Oral Thin Films Market

Oral Thin Films Market Overview

The global Oral Thin Films Market size is estimated at USD 3.50 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 5.94 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025-2030.

The Oral Thin Films (OTFs) market also known as orodispersible film market refers to the production and distribution of oral thin films for the effective treatment of various diseases such as schizophrenia, migraine and others. These films rapidly dissolve in the mouth releasing the active pharmaceutical ingredient for absorption through oral mucosa or into the gastrointestinal tract making it convenient for use. The pharmaceutical industries are opting new ways to deliver drugs using thin films as it is a best alternative to traditional dosage system. Various stakeholders are collaborating to innovate, manufacture and distribute the OTF products globally essential for the continuous growth and expansion of the market.

Market Dynamics and Trends

The rising chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Parkinson’s disease is driving the demand for effective and patient-friendly drug delivery systems including OTFs. These films provide an easy-to-use alternative to traditional pills, especially for people who face difficulty in swallowing. According to the report published by the Parkinson’s Foundation, the number of patients living with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. is currently recorded at 90000 people every year and is expected to rise 1.2 million by 2030. Similarly, as per Frontiers Media S.A, China is expected to have 4.7 million parkin patients by the year 2030. The substantial rise in Parkinson’s cases globally is increasing the oral thin films market demand for advanced drug delivery systems that drives the growth of the market.

Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure is fueling the growth of the market by investing in advanced drug delivery technologies. These investments advance the development of oral thin film formulations that increases adoption and patient adherence for efficient treatment procedures. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), global health spending increased from USD 9.97 trillion in 2022 to USD 10.3 trillion in 2023, underscoring the growing financial commitment to healthcare innovations. This upward trend in spending is expected to further accelerate the development and adoption of oral thin films, supporting continued market expansion.

Also, growing government initiatives, such as financial incentives and product approvals are driving innovation in the oral thin film industry by encouraging the development of advanced drug delivery systems. As a result, companies are more motivated to invest in OTF technologies, leading to faster market entry and enhanced patient compliance.

For instance, in April 2022, BioXcel Therapeutics received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its IGALMI sublingual film, designed for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder in adults. These oral films provides a rapid action for fast-acting medications that leads to the increased demand for the growth of market.

However, high cost and production complexities associated with the manufacturing of oral thin films is hindering the growth of market.

On the contrary, integration of nanotechnology for preparing oral thin film is expected to create significant opportunity for the market. This approach facilitates targeted delivery and the oral administration of macromolecules that significantly expands the therapeutic applications of oral thin films.

For example, in November 2022, Notarize, a women focussing nourishment brand launched dissolvable oral strips for managing nausea during pregnancy and menstrual periods with the integration of nanotechnology. These strips potentially improve absorption and efficacy, demonstrating nanoscale advancements in revolutionizing traditional health solutions in a user-friendly format.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study

The oral thin films market report is segmented on the basis of products, disease indication, distribution channel and region.

On the basis of products, the market is divided into sublingual film and fast dissolving dental/buccal film. On the basis of disease indication, the market is segmented into schizophrenia, migraine, opioid dependence, nausea & vomiting and others. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and online pharmacies. Regional breakdown and analysis of each of the aforesaid segments includes regions comprising of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW.

Geographical Analysis

North America holds the dominating in oral thin films market share at present and is projected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. This owes to the rising chronic diseases that leverages the industry for the production of advanced drug delivery system. As per the report published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in February 2022, around 129 million people in the U.S. is affected by at least one major chronic disease. This growing need for ongoing medications is leading to the emergence of OTF as a convenient and fast-acting alternative to traditional drug delivery methods.

Moreover, the presence of key market players such as ZIM Laboratories limited, Acquisitive Therapeutics Inc, IntelGenx Corp, and others are further driving the innovation and growth of the market through various strategies such as collaborations. For example, in October 2022 IntelGenx Corp collaborated with atai Life Sciences, for the development of novel formulations of pharmaceutical-grade psychedelics based on IntelGenx's polymeric film technologies.

On the other hand, Asia-Pacific region is rapidly expanding in the oral thin films industry, driven by intensive research and development efforts to discover more efficient methods of drug delivery, significantly boosting market growth. For instance, in March 2023, the National University of Singapore (NUS), recently developed easy-to-use oral films that enable painless, efficient, and discreet drug administration. This oral film releases the drug directly into the bloodstream reducing the risk of choking, aspiration and rejection.

Furthermore, the increasing investments by prominent Japanese pharmaceutical companies is driving the production of high quality OTF products. According to International Trade Administration (ITA), report published in November 2022, Japanese Pharmaceutical Companies are partnering with artificial intelligence (AI) startups to enhance the success rate of new drug developments that requires investment of approximately USD 834 million. These methods of drug discovery techniques in Japan further boost the development of pharmaceutical molecules, potentially leading to faster and more efficient creation of oral thin films with optimized formulations and improved patient outcomes.

Competitive Landscape

Oral Thin Films industry comprises of several key players such as Aquestive therapeutics Inc, IntelGenx Corp., LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, NAL Pharma6, ZIM Laboratories limited, BioNxt Solutions Inc., Cure Pharmaceutical, BioXcel Therapeutics, MonoSol Rx, Redwood Scientific Technologies, and others. These companies are adopting various strategies such as partnership, business expansion and acquisition to maintain their dominance in the industry.

For example, in Aug 2024, BioNxt Solutions Inc. partnered with Gen-Plus GmbH & Co KG for oral thin film commercial manufacturing. The partnership aims to enhance laboratory equipment and office space utilization, as well as joint business development efforts for the commercial manufacturing of thin films.

Furthermore, in October 2022, Aquestive Therapeutics expanded its business reach with the launch of sympazan (clobazam) oral films offering non-dilutive financing options for focussing on the development of drugs.

Also, in August 2022, LTS Lohmann Therapie–Systeme AG acquired Tapemark, a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in oral thin film drugs, to strengthen its position in the market and expand its manufacturing capabilities.

Key Benefits

• The report provides quantitative analysis and estimations of the oral thin films market from 2024 to 2030, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

• The study comprises a deep-dive analysis of the current and future oral thin films market trends to depict prevalent investment pockets in the market.

• Information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the oral thin films market is provided in the report.

• Competitive analysis of the key players, along with their market share is provided in the report.

• SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces model is elaborated in the study.

• Value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of roles of stakeholders.

Oral Thin Films Market Key Segments

By Products

• Sublingual film

• Fast Dissolving Dental/Buccal film

By Disease Indication

• Schizophrenia

• Migraine 

• Opioid Dependence

• Nausea

• Vomiting

By Distribution Channel 

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Retail Pharmacies

• Online Pharmacies

By Region

• North America

  • The U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • The UK

  • Germany

  • France        

  • Italy        

  • Spain        

  • Denmark        

  • Netherlands        

  • Finland        

  • Sweden        

  • Norway        

  • Russia        

  • Rest of Europe    

• Asia-Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • South Korea

  • Australia

  • Indonesia

  • Singapore

  • Taiwan

  • Thailand

  • Rest of Asia Pacific

• RoW

  • Latin America

  • Middle East

  • Africa

Key Players

• Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. 

• IntelGenx Corp.

• LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG

• NAL Pharma6

• ZIM Laboratories Limited 

• BioNxt Solutions Inc. 

• Cure Pharmaceutical

• BioXcel Therapeutics

• MonoSol Rx

• Redwood Scientific Technologies

REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION:

Parameters	Details
Market Size in 2024	USD 3.50 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 5.94 Billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2030
Analysis Period	2024–2030
Base Year Considered	2024
Forecast Period	2025–2030
Market Size Estimation	Billion (USD)
Growth Factors	Rising chronic diseases across the world propels the market growth. Increasing healthcare expenditure is fueling the growth of the oral thin films industry Growing government initiatives towards oral thin film boosts the growth of the market.
Countries Covered	28
Companies Profiled	10
Market Share	Available for 10 companies
Customization Scope	Free customization (equivalent up to 80 working hours of analysts) after purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional, and segment scope.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.