Suppositories in modern medicine: growth, innovation, and market insights

The suppository market: growth, usage, and innovation

The global pharmaceutical suppository market is a growing sector, driven by demographic and clinical factors, as well as continuous innovations in materials and drug delivery technologies. Although the use of suppositories may seem limited compared to other drug forms, they represent a crucial therapeutic solution in many clinical settings, offering significant advantages over more traditional administration routes, such as oral or intravenous.

Growth of the global suppository market

The pharmaceutical suppository market reached an estimated value of $1.606 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $2.802 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. This growth is supported by several factors:

1. Aging population: the increasing global average age has led to a higher demand for suppositories, as old-age individuals often struggle to swallow pills and require localized drug delivery. This trend is particularly relevant in countries with rapidly aging populations, such as those in Western Europe and North America.
2. Chronic diseases and gastrointestinal disorders: conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and various gastrointestinal disorders make suppository administration a preferable therapeutic choice. Suppositories bypass first-pass hepatic metabolism and allow localized drug release. They are particularly effective in managing conditions that require targeted drug delivery and a reduction in gastrointestinal side effects.
3. Economy and accessibility: generic suppositories offer an affordable solution for many patients, especially during times when healthcare cost reduction is a priority. This is especially relevant in developing countries, where access to more expensive pharmaceutical forms, such as injections, may be limited.

Below are the most common applications, recent innovations, and rare and specialized use cases.

1. Common applications and treatments via suppositories: suppositories are used in a wide range of medical conditions. Acetaminophen suppositories are used to relieve pain, while ibuprofen suppositories help reduce fever, particularly useful for pediatric patients or those with swallowing difficulties. Glycerin suppositories are effective as laxatives for treating constipation, while witch hazel-based suppositories provide relief for hemorrhoids.
2. Less common applications: recently, the applications of suppositories have expanded. Hyoscine butylbromide suppositories reduce muscle spasms and abdominal cramps, while lidocaine suppositories provide local pain relief.
3. Rare and specialized applications: among the rare applications are 5-fluorouracil suppositories for the treatment of certain types of cancer and polio vaccine suppositories, useful when injections are not feasible. Dexamethasone suppositories rapidly reduce inflammation, while mebendazole suppositories treat parasitic infections. Lastly, barium sulfate suppositories are used in diagnostics for specialized examinations.

Market segmentation of suppositories

The suppository market is segmented based on various criteria, including the type of suppository, the base used, and the geographic region. Below are the main segments:

• Type: the market is divided into rectal, vaginal, and urethral suppositories. Rectal suppositories hold the largest market share, while vaginal suppositories are experiencing significant growth, particularly for the treatment of yeast infections and other gynecological disorders.
• Base: suppositories can be produced with fatty, miscible, or emulsifying bases. Fatty bases, such as cocoa butter, are still widely used, but are gradually being replaced by emulsifying and water-soluble bases, which offer greater stability and more precise drug delivery.
• Geographic distribution: the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the market with the highest growth potential, driven by an aging population and improving healthcare infrastructure. North America and Europe remain key markets, with the United States and Germany leading the sector.

IMA Sarong solutions and synergies with IMA

IMA Sarong is one of the leading companies in the suppository market, not only for the production of advanced machines for thermoforming and filling suppositories but also as a supplier of packaging materials for suppositories and ovules. Its range of solutions covers the entire suppository production cycle, providing high-precision machines and compatible materials that ensure maximum efficiency. In particular, IMA Sarong holds an 80% market share in large-scale suppository production.

IMA Sarong’s thermoforming machines are designed to work with a wide range of raw materials, including fatty, miscible, and emulsifying bases. These machines ensure precise product dosing and optimal packaging, reducing waste and maximizing production efficiency. Additionally, IMA Sarong provides specific packaging materials, such as films and preformed films, perfectly compatible with its machines, offering a complete solution for customers.

The integration of IMA Sarong machines with IMA’s packaging solutions enables the creation of complete production lines, managing the entire cycle from raw material processing to final packaging. Raw material processing is carried out through mixers and, followed by suppository filling, insertion of the suppository into the carton, and finally placing the carton into the case with our end-of-line solutions.

Conclusion

The suppository market is set for continuous growth, driven by demographic, clinical, and economic factors that make this therapeutic form increasingly essential. Although suppositories may seem like a less widespread solution, their ability to ensure controlled and targeted drug release makes them indispensable for a wide range of clinical conditions.

In this expanding market, IMA Sarong stands out as a crucial player, thanks to its technological leadership in the production of advanced thermoforming and filling machines for suppositories. The company’s ability to provide highly efficient solutions, integrated with IMA’s processing and packaging systems, not only optimizes the production process but also enables pharmaceutical companies to better meet the growing market demands. With its consolidated expertise and commitment to innovation, IMA Sarong is an indispensable partner for those seeking quality, precision, and sustainability in the pharmaceutical suppository landscape.

SAAS Series	SL 6
Vertical form, fill, seal machine for suppository	Modular line for suppositories and ovules