Contraceptive Drugs - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2030

Contraceptive Drugs Market by Product Type (Oral Contraceptive Pills, Injectable Contraceptives, and Topical Contraceptives), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2030 owing to the escalating incidence of unintended pregnancies, increased awareness and education about family planning, and increased product approval across the globe.

The contraceptive drugs market was valued at USD 9,310.50 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030 to reach USD 12,472.53 million by 2030. The escalating incidence of unintended pregnancies highlights a significant public health challenge, driving the urgent need for effective contraceptive solutions. This need propels research and development, leading to the introduction of advanced contraceptive drugs with higher efficacy and user convenience. Increased awareness and education about family planning empower individuals to make informed reproductive health choices, enhancing demand for diverse contraceptive options. Additionally, the global rise in product approvals by regulatory bodies caters to varied needs, improves accessibility, and fosters a dynamic market landscape. These factors collectively boost the contraceptive drugs market, during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

Contraceptive Drugs Market Dynamics:

According to the recent data provided by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) (2022), approximately 121 million pregnancies each year worldwide were unintended, affecting nearly half of all women and girls. For these individuals, the pivotal reproductive decision of whether to conceive or not was frequently beyond their control. These statistics underscore a growing need for accessible and effective contraceptive drug options that empower women and girls to make informed choices about their reproductive health. By addressing this substantial unmet need, pharmaceutical companies specializing in contraceptives can not only contribute to public health but also tap into a potentially expansive market.

Additionally, as per the same source, more than 60% of unintended pregnancies result in abortion, with an estimated 45% of these abortions classified as unsafe, contributing to 5-13% of all maternal deaths. These statistics highlight the urgent demand for accessible and reliable contraceptive drugs that can significantly reduce unintended pregnancies and consequently lower the incidence of unsafe abortions and maternal mortality rates worldwide. Pharmaceutical companies focusing on contraceptive drug development stand to address this substantial public health challenge while also tapping into a growing market driven by heightened awareness of reproductive health risks thereby boosting the overall market of contraceptive drugs.

Furthermore, according to the latest update provided by World Family Planning 2022, out of the 1.9 billion women aged 15-49 globally in 2021, approximately 1.1 billion require family planning services. Among them, 874 million utilize modern contraceptive methods, while 164 million still lack access to the contraception they need. Thus, this unmet demand indicates a strong potential for growth in the contraceptive drugs market, particularly through innovations in safer, more effective, and accessible contraceptive options. By developing new formulations, expanding distribution networks, and increasing awareness, manufacturers can tap into this underserved segment, thereby driving market expansion and fulfilling critical healthcare needs worldwide.

Additionally, the efforts being made by several governments at the national level to advocate planned parenthood and decrease incidents of maternal mortality are also driving the market of contraceptive drugs. For example, the Indian government initiated a slew of measures to sensitize people and create awareness regarding population control by launching programs such as Mission Parivar Vikas (launched in 2016) which aims to reduce the total fertility rate to 2.1 by the year 2025 in 7 high populated states of the country. Thus, the targeted efforts to lower fertility rates indicate a growing demand for effective contraceptive drugs, prompting pharmaceutical companies to innovate and expand their product offerings in India. This initiative not only aligns with public health goals but also stimulates market growth by creating a larger consumer base actively seeking reliable contraceptive drugs.

However, the side effects such as nausea, weight gain, mood changes, irregular bleeding, and limited accessibility to contraceptive drugs in rural or underserved areas, posing a barrier to consistent use may hinder the growth of contraceptive drugs during the forecast period.

Contraceptive Drugs Market Segment Analysis:

Contraceptive Drugs Market by Product Type (Oral Contraceptive Pills, Injectable Contraceptives, and Topical Contraceptives), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the product type segment of the contraceptive drugs market, the oral contraceptives category is estimated to have a significant revenue share in the contraceptive drug market in 2023. Oral contraceptive pills play a pivotal role in driving growth in the contraceptive drugs market due to several key factors. Firstly, oral contraceptive pills are widely recognized for their convenience and effectiveness in preventing unplanned pregnancies, making them a preferred choice for many women worldwide. Their ease of use typically taken daily offers users a non-invasive and discreet method of birth control compared to other contraceptive options. Moreover, oral contraceptive pills are available in a variety of formulations, allowing healthcare providers to tailor prescriptions to individual health needs and preferences. This diversity includes combination pills containing estrogen and progestin, as well as progestin-only pills (mini-pills), accommodating different hormonal sensitivities and medical considerations.

The market expansion of oral contraceptive pills is also fueled by ongoing advancements in pharmaceutical technology and formulation. Innovations have led to the development of extended-cycle pills that reduce menstrual frequency, and low-dose formulations that minimize side effects such as nausea and weight gain, enhancing user satisfaction and compliance. For instance, in April 2021, Mayne Pharma received regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their combined oral contraceptive- NEXTSTELLIS (3 mg drospirenone [DRSP] and 14.2 mg estetrol [E4] tablets). Therefore, the market for combined oral contraceptive pills is predicted to register remarkable growth during the forecast period eventually driving the growth of the contraceptive drugs market in coming years.

Overall, the widespread availability, convenience, effectiveness, and evolving formulations of oral contraceptive pills collectively contribute to their role as a significant driver in escalating the market for contraceptive drugs. As healthcare systems continue to prioritize reproductive health and access to family planning services, oral contraceptive pills are poised to remain a cornerstone of the global contraceptive market, meeting the diverse needs of individuals seeking reliable birth control options.

North America is expected to dominate the overall contraceptive drugs market:

North America is expected to account for the highest proportion of the contraceptive drugs market in 2023, out of all regions. Among all the regions, North America is projected to have the largest share in revenue generation in the contraceptive drugs market. Some of the factors responsible for the growth of the North America contraceptive drugs market are the rising incidence of unintended pregnancies in the region, the rise in focus towards family planning and prevention of unintended pregnancy, the growing use of contraceptive drugs amongst females, and rising awareness on modern contraception methods.

According to the recent data provided by the CDC, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, in 2021, in the United States there are approximately 25.5% of women with a recent live birth did not want to become pregnant or wanted to become pregnant later.

Another prominent factor responsible for the increasing demand for contraceptive drugs is the growing focus of governments as well as international organizations in popularizing population control is expected to drive the demand for contraceptives during the forecast period. For instance, keeping in line with the sustainable development goals for 2030 (SDG 2030) put forth by the United Nations, the Family Planning 2030 program aims at achieving voluntary modern contraceptive use by anyone who wants it by investing in adolescents and youth, strengthening supply chains so that contraceptive drugs reach those who need them, ensuring that family planning services and supplies have sustained funding support, and improving the quality of care in family planning service.

Additionally, product approvals through regulatory bodies have also contributed to escalating the market of contraceptive drugs across the region. For instance, in July 2023, the FDA approved the first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive, a progestin-only pill, Opill, enabling consumers to buy this contraceptive without a prescription. This approval allows the pill to be sold at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online. Thus, allowing the purchase of progestin-only pills without a prescription may eliminate barriers to obtaining contraceptive medicine, particularly for those who may face difficulties in accessing healthcare providers thereby boosting the market of contraceptive drugs.

Thus, the above-mentioned factors are expected to escalate the market of contraceptive drugs in the region.

Contraceptive Drugs Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the Contraceptive Drugs market include Pfizer Inc., Abbvie Inc., BAYER AG, Gedeon Richter Plc., Mayne Pharma, Merck & Co., Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Cipla Ltd., Zydus Cadila, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mankind Pharma, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., Maxwellia Ltd., Theramex, and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Contraceptive Drugs Market:

• In December 2023, YourChoice Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in hormone-free family planning products, initiated dosing of male volunteers in a Phase I study for YCT-529. This drug candidate aims to become the first hormone-free birth control pill for men.
• In April 2021, The FDA approved NEXTSTELLIS, a birth-controlling pill, after reviewing evidence from two clinical trials involving 3,632 females of reproductive age seeking pregnancy prevention. These trials, Study C301 (NCT 02817828) and Study C302 (NCT 02817841) were conducted at 146 sites across Europe/Russia and North America.
• In March 2021, Gedeon Richter Plc. announced that the European Commission ("EC") had approved the marketing authorization of the novel combined oral contraceptive containing 15 mg estetrol ("E4") and 3 mg drospirenone ("DRSP").

Key takeaways from the contraceptive drugs market report study:

• Market size analysis for current contraceptive drugs size (2023), and market forecast for 6 years (2024 to 2030)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the contraceptive drugs market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the contraceptive drugs market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2023? How these segments will perform in 2030?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current contraceptive drugs market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for contraceptive drugs market growth in the coming future?

Target audience who can be benefited from this contraceptive drugs market report study:

• Contraceptive drug product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies
• Contraceptive drugs -related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and traders dealing in contraceptive drugs
• Various end-users want to know more about the contraceptive drugs market and the latest technological developments in the contraceptive drugs market.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Contraceptive Drugs Market:

1. What are contraceptive drugs?

Contraceptive drugs are medications used to prevent pregnancy. They work through various mechanisms such as inhibiting ovulation, altering the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Common forms include oral contraceptives (birth control pills), injectables, implants, and emergency contraceptive pills. These drugs provide an effective way for individuals to manage reproductive health and family planning.

2. What is the market for contraceptive drugs?

The contraceptive drugs market was valued at USD 9,310.50 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030 to reach USD 12,472.53 million by 2030.

3. What are the drivers for the contraceptive drugs market?

The escalating incidence of unintended pregnancies highlights a significant public health challenge, driving the urgent need for effective contraceptive solutions. This need propels research and development, leading to the introduction of advanced contraceptive drugs with higher efficacy and user convenience. Increased awareness and education about family planning empower individuals to make informed reproductive health choices, enhancing demand for diverse contraceptive options. Additionally, the global rise in product launches by pharmaceutical companies caters to varied needs, improves accessibility, and fosters a dynamic market landscape. These factors collectively boost the contraceptive drugs market, during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

4. Who are the key players operating in the contraceptive drugs market?

Some of the key market players operating in the Contraceptive Drugs are Pfizer Inc., Abbvie Inc., BAYER AG, Gedeon Richter Plc., Mayne Pharma, Merck & Co., Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Cipla Ltd., Zydus Cadila, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mankind Pharma, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., Maxwellia Ltd., Theramex, and others.

5. Which region has the highest share in the contraceptive drugs market?

North America is expected to account for the highest proportion of the contraceptive drugs market in 2023, out of all regions. Among all the regions, North America is projected to mass the largest share in revenue generation in the contraceptive drugs market. Some of the factors responsible for the growth of the North America contraceptive drugs market is the rising incidence of unintended pregnancies in the region, rise in focus towards family planning and prevention of unintended pregnancy, growing use of contraceptive drugs amongst females for, and rising awareness pertaining to modern contraception methods.