The global Needle Free Injection market was valued at USD 1.4 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.1 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.6 % for the forecast period 2023-2030.
Market Definition
Needle-free injection, also known as needle-free jet injection or needleless injection, is a technique used to deliver medication or vaccines into the body without using traditional hypodermic needles. Needle-free injection systems are used to administer liquid formulations, drugs, and vaccines into patients without piercing the skin with a conventional needle. The demand for these systems has increased considerably in the recent years as they improve immune response to vaccines, eliminate risks of needles, and reduce healthcare costs. Needle-free injections are often considered less painful than traditional needle injections and can potentially reduce the risk of needle stick injuries and transmission of blood-borne diseases. They can also provide a way to administer vaccines or medications for people who have a fear of needles or for situations where traditional injections might not be feasible.
Market Size:
- 2022: USD 1.4 Billion
- 2030: USD 2.1 Billion
- CAGR (2023-2030): 7.6%
Needle Free Injection Market Dynamics
Driver
The rising prevalence of infectious diseases globally has led to an increased demand for needle free injection. While non-communicable diseases stand as the primary causes of sickness and death, infectious diseases continue to pose a significant public health concern worldwide. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reports that annually, infectious diseases claim over 15 million lives globally. In 2019, the World Malaria Report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide. The WHO African Region, accounting for approximately 94% of these cases, recorded an estimated 215 million malaria cases in 2019. Additionally, according to WHO's 2021 data, at the end of 2020, there were about 37.7 million individuals living with HIV, with over two-thirds (25.4 million) residing in the WHO African Region. The rise in chronic diseases has led to a substantial surge in the demand for biologics, primarily large-molecule drugs. A significant proportion of these large-molecule drugs are administered via injectables.
A method of drug delivery through injection is known for its swift and secure administration, offering numerous benefits such as targeted drug delivery, reduced drug dosages, shorter hospital stays, enhanced reproducibility, and user-friendly application. While the demand for injectable systems has surged in recent years, certain factors might impede market expansion, notably the high risk of needle-related injuries and patient aversion due to fear of needles. Consequently, companies are increasingly focusing on the innovation of needle-free injection systems. In August 2021, PharmaJet collaborated with Zydus Cadila, obtaining Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the world's first plasmid DNA COVID-19 vaccine administered via needle-free injection. Similarly, in October 2021, Enesi Pharma initiated the development of advanced vaccination products targeting infectious diseases and emerging pathogens. Some needle-free injection systems used for chronic conditions encompass InsuJet, Zetajet, Medi-Jector, and Injex30. The heightened prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases has spurred a growing demand for needle-free injection systems. This trend is anticipated to substantially propel market growth in the forthcoming years.
Recent Developments
In December 2022, PharmaJet the maker of innovative, needle-free injection technology, announced a partnership with Nykode Therapeutics (formerly Vaccibody) which has begun a phase 1/2 clinical trial to specifically address emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The DNA-based vaccines will be delivered intramuscularly in the clinical trial exclusively using the PharmaJet Stratis Needle-free Injection System.
Restraint
The development cost of a needle-free injection system is notably higher due to additional expenses, such as elevated infrastructural and labor costs. The complexity of these devices also contributes to increased development costs. This heightened investment results in elevated unit costs, consequently reducing patient adoption of these devices. In contrast, sterilizable needles and traditional needle injections are the most cost-effective options, priced between USD 5 to 15 for 1,000 injections. However, needle-free injections necessitate substantial initial investments and tend to be pricier as manufacturers must allocate more resources toward production standards and device quality control. The starter kits for needle-free injections themselves are around USD 165 for AdvantaJet, USD 260 for Injex 30, and USD 300 for Medi-Jector. Due to these considerable costs, affordability becomes a significant challenge for needle-free injection devices in comparison to conventional needle injections. This will somehow restrain the growth of the global market.
Challenges
Needle-free injection systems offer a secure, efficient, and swift means of drug delivery, mitigating the risk of needlestick injuries. Nonetheless, these systems are unsuitable for intravenous drug administration. Additionally, a drawback of needle-free injection systems is the residual moisture they leave on the skin, potentially giving the impression of an improperly administered vaccine. These aspects somewhat restrict market growth, leading consumers to explore other drug delivery methods. The topical route of drug administration, where the drug is applied directly to the skin, is viewed favorably compared to injections. This method is non-invasive, simple, and ensures high patient compliance. Inhalation facilitates rapid drug absorption due to the extensive surface area of the respiratory endothelium. It allows for targeted delivery of bronchodilators and inhaled steroids to the lungs, minimizing systemic absorption. As a result, this factor can be considered to pose a challenge to the future growth of this market.
Opportunities
Biosimilars are increasingly utilized in treating various conditions like cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, anemia, and a spectrum of acute and chronic diseases. As the prevalence of these diseases continues to rise, the demand for biosimilars is also growing. This situation offers a significant opportunity for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to create innovative delivery solutions for biosimilars. Numerous biosimilars and vaccines are typically administered through injections. In this context, needle-free technology offers a user-friendly and secure method to administer biosimilars, eliminating the need for traditional injection equipment or specialized personnel. To capitalize on the expanding vaccines market, many biopharmaceutical manufacturers, vaccine companies, and needle-free device manufacturers are concentrating on strategic acquisitions, collaborations, and the launch of safe and effective drug delivery devices using needle-free injection technology. For instance, in August 2021, PharmaJet partnered with Zydus Cadila, announcing Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the world's first plasmid DNA COVID-19 vaccine delivery via needle-free injection. Additionally, PharmaJet partnered with Abnova to develop and distribute a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine using needle-free injection technology. Furthermore, in January 2019, Enesi Pharma and Geovax collaborated to develop multiple vaccines administered via the Implavax needle-free injection device.
Snapshot:
| Attributes | Details |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 1.4 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 | USD 2.1 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 7.6 % |
| Unit | Revenue (USD Million) and Volume (Kilo Tons) |
| Segmentation | By Product, By technology, By Source of Power, By Type, By Usability, By Site of Delivery, By Application, By End User & By region |
| By Type |
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| By Technology |
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| By Product |
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| By Source of Power |
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| By Site of Delivery |
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| By Application |
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| By End User |
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| By Region |
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| Base Year | 2022 |
| Historical Year | 2018 - 2022 |
| Forecast Year | 2023 - 2030 |
Segment Analysis of the Needle Free Injection Market
The Needle Free Injection market is segmented into By Product, By Source of Power, By Type, By technology, By Usability, By Site of Delivery, By Application, By End User and region.
By product
Fillable needle-free injectors have gained the largest share in the needle-free injection system market: Based on product, needle-free injection system market is segmented into fillable and pre-filled needle-free injectors. In 2022, the fillable needle-free injectors accounted for the larger share of 64.5% of the needle-free injection system market. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the increasing application of needle-free injections in vaccination, insulin, and others drug delivery. Fillable needle-free injectors offer versatility in drug delivery. They allow for the administration of various medications and dosages, making them adaptable for a wide range of treatments, from vaccines to therapeutic drugs.
By technology: On the basis of technology, the needle-free injection system market can be segmented into jet-based, spring-based, microarray patches and other injectors. In 2020, the jet-based needle-free injectors segment is expected to command the largest share of 65.4% of the global needle-free injection system devices market by technology. The large share of this segment can be attributed to benefits associated with this technology, including rapid drug administration, improved dosage accuracy, better diffusion into the tissue, and a faster response rate.
Regional Analysis
North America accounted segment accounted for the largest share in the needle-free injection system market: North America accounted for the largest share of 58% of the needle-free injection market. This is due to the existence of significant market leaders in the U.S. and the escalating incidence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, along with a noticeable shift across the U.S. and among the populace of Canada toward self-medication practices. Furthermore, North America hosts several prominent pharmaceutical and medical device companies that specialize in innovative healthcare technologies, including needle-free injection systems. These established players contribute significantly to the market growth in the region.
APAC region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 17.7% during the forecast period. The APAC market is growing due to factors like China and India's rapidly expanding healthcare industries, rising life expectancy, aging populations, rising per capita income, key market players increasing their investments in the region, the private sector expanding its hospitals and clinics into rural areas, the availability of low-cost labor for manufacturing, the presence of favorable regulations, and the growing demand for testing of self-injectable devices.
List of the prominent players in the Needle Free Injection Market:
- PharmaJet
- Crossject
- Portal Instruments
- NuGen Medical Devices
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals
- Antares Pharma, Inc
- Aijex Pharma International Inc.
- Ferring B.V.
- Penjet Corporation
- Medical International Technology Inc.
Segmentation Analysis of the Needle Free Injection Market
By Type
- Liquid-based
- Projectile/Depot-based
- Powder-based
- Jet
- Spring
- Micro-array Patch
- Fillable
- Prefilled
- Spring-based Injector Systems
- Gas Propelled/Air Forced Injector Systems
- Subcutaneous Injectors
- Intramuscular Injectors
- Intradermal Injectors
- Vaccine Delivery
- Insulin Delivery
- Pain Management
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Home Care Settings
- Research Laboratories
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Needle Free Injection Market:
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the needle-free injection system market, primarily due to the emphasis on mass vaccination requirements and the use of self-administered devices since the outbreak began in December 2019. With rising cases globally, major market players in the needle-free injection system industry have directed investments toward research and development. They have also initiated partnerships and collaborations with other industry entities and government agencies to create needle-free injection systems specifically for addressing the disease. Globally, approximately 6.8 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, nearly doubling the number of routine vaccinations. This surpasses the manufacturing capacity of about 6 billion immunization syringes annually. According to the WHO, there might be a shortage of one to two billion syringes required for COVID-19 vaccinations in 2022, potentially impacting routine immunizations and jeopardizing needle safety. Consequently, there's been increased investment and research dedicated to developing COVID-19 vaccine delivery devices, aiming to produce and distribute surplus quantities across regions to meet the escalating demand.
Furthermore, the heightened occurrence of communicable diseases due to needle-related injuries, challenges in vaccine storage, and needle aversion have significantly boosted the adoption and acceptance of needle-free injection systems. These systems are particularly favored for vaccination screening and insulin delivery due to these factors.
