세계 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐 시장 규모는 2024년 27억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 시장이 2033년까지 37억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상하며, 2025년부터 2033년까지 3.6%의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측했습니다. 이 시장은 주로 전 세계 노인 인구의 증가, 만성질환 및 영양결핍성 질환의 유병률 증가, 건강보조식품 및 영양식품에 대한 수용성 증가에 의해 주도되고 있습니다.
만성질환 유병률 증가
장용성 소프트젤 캡슐 시장의 성장은 당뇨병, 심혈관질환, 위장 장애와 같은 만성질환의 유병률 증가에 따라 크게 좌우됩니다. 미국 질병통제예방센터(Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention)에 따르면, 미국에서는 약 1억 2,900만 명이 심장병, 암, 당뇨병, 비만, 고혈압 등 적어도 한 가지 이상의 주요 만성질환을 앓고 있는 것으로 추정됩니다. 또한, 미국의 10대 사망원인 중 5개가 예방 및 치료 가능한 만성질환이거나 이와 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났습니다. 또한, 지난 20년간 유병률은 꾸준히 증가하고 있으며, 이러한 추세는 앞으로도 계속될 것으로 예상됩니다. 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐은 지속적이고 표적화된 약물 방출이 가능하여 장기적인 치료가 필요한 질병 치료에 도움이 됩니다. 이 캡슐은 위 대신 장에서 내용물을 방출하여 약이 가장 잘 흡수되는 곳에서 약이 가장 잘 흡수될 수 있도록 합니다. 이러한 표적화된 투여는 치료 효과를 높이고 부작용을 줄일 수 있기 때문에 만성질환 관리에 있어 바람직한 선택입니다. 인구 고령화, 좌식 생활, 식습관 변화로 인해 전 세계적으로 만성질환이 증가하고 있는 가운데, 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐을 비롯한 첨단 약물전달 기술이 점점 더 많이 요구될 것으로 보입니다.
건강기능식품에 대한 선호도 증가
장용성 소프트젤 캡슐 시장의 수익을 높이는 또 다른 요인은 소비자의 영양 보충제에 대한 선호도가 높아지고 있다는 점입니다. 국립의학도서관에 따르면, 세계 건강보조식품 및 보충제 시장은 지난 10년간 꾸준히 성장해왔으며, 2019년에는 3,530억 달러 규모에 달한 것으로 보고되고 있습니다. 이 분야의 연구도 성장하고 있으며, PubMed에는 건강보조식품과 영양식품 관련 논문이 각각 7만 건 이상 게재되어 있습니다. 게다가 2019년 11월부터 중증급성호흡기증후군 코로나바이러스2(SARS-CoV-2)로 인한 코로나바이러스감염증-19(COVID-19)의 팬데믹이 발생하면서 2020년 초에는 영양제 및 건강보조식품의 매출이 더욱 증가하였습니다. 건강보조식품 분야에서는 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐이 비타민, 미네랄 및 기타 건강보조식품을 제공하기 위해 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 이 캡슐은 영양소 흡수 및 생체 이용률 향상, 위산으로부터 섬세한 성분 보호, 고객 편의성 및 규정 준수 향상 등 많은 이점이 있습니다. 건강보조식품의 건강상의 이점에 대한 인식이 높아짐에 따라 점점 더 많은 사람들이 건강보조식품을 일상 생활에 도입하고 있습니다. 이러한 추세는 특히 노년층과 건강 지향적인 소비자들 사이에서 의학적인 문제를 예방하거나 치료하기 위해 보충제를 이용하고자 하는 경향이 두드러집니다.
노인 인구 증가
장용성 소프트젤 캡슐의 시장 가치를 높이는 또 다른 큰 측면은 노인 인구의 증가입니다. 유엔(UN)에 따르면, 65세 이상 세계 인구는 2배 이상 증가하여 2021년 7억 6,100만 명에서 2050년에는 16억 명으로 증가할 것으로 예상됩니다. 80세 이상 인구는 더욱 빠른 속도로 증가하고 있습니다. 노인들은 여러 가지 만성질환을 앓고 있거나, 복용하기 편하고 위장 친화적인 약이 필요한 등 특별한 건강관리가 필요한 경우가 많습니다. 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐은 이러한 조건을 충족시켜 처방약과 건강기능식품을 실용적이고 효율적으로 제공합니다. 이 캡슐의 장용성 코팅은 소화기 질환이 많은 노인들에게 특히 유용합니다. 또한, 평균 수명이 길어지고 출산율이 낮아짐에 따라 전 세계 노인 인구는 증가하고 있습니다. 복약 순응도와 치료 성적을 향상시키는 장용성 소프트젤 캡슐은 이러한 인구통계학적 변화로 인해 수요가 증가할 것으로 예상되는 헬스케어 품목 중 하나입니다.
The global enteric softgel capsules market size reached USD 2.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% during 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the growing global geriatric population, the rising prevalence of chronic medical disorders and nutrient-deficient diseases, and the growing acceptance of nutritional and dietary supplements.
Growing prevalence of chronic diseases
The enteric softgel capsule market growth is significantly driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. As per Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention, an estimated 129 million people in the US have at least 1 major chronic disease including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Besides, five of the top 10 leading causes of death in the US are, or are strongly associated with, preventable and treatable chronic diseases. Moreover, over the past two decades prevalence has increased steadily, and this trend is expected to continue. Enteric softgel capsules offer a continuous and targeted release of medication, which is beneficial for treating illnesses that often require long-term treatment. By releasing its contents in the intestines instead of the stomach, these capsules make sure the medication is absorbed where it works best. This targeted administration is a desirable alternative for managing chronic diseases since it can enhance therapeutic outcomes and lessen side effects. With aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary habits contributing to the global burden of chronic diseases, enteric softgel capsules and other sophisticated drug delivery technologies are likely to become more and more in demand.
Increasing preference toward nutritional supplements
Another factor propelling the enteric softgel capsule market revenue is the growing inclination of consumers toward dietary supplements. As per the National Library of Medicine, the global nutraceuticals and supplements market has steadily grown over the past decade and was reported to be worth $353 Billion in 2019. Research in the field has also grown, with over 70,000 published articles available in PubMed relating to nutraceuticals or dietary supplements respectively. Besides, the occurrence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) starting in November 2019 led to an even greater increase in sales of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in early 2020. The nutraceutical sector uses enteric softgel capsules extensively to provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements. These capsules have a number of benefits, including as increased nutrient absorption and bioavailability, shielding delicate components from stomach acids, and improving customer convenience and compliance. More people are including nutritional supplements in their regular routines as awareness of their health advantages develops. This trend is especially prominent among older populations and health-conscious consumers who want to use supplements to prevent or treat medical issues.
Rising geriatric population
Another major aspect increasing the enteric softgel capsule market value is the growing geriatric population. According to the United Nations (UN), the global population aged 65 years or older is expected to be more than double, increasing from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. The population aged 80 years or older is growing at an even faster rate. Elderly people frequently have particular healthcare demands, such as managing several chronic illnesses and requiring easy-to-swallow, gastrointestinal-friendly drugs. These criteria are met by enteric softgel capsules, which provide a practical and efficient method of delivering prescription drugs and dietary supplements. These capsules' enteric coating is especially helpful as digestive problems are more common in the elderly population. Additionally, as life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, the world's senior population is expanding. Enteric softgel capsules, which can improve medication adherence and treatment outcomes, are among the healthcare items that are predicted to see an increase in demand as a result of this demographic transition.
Gelatin capsules accounts for the majority of the market share
As per enteric capsules market forecast, gelatin capsules are widely preferred due to their exceptional biocompatibility and absorption. Derived from animal collagen, gelatin is an easily absorbed and digested natural protein by the human body. It is also safe for a variety of consumers including those with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions due to its biocompatibility. Gelatin capsules are also renowned for having a high bioavailability, or the ability of the active substances to be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Hence, there is an escalating demand for gelatin for manufacturing softgel capsules. As per National Liabrary of Medicine, the market for gelatin in 2020 reached USD 3.18 Billion and is further expected to reach USD 4.08 Billion by 2024 as forecasted in the same report.
Health supplements hold the largest share of the industry
The market is dominated by health supplements primarily due to the increasing awareness of the value of preserving general health and wellbeing. According to the Research Gate, 53.7 % of the participants of the survey took dietary supplements upon the doctor's advice, 28.5 % took them with their own decision, and 15.9 % took them after friend advice; 87.4 % of the participants bought supplements in the pharmacy. As the wellness sector grows, more people are taking an active role in their health and looking for supplements that help boost immunity, deliver vital nutrients, and stave against chronic illnesses. As enteric softgel capsules can shield delicate components from stomach acids, improving absorption and bioavailability in the intestines, they are an appealing delivery option for these nutrients.
Pharmacy and drug stores represent the leading market segment
Pharmacy and drug stores hold a significant market share in the market. These widely dispersed and consumer-friendly retail locations offer a practical point of sale for prescription drugs and nutritional supplements. Pharmacists can offer expert guidance, customers frequently choose to purchase health-related products from pharmacies, guaranteeing that their decisions are well-informed. As per the report published by Mckinsey, retail chains are the largest and most prevalent of the four pharmacy types, representing a third of stores and about a third of prescription revenues in 2021. On a per-store basis, retail chains dispense approximately 138,000 prescriptions annually about 50 percent more than grocers, the next largest prescription dispensers per retail location in US.
North America leads the market, accounting for the largest enteric softgel capsules market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest regional market for enteric softgel capsules.
An important driver creating a favorable enteric softgel capsules market outlook in North America is the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders. As per National Library of Medicine, the number of people in the United States aged 50 years and older will increase by 61.11% from 137.25 million in 2020 to 221.13 million in 2050.Of the population 50 years and older, the number with at least one chronic disease is estimated to increase by 99.5% from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million by 2050. Owing mostly to aging populations and lifestyle choices, conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and gastrointestinal ailments are prevalent in the area. Enteric softgel capsules provide targeted and sustained release of medications, which is beneficial for patients with chronic conditions who often need long-term treatment. These capsules are a recommended option for managing chronic diseases since they enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. The substantial market share of North America is mostly attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, which in turn drives demand for efficient and practical drug delivery methods.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)