The global prefilled syringes market was valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 9.0 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period.

The report also suggests that the North American region held the largest market share in 2020 due to the presence of major pharmaceutical companies and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the region.

The global prefilled syringes market is a growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry. Prefilled syringes are disposable medical devices that are designed to contain a single dose of medication. They are used for the administration of a variety of drugs, including vaccines, biologics, and small molecule drugs.

The demand for prefilled syringes is increasing due to their ease of use, reduced risk of medication errors, and improved patient compliance. Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, is driving the growth of the market.

Some of the key players operating in the global prefilled syringes market include Becton, Dickinson and Company, Gerresheimer AG, SCHOTT AG, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., and Stevanato Group.

Market Dynamics

Driving Factors

There are several driving factors contributing to the growth of the global prefilled syringes market. Here are some of the key factors:

Technological advancements: The development of new materials and technologies has led to the production of advanced prefilled syringes that offer improved safety and convenience. For instance, the use of glass-coated plastic materials for prefilled syringes has led to improved drug stability and reduced breakage risks. The availability of technologically advanced prefilled syringes is expected to drive the growth of the market.

Increasing geriatric population: The global aging population is driving the demand for drugs and medical devices. Prefilled syringes are preferred by the elderly population due to ease of use and reduced risk of medication errors. The increasing geriatric population is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the prefilled syringes market.

Restraining Factors

Despite the growth potential of the global prefilled syringes market, there are several restraining factors that could affect market growth. Here are some of the key restraining factors:

Environmental concerns: Prefilled syringes are typically made of plastic, which could contribute to environmental waste. The increasing focus on sustainability and environmental concerns could limit the adoption of prefilled syringes.

Competition from alternative drug delivery systems: While prefilled syringes offer several advantages, they face competition from alternative drug delivery systems such as auto-injectors, inhalers, and transdermal patches. The availability of alternative drug delivery systems could limit the growth of the prefilled syringes market.

Challenges Factors

The global prefilled syringes market faces several challenges that could impact market growth. Here are some of the key challenges:

Product recalls: Any issues with the quality or safety of prefilled syringes could lead to product recalls. Product recalls can damage the reputation of the manufacturer and lead to financial losses.

Technological limitations: While there have been significant advances in the technology used in prefilled syringes, there are still limitations. For example, the viscosity of some drugs can make them difficult to administer using prefilled syringes. Technological limitations could limit the adoption of prefilled syringes for some drugs.

Opportunity Factors

The global prefilled syringes market presents several opportunities for growth and innovation. Here are some of the key opportunities:

Biodegradable materials: The increasing focus on sustainability and environmental concerns presents an opportunity for the development of prefilled syringes made from biodegradable materials. The use of biodegradable materials could reduce waste and increase the sustainability of the healthcare industry.

Digital connectivity: The use of digital technology is transforming the healthcare industry, and prefilled syringes can be integrated with digital connectivity to improve patient outcomes. Digital connectivity can provide real-time data on medication adherence and patient outcomes, enabling healthcare providers to provide personalized care.

Segmentation Analysis

Material Outlook

Glass is the traditional material used for prefilled syringes. Glass is preferred for its superior chemical stability, biocompatibility, and low adsorption of drug molecules. Glass is also easily recyclable, making it a sustainable material. However, glass is fragile and can be expensive, which limits its use in some markets.

Plastic is increasingly being used as an alternative to glass for prefilled syringes. Plastic syringes are lightweight, shatterproof, and can be manufactured at a lower cost than glass. Plastic is also more flexible, making it suitable for use with drugs that have high viscosity. However, plastic syringes can be more prone to leaching and may not be as chemically stable as glass.

Polymers such as cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP) are gaining popularity for use in prefilled syringes. Polymers offer advantages such as low extractables and leachables, excellent chemical stability, and the ability to be easily molded into complex shapes. Polymers are also lighter than glass and can be manufactured at a lower cost. However, the high cost of raw materials and limited manufacturing capacity can be a limiting factor for the use of polymers in prefilled syringes.

Other materials used for prefilled syringes include ceramic and metal. Ceramic offers excellent chemical and mechanical stability, but its high cost limits its use. Metal offers superior chemical and mechanical stability but is less commonly used due to concerns over compatibility with drugs.

End Use Outlook

Vaccines are one of the largest applications for prefilled syringes. Prefilled syringes are widely used for administering vaccines due to their ease of use, accuracy, and safety. With the increasing demand for vaccines worldwide, the vaccines segment is expected to continue to grow.

Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and other complex molecules, require careful handling and administration. Prefilled syringes are preferred for biologics due to their ability to deliver precise doses and reduce the risk of contamination. With the increasing use of biologics in the treatment of chronic diseases, the biologics segment is expected to grow.

Other applications for prefilled syringes include pain management, hormone therapy, and emergency medicine. The use of prefilled syringes in these applications is driven by factors such as ease of use, accuracy, and safety.

Regional Analysis

North America is the largest market for prefilled syringes. The presence of a large number of biopharmaceutical companies, increasing demand for self-administered drugs, and growing awareness of the advantages of prefilled syringes are the major drivers of the market in this region.

Europe is the second-largest market for prefilled syringes. The presence of a large number of pharmaceutical companies, increasing demand for biologics, and the adoption of advanced drug delivery systems are driving the growth of the market in this region.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for prefilled syringes. Factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the increasing demand for self-administered drugs are driving the growth of the market in this region. The presence of a large number of contract manufacturing organizations and the low cost of production are also contributing to the growth of the market.

Scope Of Report:

The Global Prefilled Syringes Market has been segmented into:

By Type

• Disposable Prefilled Syringes
• Reusable Prefilled Syringes

By Material

• Glass Prefilled Syringes
• Plastic Prefilled Syringes

By Application

• Anaphylaxis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hospitals
• Mail Order Pharmacies
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers

By Region

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • UK
  • Nordic Countries
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • Iceland
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Benelux Union
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America

Market Players 

The global prefilled syringes market is highly competitive and fragmented, with numerous players vying for market share. Some of the key companies in the market are:

• Gerresheimer AG
• Schott Group
• Unilife Corporation
• Nipro Medical Corporation
• Owen Mumford
• Haselmeier AG
• BD & Others

Becton, Dickinson and Company is a leading player in the global prefilled syringes market. The company offers a wide range of prefilled syringes for different therapeutic areas, including vaccines, biologics, and insulin.

Gerresheimer AG is a German company that offers a wide range of prefilled syringes, including glass and plastic syringes. The company's products are used for various applications, including vaccines, biologics, and insulin.

SCHOTT AG is a German company that specializes in the development and production of glass and plastic products. The company offers a wide range of prefilled syringes for different therapeutic areas, including vaccines, biologics, and anticoagulants.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a US-based company that specializes in the development and production of drug delivery systems. The company offers a wide range of prefilled syringes, including glass and plastic syringes, for various applications.

Nipro Corporation is a Japanese company that specializes in the development and production of medical devices. The company offers a wide range of prefilled syringes, including glass and plastic syringes, for various applications, including vaccines, biologics, and insulin.

Other notable players in the market include Catalent, Inc., Vetter Pharma International GmbH, Ompi Srl (Stevanato Group), Medpro Inc., and Terumo Corporation.

Strategic Developments

In 2020, SCHOTT AG, a leading manufacturer of glass and polymer products, invested €300 million ($351 million) in expanding its manufacturing capabilities for prefilled syringes and other primary packaging solutions.

In 2020, Gerresheimer AG, a leading manufacturer of glass and plastic products, acquired Sensile Medical AG, a Swiss provider of drug delivery systems, for €350 million ($410 million). The acquisition is expected to strengthen Gerresheimer's position in the prefilled syringes market.

In 2019, Catalent, Inc., a leading provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions, acquired Paragon Bioservices, Inc., a leading gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization, for $1.2 billion. The acquisition is expected to expand Catalent's capabilities in the prefilled syringes market.

In 2019, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a leading provider of medical technology, announced the acquisition of C. R. Bard, Inc., a leading provider of medical products, for $24 billion. The acquisition is expected to expand BD's product portfolio in the prefilled syringes market.

In 2018, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., a leading provider of drug delivery and packaging solutions, announced the acquisition of the drug delivery systems business of Tech Group, Inc. for $495 million. The acquisition is expected to expand West Pharmaceutical Services' product portfolio in the prefilled syringes market.