Needle-Free Injection System Market Share, Size and Growth Analysis By 2029

The global market for needle-free injection systems is projected to expand significantly, increasing from US$ 131.64 million in 2021 to US$ 411.31 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% from 2022 to 2028.

Several factors are contributing to this market expansion, including the rising incidence of communicable diseases linked to needlestick injuries and the benefits associated with self-injection devices. Needle-free injection systems, such as jet injectors, administer medication to intramuscular and subcutaneous tissue depths without the use of needles. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the growing number of needlestick injuries, the advantages of advanced drug delivery technologies, and the rising demand for self-injection devices are key drivers of market growth.

The needle-free injection system market is categorized into two main product types: fillable needle-free injectors and prefilled needle-free injectors. Fillable injectors offer several advantages over prefilled options, including reduced risks of extractable and leaching (E&L), which minimizes the potential for drug interactions. The rapid drug delivery capabilities, enhanced reproducibility, user-friendliness, and the increasing application of needle-free injections in vaccination programs are propelling the growth of this segment.

Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses is driving the demand for biosimilars, creating significant opportunities for pharmaceutical and MedTech companies to innovate in drug delivery solutions. As many biosimilars and vaccines require injection, needle-free technology presents a safe and user-friendly alternative to traditional injection methods, eliminating the need for skilled personnel. Numerous biopharmaceutical manufacturers and vaccine developers are forming strategic partnerships and collaborations to capitalize on the growth potential within the vaccine sector. Consequently, the introduction of effective and safe drug delivery devices utilizing needle-free technology is expected to further enhance market growth in the upcoming years.

Global Needle-Free Injection System Market: Key Insights - Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created lucrative opportunities for stakeholders in the needle-free injection system market. The urgent need for mass vaccination has been a primary focus since the pandemic began in December 2019. As case numbers surged globally, many companies in the needle-free injection sector have invested in research and development and formed collaborations with other industry players and government agencies to create needle-free systems for chronic diseases requiring ongoing drug administration. Thus, the pandemic has positively influenced the needle-free injection system market.

As the number of COVID-19 cases increased, many leading companies in the needle-free injection market entered into partnerships and agreements with other industry players and government entities, investing in R&D to develop systems for various diseases. For example, Crossject, a French firm that developed a no-needle injection system, secured its first major contract with a U.S. government agency. Furthermore, in May 2022, Gerresheimer, a prominent provider of healthcare solutions and drug delivery systems, invested in Portal Instruments, a U.S.-based innovator in next-generation needle-free drug delivery technology.

Product-Based Insights

The needle-free injection system market is divided into fillable and prefilled injectors. While fillable injectors currently hold a larger market share, the prefilled segment is anticipated to experience a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Key factors driving this growth include rapid drug delivery, improved reproducibility, reduced errors, ease of use, and the increasing demand for prefilled injectors, particularly in vaccination applications.

Technology-Based Insights

From a technological perspective, the market is segmented into jet-based, spring-based, microarray patch injectors, and others. The jet-based injectors segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to maintain the highest CAGR moving forward. The growth in this segment is driven by the rising incidence of needlestick injuries, the prevalence of diabetes requiring insulin, and the demand for precise drug delivery.

Jet-based needle-free injectors operate based on parameters such as jet velocity, pressure, and injector diameter. Their advantages have made them particularly valuable during vaccination campaigns, especially against COVID-19.

Type-Based Insights

The market is also categorized by type into liquid-based, projectile-based, and powder-based needle-free injectors. The liquid-based segment held the largest market share in 2022, while the projectile-based segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR. This growth is attributed to the need for various dosage forms, controlled drug release, and the ability to bypass first-pass metabolism.

Usability-Based Insights

In terms of usability, the market is divided into disposable and reusable systems. The reusable segment had a larger market share in 2022, but the disposable segment is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of disposable needle-free injectors.

Site of Delivery-Based Insights

The market is segmented by delivery site into subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intradermal injectors. The subcutaneous injectors segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to see the highest CAGR. This growth is due to enhanced drug absorption through subcutaneous routes and the need for controlled drug release for chronic conditions.

Subcutaneous administration is particularly suitable for water-soluble drugs and small volumes of non-irritant substances. The slower absorption rate of this route is beneficial for drugs requiring continuous absorption, such as insulin or heparin.

Application-Based Insights

Based on application, the market is segmented into vaccine delivery, insulin delivery, oncology, pain management, dermatology, and others. The vaccine delivery segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. This growth is driven by technological advancements, increasing demand for insulin injectors, and the rising adoption of home care products.

Needle-free injection systems, particularly jet injectors, are used for vaccine delivery, allowing for the administration of various vaccines, including those for influenza and hepatitis A.

End User-Based Insights

Finally, the market is segmented by end user into hospitals, home care settings, research laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. The hospitals segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. This growth is driven by the increasing need for innovative treatment solutions and market consolidation.

Hospitals are significant users of needle-free injection systems, often participating in clinical trials. For instance, Bengaluru hospitals were involved in trials for ZyCoV-D, a needle-free COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 and older. Thus, hospitals play a crucial role in promoting awareness and training regarding needle-free injection systems.