API Market: Executive Summary
2.1 Small Molecule API Market: Market Outlook
2.1.1 Market Summary
Chapter 3 Small Molecule API Market: Industry Outlook
3.1 Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1 Parent Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.2 Related/Ancillary Market Outlook
3.2 Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping
3.3 Market Dynamics
3.3.1 Market Drivers
3.3.1.1 High growth of the pharmaceutical industry
3.3.1.2 Rising R&D and launch of novel molecules
3.3.1.3 Increased outsourcing of API production
3.3.1.4 Growing geriatric population
3.3.1.5 Escalating prevalence of chronic diseases
3.3.2 Market restraint Analysis
3.3.2.1 Emergence of biologics
3.3.2.2 High dependence on Asian nations for production
3.4 SWOT Analysis, By Factor (Political & Legal, Economic and Technological)
3.5 Industry Analysis - Porter’s
3.6 Reimbursement & Regulatory Scenario
3.7 Major Deals & Strategic Alliances
3.7.1 New Product Launch
3.7.2 Acquisition
3.7.3 Expansion
3.7.4 Partnerships
3.7.5 Marketing & Promotions
Chapter 4 Small Molecule API Market: Competitive Landscape
4.1 Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
4.1.1 Ansoff matrix
4.2 Company Categorization
4.2.1 Innovators
4.2.1.1 Market Differentiators
4.3 Vendor Landscape
4.3.1 List of key distributors and channel partners
4.3.2 Key customers
4.3.3 Key company market share analysis, 2021
4.4 Public Companies
4.4.1 Competitive dashboard analysis
4.5 Private Companies
4.5.1 List of key emerging companies
4.6 Regional Network Map
Chapter 5 Small Molecule API Market: Type Business Analysis
5.1 Small Molecule API Market: Type Movement Analysis
5.2 Synthetic
5.2.1 Synthetic market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
5.3 Biotech
5.3.1 Biotech market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Chapter 6 Small Molecule API Market: Product Business Analysis
6.1 Small Molecule API Market: Manufacturer Movement Analysis
6.2 In-house
6.2.1 In-house market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
6.3 Outsourced
6.3.1 Outsourced market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Chapter 7 Small Molecule API Market: Manufacturer Business Analysis
7.1 Small Molecule API Market: Manufacturer Movement Analysis
7.2 Cardiology
7.2.1 Cardiology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.3 Oncology
7.3.1 Oncology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.4 CNS and Neurology
7.4.1 CNS and Neurology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.5 Orthopedic
7.5.1 Orthopedic market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.6 Endocrinology
7.6.1 Endocrinology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.7 Pulmonology
7.7.1 Pulmunology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.8 Gastroenterology
7.8.1 Gastroenterology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.9 Nephrology
7.9.1 Nephrology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.10 Opthalmology
7.10.1 Opthalmology market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
7.11 Others
7.11.1 Other market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Chapter 8 Small Molecule API Market: Regional Business Analysis
8.1 Market Share Analysis by Country, 2021 & 2030
8.1.1 North America
8.1.1.1 North America market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.1.2 U.S.
8.1.1.2.1 U.S. market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.1.3 Canada
8.1.1.3.1 Canada market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2 Europe
8.1.2.1 Europe market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2.2 UK
8.1.2.2.1 UK market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2.3 Germany
8.1.2.3.1 Germany market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2.4 France
8.1.2.4.1 France market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2.5 Italy
8.1.2.5.1 Italy market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.2.6 Spain
8.1.2.6.1 Spain market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3 Asia-Pacific
8.1.3.1 Asia-Pacific market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3.2 Japan
8.1.3.2.1 Japan market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3.3 China
8.1.3.3.1 China market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3.4 India
8.1.3.4.1 India market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3.5 South Korea
8.1.3.5.1 South Korea market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.3.6 Australia
8.1.3.6.1 Australia market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.4 Latin America
8.1.4.1 Latin America market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.4.2 Brazil
8.1.4.2.1 Brazil market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.4.3 Mexico
8.1.4.3.1 Mexico market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.4.4 Argentina
8.1.4.4.1 Argentina market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.5 Middle East and Africa
8.1.5.1 Middle East & Africa market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.5.2 South Africa
8.1.5.2.1 South Africa market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.5.3 Saudi Arabia
8.1.5.3.1 Saudi Arabia market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
8.1.5.4 UAE
8.1.5.4.1 UAE market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Chapter 9 Small Molecule API Market: Company Profiling
10.1 Company Profiles
10.1.1 AbbVie, Inc.
10.1.1.1 Company Overview
10.1.1.2 Financial Performance
10.1.1.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.1.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.2 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
10.1.2.1 Company Overview
10.1.2.2 Financial Performance
10.1.2.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.2.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.3 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
10.1.3.1 Company Overview
10.1.3.2 Financial Performance
10.1.3.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.3.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.4 Cipla Inc.
10.1.4.1 Company Overview
10.1.4.2 Financial Performance
10.1.4.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.4.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.5 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
10.1.5.1 Company Overview
10.1.5.2 Financial Performance
10.1.5.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.5.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.6 Albemarle Corporation
10.1.6.1 Company Overview
10.1.6.2 Financial Performance
10.1.6.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.6.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.7 Viatris Inc.
10.1.7.1 Company Overview
10.1.7.2 Financial Performance
10.1.7.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.7.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.8 Aurobindo Pharma
10.1.8.1 Company Overview
10.1.8.2 Financial Performance
10.1.8.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.8.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.9 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
10.1.9.1 Company Overview
10.1.9.2 Financial Performance
10.1.9.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.9.4 Strategic Initiatives
10.1.10 Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
10.1.10.1 Company Overview
10.1.10.2 Financial Performance
10.1.10.3 Product Benchmarking
10.1.10.4 Strategic Initiatives