Synthetic Small Molecule API Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Manufacturer (In-house, Outsourced), By Application (Cardiology, Oncology)- Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2022-2030

The global Synthetic Small Molecule API market size was estimated at USD 131.85 billion billion in 2021 and is expected to surpass around USD 218.10 billion by 2030 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030.

Key Takeaways:

• By Manufacturer, the U.S. Synthetic Small Molecule API market was valued at USD 47.85 Billion in 2021 and expected to witness growth at a CAGR of 4.20% from 2022 to 2030.
• The growth of the overall market is attributed to the increasing production of pharmaceuticals with the increased demand for raw material
• The API market is witnessing a key shift with the rise in the preference for CDMOs for the production of synthetic small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients in bulk
• By manufacturer, the outsourced segment is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period owing to a dependency of small and mid-sized companies on outsourcing for commercial production
• The cardiology appolication segment dominated the market in 2021. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of target diseases
• North America dominated the market in 2021 due to the presence of key players and rising support from the government for enhancing the API manufacturing capacity of the region

This can be attributed to the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and new small molecule-based drugs globally. Moreover, small molecules API offers versatility between dosage forms and has an easier means of purification, which makes it more acceptable and increases the demand.

There is an increasing dominance of synthetic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, which is expected to propel the requirement of raw materials such as small molecule APIs for production. Moreover, technological advancements related to the enhancement of existing products are expected to provide new opportunities for small molecule therapeutics. For instance, in March 2022, Evonik launched the new EUDRATECSoluFlow technology that enhances the solubility of oral small molecules.

The market is driven by positive government support for the production of APIs in various regions, particularly in Asia, where the majority of API manufacturers are dependent on the supply of API for the production of synthetic small molecule APIs. There has been an increasing focus on outsourcing activities for API production. For instance, in April 2020, for managing COVID-19, Wavelength Pharmaceuticals expanded the supply of key drug ingredients for certain pharmaceutical products needed to manage respiratory critical care patients and launched API CDMO services. Emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia represent significant opportunities for growth.

The investment in new and complex technologies is relatively low for Asian manufacturers as they are more focused on less complex molecules that can be produced in bulk. Thus, the investment in high-yielding, low-cost technologies is an alternative for manufacturers in other developed regions such as Europe and North America to avoid competitive pressure.

Key players operating in the market are focusing on collaboration for the production of potent API products. For instance, in August 2021, Almac Sciences signed an agreement with Pila Pharma for the production of the API XEN-D0501, a highly potent and selective small molecule TRPV1 antagonist. Moreover, CDMOs are constantly evolving by expanding their capacities to meet the heightened demand for synthetic drugs. For instance, in April 2022, AGC Inc. announced the expansion of its Spanish facility by 7500 m² for synthetic pharmaceutical production, which is expected to enhance the demand for synthetic small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients in the region.

Report Scope of the Synthetic Small Molecule API Market

Manufacturer Insights

The in-house segment dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 61.0% in 2021. The growth of the segment can be attributed to manufacturers aiming to lower the reliance on CDMOs and suppliers for raw materials and rather focusing on developing their own API. For instance, in April 2021, Lonza launched a new small-molecule manufacturing complexat its Visp, Switzerland, site that would enhance future small-molecule technologies expansion.

The outsourced segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period owing to the increasing shift of manufacturing companies towards contract research and development organizations for the production of API commercially. For instance, in 2021, Curia, a CDMO invested more than USD 35 million in the expansion of its commercial manufacturing capacity at its Rensselaer, New York facility. Moreover, the increasing demand for the requirement of complex manufacturing processes further increases the growth of the segment.

Application Insights

The cardiology segment led the market with a revenue share of over 21.0% in 2021. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of target diseases worldwide owing to changes in food habits and lifestyles. Moreover, the market is driven by increasing implementation of treatment for cardiovascular conditions. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation drug sales account for one of the highest shares in the CVD drugs and API market. According to the WHO in 2021, around 1.28 billion adults are estimated to have hypertension, which accounts for a larger share of drug sales.

The oncology segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The increasing global prevalence of cancer is a key factor driving this market. Moreover, an increase in oncology research and development is resulting in the launch of a number of novel drugs that further boost oncology adoption, which, in turn, fuels the growth of the oncology segment. For instance, in 2021, 9 novel drugs were launched, which were developed from small molecule API for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest revenue share of over 35.9% in 2021. This can be attributed to the increasing support from the government with favorable initiatives, coupled with the increased interest of players in the development of novel products in the region. For instance, in September 2021, AbbVie announced the U.S. FDA approval of Qulipta (atogepant) for episodic migraine in adults. The medication is the first and only oral antagonist of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. Moreover, the government in this region is becoming increasingly supportive in terms of regulation of API production, which further has reduced the dependence of the region on Asian manufacturers.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period due to the dependence of pharmaceutical manufacturers for API production on China and India, increasing focus on the development of less complex molecules that can be produced in bulk, and involvement in supplying API globally at a low cost. Moreover, increasing government support for investments in API businesses is leading to growth.

Some of the prominent players in the Synthetic Small Molecule API Market include:

• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Cipla, Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• AbbVie, Inc.
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Albemarle Corporation
• Viatris Inc.
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.

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 Synthetic Small Molecule API market

• Manufacturer Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
• In-house
• Outsourced
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• CNS and Neurology
• Orthopedic
• Endocrinology
• Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology
• Ophthalmology
• Others

By Geography

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• GCC
• North Africa
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the global Synthetic Small Molecule API industry analysis from 2022 to 2030 to identify the prevailing Synthetic Small Molecule API industry opportunity.
• The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the global Synthetic Small Molecule API industry segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
• Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
• The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global Synthetic Small Molecule API industry trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.