U.S. Pharmaceutical Packaging Markets

Abstract

Research Overview

Pharmaceutical Packagers in the United States Strive to Keep Pace with New Drug Delivery Systems

The introduction of biologics-based drugs has changed the pharmaceuticals industry. These highly sensitive drugs, whose efficacy is package-dependent, require high-barrier materials -- a development that has redefined the role of packaging in drug delivery from that of a passive component to an active one. The damage of products dispatched from mail order and Internet pharmacies is also forcing the drug and packaging companies to develop tailor-made solutions for these distribution channels. The smart packaging sector is expected to eventually make use of information and communications technologies for better results.

Manufacturers Focus on Developing Secure, User-friendly, and Customer-specific Products

The U.S. pharmaceutical packaging enterprises is being steered by the need to design and develop products that meet the requirements of, and specifications for various target groups. "For instance, the Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes that packages for all prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter (OTC) ones should be senior-friendly and child resistant," says the analyst of this research. "Such specifications are also expected to extend into specialized areas such as clinical trial packaging and physician samples."

Prefilled Syringes Sector Makes Sizeable Contribution to Overall Market Revenue Growth

For the period 2004-2011, the U.S. pharmaceutical packaging market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 percent. A major portion (16.8 percent) of this revenue is set to come from the fastest growing prefilled syringes sector. "Compliance with packaging requirements and rising acceptance of non-invasive delivery systems are contributing to the popularity of blister packages, nasal sprays, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free inhalers," notes the analyst. "A CFC-free inhaler offering the same efficacy as a CFC-based one is likely to find greater acceptance in the market."

Over the last few years, there has been a surge in the per head intake of pharmaceutical drugs due to the increased health consciousness and awareness of the end users. Direct-to-consumer advertising (DCA) of drugs by pharmaceutical companies is also contributing to higher medicines sales. Overall, growth in the pharmaceuticals industry directly depends on increasing prescription scripts. This in turn, boosts the unit sales of pharmaceuticals and thereby, packaging sales.