Authored By: Sarah
04 Feb 2025

Global Generic Drugs Market Outlook: Key Trends, Developments, and Market Growth Forecast (2024-2028)

The global generic drugs market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated increase of USD 212.58 billion, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.86% from 2023 to 2028. The rise in demand for affordable medication alternatives, technological advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and increased investments in outsourcing drug discovery and development are major factors contributing to this expansion.

Global Generic drugs Market 2024-2028

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Segmentation of the Generic Drugs Market

The global generic drugs market is segmented based on the Route of Administration, Drug Type, and Geographical Regions.

Route of Administration Analysis

  • Oral Drugs: Oral administration continues to dominate the generic drugs market due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The segment was valued at USD 222.28 billion in 2018 and is expected to witness significant growth as pharmaceutical companies invest in research and development of oral treatments. Companies like Apotex Inc. play a key role in this segment by offering affordable oral generic pharmaceuticals.

  • Injectables, Topicals, and Inhalers: The injectable segment is gaining traction with advancements in injectable formulations for chronic diseases, while topicals and inhalers are increasingly used for treating skin conditions and respiratory diseases.

Type Analysis

  • Small-Molecule Generics: Small-molecule generics are rising in popularity due to their lower cost compared to branded drugs. The reduced research and development costs for small-molecule drugs, alongside expedited approval processes, make them a preferred choice for patients and healthcare providers. Key players such as Viatris Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Novartis AG offer small-molecule generics across various therapeutic areas.

  • Biosimilars: With the growing market for reference biologic products, especially monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars are emerging as a cost-effective alternative. Companies like PlantForm Corporation are making advancements in plant-based biosimilars, which offer lower prices compared to their reference counterparts. This trend is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Regional Market Trends

North America

  • United States: The U.S. remains the largest market for generic drugs, contributing approximately 34% to global market growth. The U.S. market benefits from robust government initiatives, such as Medicare and Medicaid, supporting the accessibility of generic drugs. Companies such as Pfizer Inc., Merck and Co. Inc., and Amgen Inc. play a dominant role in this region, offering a broad portfolio of generic drugs.

  • Canada: Canada is seeing increased demand for biosimilars, particularly for treating diseases like breast cancer. The country's regulatory framework and healthcare policies make it a key player in North America's generic drug market.

Europe

  • United Kingdom: The U.K. has seen a steady rise in the adoption of generic drugs due to cost-saving initiatives in the National Health Service (NHS). Increased affordability and market saturation contribute to significant market growth.

  • Germany: Germany is a key player in the European generic drugs market, bolstered by a strong regulatory system and high demand for affordable pharmaceutical alternatives.

  • France: The French market is witnessing a rise in biosimilar adoption, supported by government measures to ensure their accessibility and affordability.

  • Rest of Europe: Countries like Spain and Italy also show promising growth in generic drug utilization, with increased adoption of small-molecule generics.

Asia

  • China: China is rapidly expanding its pharmaceutical sector, with a growing demand for generics driven by an aging population and rising chronic disease prevalence.

  • India: India remains a critical hub for the production of generic drugs, offering significant cost savings for the global market. Indian pharmaceutical giants like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. and Cipla Ltd. continue to lead in generic drug manufacturing.

Rest of World (ROW)

  • Brazil and Argentina: Brazil and Argentina are experiencing an increasing demand for cost-effective generics, particularly in cardiovascular and diabetes treatments.

  • Australia: Australia’s healthcare system has embraced generic drugs, with government initiatives making them more accessible to the public.

Market Dynamics Driving Growth

Pharmaceutical companies are leveraging outsourcing to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. By minimizing capital investments in infrastructure, these companies can focus on core competencies and reduce risks associated with drug development. Pfizer, for example, has entered strategic agreements with Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Life Sciences to streamline its generic drug production. This outsourcing trend is expected to accelerate as companies look for cost-effective solutions in drug manufacturing.

However, challenges such as limited availability of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) for preclinical and clinical validation pose risks in drug discovery. These factors highlight the importance of outsourcing to minimize financial and operational risks while maintaining high-quality drug production standards.

Market Dynamics: Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

The market is primarily driven by the demand for low-cost alternatives to branded drugs. With the high cost of branded medicines, generics offer an affordable option for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. In addition, hospital-owned generics are emerging as a trend to address drug shortages and rising prices.

However, the market faces challenges, such as increasing side effects associated with some generic drugs, which can affect patient preferences. Regulatory hurdles and competition from branded drugs are other obstacles that could slow the market's growth.

Despite these challenges, the growing focus on affordability and accessibility ensures that the generic drugs market remains a critical component of global healthcare systems, continuing its trajectory of growth.

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Key Market Players

The generic drugs market is home to several prominent players, including:

  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Amgen Inc.
  • Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Apotex Inc.
  • Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd
  • Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.
  • Baxter International Inc.
  • Biocon Ltd.
  • Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
  • Cipla Ltd.
  • Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd.
  • Eli Lilly and Co.
  • Endo International Plc
  • Fresenius SE and Co. KGaA
  • GlaxoSmithKline Plc
  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc
  • Lupin Ltd.
  • Merck and Co. Inc.
  • Novartis AG
  • Pfizer Inc.
  • PlantForm Corporation
  • Sanofi SA
  • STADA Arzneimittel AG
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Viatris Inc.

Recent Developments in the Market

  • January 2024: Amgen Inc. expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new biosimilar, contributing to the growth of affordable treatment options in oncology.

  • December 2023: Viatris Inc. entered a strategic partnership with Baxter International Inc. to enhance its supply chain for generics, ensuring greater access to essential medicines.

  • November 2023: PlantForm Corporation launched a new plant-based biosimilar, reducing the cost of biologic treatments like Herceptin, which is expected to drive adoption in emerging markets.

  • October 2023: Intermountain Healthcare led a hospital consortium, including five major organizations, to form a not-for-profit generic pharmaceutical company aimed at addressing medication shortages and price hikes in the U.S.

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