PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1642578
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1642578
Generic Drugs Market Report by Therapy Area, Drug Delivery, Distribution Channel, and Country 2025-2033
The global generic drugs market size reached USD 389.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 674.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.66% during 2025-2033. The market is mainly driven by the increase in incidence of chronic diseases, rising healthcare costs and expiring drug patents. Expirations of patents on branded drugs fuels the market growth by allowing more generic versions to enter the market. Supportive government policies which promote the use of generic drugs to reduce healthcare spending is also contributing positively to the market growth.
Generic drugs are medications that are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of active ingredients, dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, safety, and efficacy. They consist of a wide range of medications, including ibuprofen, metformin, and simvastatin. They are produced after the patent protection of the brand-name drug expires. They are approved by regulatory authorities and available at affordable prices. They play a vital role in managing various health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. They are essential in improving affordability, particularly for individuals without comprehensive insurance coverage or facing high expenses.
The increasing demand for generic drugs due to the rising number of patent expirations of brand name drugs is impelling the growth of the market. Besides this, the growing cost of healthcare services around the world is offering a favorable market outlook. In addition, the increasing geriatric population across the globe experiencing various chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory disorders, is contributing to the growth of the market. Apart from this, the rising number of collaborations between key market players to increase the production of various generic drugs is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the increasing integration of technologically advanced equipment in the pharmaceutical industry to produce various complex generic drugs with specialized formulations is bolstering the growth of the market.
Generic Drugs Market Trends/Drivers:
Rising prevalence of chronic diseases
At present, there is an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases among the masses due to the rising adoption of unhealthy lifestyle habits. Sedentary lifestyles and poor diet (increased consumption of processed and fast foods) are significant contributors to a rise of chronic ailments like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Apart from this, the excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco is propelling the occurrence of various chronic disorders, such as hypertension and cardiovascular complications. In addition, chronic stress, often a byproduct of the modern, fast-paced lifestyle, can contribute to a host of health problems, including heart disease and mental illness. However, enhanced screening and diagnostic tools are leading to better, earlier, and more frequent detection of chronic conditions. Furthermore, the consumption of various generic drugs is helping patients to treat a wide array of chronic diseases.
Growing research-related activities in the pharmaceutical industry
At present, there is an increase in research activities in the pharmaceutical industry to develop treatments and vaccines for emerging diseases. Besides this, the demand for medications is increasing as the geriatric population is rising around the world. Moreover, recent breakthroughs in areas, such as genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, are opening new avenues for drug discovery and development. The ability to manipulate genes and proteins at a molecular level, and the increasing understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular and genetic levels, are paving the way for the development of targeted therapies. Apart from this, pharmaceutical companies are investing in manufacturing various generic versions of branded drugs to make them affordable and easily accessible for patients.
Increasing number of government initiatives to provide affordable healthcare services
Governing agencies of various countries are heavily investing in making healthcare services affordable and finding treatments for various chronic illnesses. They are also taking numerous initiatives, including subsidizing healthcare costs, implementing policies to reduce the cost of drugs, providing insurance coverage, and investing in public health facilities and programs. Apart from this, governing authorities of various countries are focusing on reducing health disparities among different income and social groups by constructing free clinics in various rural areas. These clinics are also prioritizing generic drugs and various other medications for nominal prices, along with free checkups.
Generic Drugs Market Trends:
The growing global geriatric population and the rising occurrence of chronic medical disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, represent one of the key factors positively influencing the market. In addition, changing dietary patterns and hectic schedules of individuals are leading to various conditions, which, in turn, is catalyzing the demand for generic drugs worldwide. Along with this, increasing efforts by governments of various countries to reduce healthcare costs and promote the manufacturing and uptake of generics are contributing to the market growth. They are also encouraging key players to introduce effective generic drugs and provide easy availability. Apart from this, the low production cost of generic medicines is creating a positive outlook for the market. Additionally, the expansion of the pharma companies and medical stores across the globe is further augmenting the market growth. Furthermore, the rising focus of leading manufacturers on partnership strategies to launch new products is propelling the market growth. Moreover, increasing investments in extensive research and development (R&D) activities and technological advancements in medicine formulation are anticipated to drive the market.
Generic Drugs Industry Segmentation:
Breakup by Therapy Area:
Central Nervous System
Cardiovascular
Dermatology
Genitourinary/Hormonal
Respiratory
Rheumatology
Diabetes
Oncology
Others
Central nervous system dominates the market
Generic drugs play a significant role in the treatment of various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. They offer several benefits, including affordability, accessibility, and comparable efficacy to their brand-name counterparts. They comprise serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram, that are commonly prescribed for these conditions. They also consist of antiepileptic drugs, including levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and topiramate, which are commonly prescribed and have proven efficacy in controlling seizures. They are used to treat Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Generic drugs are employed for curing cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension or hypertension, coronary artery diseases, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They consist of diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, digoxin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
Breakup by Drug Delivery:
Oral
Injectables
Dermal/Topical
Inhalers
Oral holds the largest share in the market
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
Retail Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies
Retail pharmacies account for the majority of the market share
Retail pharmacies, also known as community pharmacies or outpatient pharmacies, are establishments wherein prescription medications, over the counter (OTC) drugs, and other healthcare products are dispensed and sold directly to consumers. These pharmacies are commonly found in retail settings, such as drugstore chains, supermarkets, or independent pharmacies. They play a crucial role in providing accessible and convenient pharmaceutical services to the public. They present a wide variety of medications, including pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, allergy medications, and more. Besides this, they often stock various health and wellness products, such as supplements, vitamins, personal care items, first aid supplies, and medical devices like blood pressure monitors and glucose meters.
Breakup by Country:
United States
China
Brazil
Germany
France
India
United Kingdom
Japan
Canada
Italy
Others
The United States exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest generic drugs market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, France, India, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Italy, and others.
The United States held the biggest market share since the region has an advanced medical infrastructure and efficient regulatory support. Besides this, the increasing number of insurance companies and healthcare providers encouraging patients to consume generic drugs is propelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, increasing availability of generic drugs at affordable prices are bolstering the growth of the market. Moreover, the growing occurrence of various chronic diseases among the masses is influencing the market positively.
China is estimated to expand further in this domain due to the increasing investments in developing novel drugs and promoting the use of generic drugs. Besides this, the rising construction of hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics is propelling the growth of the market in the country.
Competitive Landscape:
Key market players are investing in research activities to develop a pipeline of generic drugs. They are also focusing on identifying opportunities to introduce generic versions of brand-name drugs as patents expire. Top companies are forming strategic partnerships or engaging in acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their capabilities. They are also collaborating with other generic drug manufacturers, contract research organizations (CROs), or acquiring smaller companies to achieve access to new markets or technologies. Leading companies are expanding their geographic reach by entering new market positions and establishing a presence in emerging economies. They are also focusing on the development of complex generic drugs, such as extended-release formulations, transdermal patches, inhalers, and injectables.
The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
Mylan N.V.
Novartis AG
Pfizer Inc.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Fresenius SE & Co.
Lupin Limited
Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
Key Questions Answered in This Report
- 1. What was the size of the global generic drugs market in 2024?
- 2. What is the expected growth rate of the global generic drugs market during 2025-2033?
- 3. What are the key factors driving the global generic drugs market?
- 4. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global generic drugs market?
- 5. What is the breakup of the global generic drugs market based on the therapy area?
- 6. What is the breakup of the global generic drugs market based on the drug delivery?
- 7. What is the breakup of the global generic drugs market based on the distribution channel?
- 8. What are the key regions in the global generic drugs market?
- 9. Who are the key players/companies in the global generic drugs market?
Table of Contents
1 Preface
2 Scope and Methodology
- 2.1 Objectives of the Study
- 2.2 Stakeholders
- 2.3 Data Sources
- 2.3.1 Primary Sources
- 2.3.2 Secondary Sources
- 2.4 Market Estimation
- 2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
- 2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
- 2.5 Forecasting Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
- 4.1 Overview
- 4.2 Key Industry Trends
5 Global Generic Drugs Industry
- 5.1 Market Overview
- 5.2 Market Performance
- 5.3 Impact of COVID-19
- 5.4 Market Breakup by Country
- 5.5 Market Breakup by Therapy Area
- 5.6 Market Breakup by Drug Delivery
- 5.7 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- 5.8 Market Forecast
- 5.9 SWOT Analysis
- 5.9.1 Overview
- 5.9.2 Strengths
- 5.9.3 Weaknesses
- 5.9.4 Opportunities
- 5.9.5 Threats
- 5.10 Value Chain Analysis
- 5.10.1 Research and Development
- 5.10.2 Manufacturing
- 5.10.3 Marketing and Distribution
- 5.11 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 5.11.1 Overview
- 5.11.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 5.11.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 5.11.4 Degree of Competition
- 5.11.5 Threat of New Entrants
- 5.11.6 Threat of Substitutes
- 5.12 Regulations in the Generic Industry
- 5.13 Key Market Drivers and Success Factors
6 Performance of Key Countries
- 6.1 United States
- 6.1.1 Market Trends
- 6.1.2 Market Forecast
- 6.2 China
- 6.2.1 Market Trends
- 6.2.2 Market Forecast
- 6.3 Brazil
- 6.3.1 Market Trends
- 6.3.2 Market Forecast
- 6.4 Germany
- 6.4.1 Market Trends
- 6.4.2 Market Forecast
- 6.5 France
- 6.5.1 Market Trends
- 6.5.2 Market Forecast
- 6.6 India
- 6.6.1 Market Trends
- 6.6.2 Market Forecast
- 6.7 United Kingdom
- 6.7.1 Market Trends
- 6.7.2 Market Forecast
- 6.8 Japan
- 6.8.1 Market Trends
- 6.8.2 Market Forecast
- 6.9 Canada
- 6.9.1 Market Trends
- 6.9.2 Market Forecast
- 6.10 Italy
- 6.10.1 Market Trends
- 6.10.2 Market Forecast
- 6.11 Others
- 6.11.1 Market Trends
- 6.11.2 Market Forecast
7 Market Breakup by Therapy Area
- 7.1 Central Nervous System
- 7.1.1 Market Trends
- 7.1.2 Market Forecast
- 7.2 Cardiovascular
- 7.2.1 Market Trends
- 7.2.2 Market Forecast
- 7.3 Dermatology
- 7.3.1 Market Trends
- 7.3.2 Market Forecast
- 7.4 Genitourinary/Hormonal
- 7.4.1 Market Trends
- 7.4.2 Market Forecast
- 7.5 Respiratory
- 7.5.1 Market Trends
- 7.5.2 Market Forecast
- 7.6 Rheumatology
- 7.6.1 Market Trends
- 7.6.2 Market Forecast
- 7.7 Diabetes
- 7.7.1 Market Trends
- 7.7.2 Market Forecast
- 7.8 Oncology
- 7.8.1 Market Trends
- 7.8.2 Market Forecast
- 7.9 Others
- 7.9.1 Market Trends
- 7.9.2 Market Forecast
8 Market Breakup by Drug Delivery
- 8.1 Oral
- 8.1.1 Market Trends
- 8.1.2 Market Forecast
- 8.2 Injectables
- 8.2.1 Market Trends
- 8.2.2 Market Forecast
- 8.3 Dermal/Topical
- 8.3.1 Market Trends
- 8.3.2 Market Forecast
- 8.4 Inhalers
- 8.4.1 Market Trends
- 8.4.2 Market Forecast
9 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- 9.1 Retail Pharmacies
- 9.1.1 Market Trends
- 9.1.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2 Hospital Pharmacies
- 9.2.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.2 Market Forecast
10 Competitive Landscape
- 10.1 Market Structure
- 10.2 Market Breakup by Key Players
- 10.3 Key Player Profiles
- 10.3.1 Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
- 10.3.2 Mylan N.V.
- 10.3.3 Novartis AG
- 10.3.4 Pfizer Inc.
- 10.3.5 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- 10.3.6 Fresenius SE & Co.
- 10.3.7 Lupin Limited
- 10.3.8 Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- 10.3.9 Aurobindo Pharma Limited
- 10.3.10 Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
11 Generic Drugs Manufacturing Process
- 11.1 Product Overview
- 11.2 Detailed Process Flow (Tablets)
- 11.3 Detailed Process Flow (Injectable)
- 11.4 Various Types of Unit Operations Involved
- 11.5 Mass Balance and Raw Material Requirements
12 Project Details, Requirements and Costs Involved
- 12.1 Land Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.2 Construction Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.3 Plant Machinery
- 12.4 Machinery Pictures
- 12.5 Raw Material Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.6 Packaging Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.7 Transportation Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.8 Utility Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.9 Manpower Requirements and Expenditures
- 12.10 Other Capital Investments
13 Loans and Financial Assistance
14 Project Economics
- 14.1 Capital Cost of the Project
- 14.2 Techno-Economic Parameters
- 14.3 Product Pricing and Margins Across Various Levels of the Supply Chain
- 14.4 Taxation and Depreciation
- 14.5 Income Projections
- 14.6 Expenditure Projections
- 14.7 Financial Analysis
- 14.8 Profit Analysis
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Major Drivers and Challenges
- Figure 2: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2019-2024
- Figure 3: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 4: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Breakup by Country (in %), 2024
- Figure 5: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Breakup by Therapy Area (in %), 2024
- Figure 6: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Breakup by Drug Delivery (in %), 2024
- Figure 7: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
- Figure 8: Global: Generic Drugs Industry: SWOT Analysis
- Figure 9: Global: Generic Drugs Industry: Value Chain Analysis
- Figure 10: Global: Generic Drugs Industry: Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- Figure 11: USA: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 12: USA: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 13: China: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 14: China: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 15: Brazil: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 16: Brazil: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 17: Germany: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 18: Germany: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 19: France: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 20: France: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 21: India: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 22: India: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 23: United Kingdom: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 24: United Kingdom: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 25: Japan: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 26: Japan: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 27: Canada: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 28: Canada: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 29: Italy: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 30: Italy: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 31: Others: Generic Drugs Market (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 32: Others: Generic Drugs Market Forecast (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 33: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Oral (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 34: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Oral (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 35: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Injectables (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 36: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Injectables (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 37: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Dermal/Topical (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 38: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Dermal/Topical (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 39: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Inhalers (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 40: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Inhalers (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 41: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Central Nervous System (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 42: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Central Nervous System (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 43: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Cardiovascular (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 44: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Cardiovascular (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 45: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Dermatology (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 46: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Dermatology (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 47: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Genitourinary/Hormonal (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 48: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Genitourinary/Hormonal (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 49: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Respiratory (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 50: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Respiratory (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 51: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Rheumatology (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 52: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Rheumatology (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 53: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Diabetes (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 54: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Diabetes (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 55: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Oncology (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 56: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Oncology (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 57: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Other Therapy Areas (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 58: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Other Therapy Areas (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 59: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Retail Pharmacies (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 60: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Retail Pharmacies (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 61: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Hospital Pharmacies (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 62: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Hospital Pharmacies (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 63: Generic Drugs Industry: Profit Margins at Various Levels of the Supply Chain
- Figure 64: Generic Drugs Manufacturing: Production Cost Breakup (in %)
- Figure 65: Generic Drugs Manufacturing: Detailed Process Flow
- Figure 66: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Process: Conversion Rate of Feedstocks
- Figure 67: Generic Drugs Manufacturing: Proposed Plant Layout
- Figure 68: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Breakup of Capital Costs (in %)
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global: Generic Drugs Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2024 and 2033
- Table 2: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Breakup by Country (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 3: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Breakup by Therapy Area (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 4: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Breakup by Drug Delivery (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 5: Global: Generic Drugs Market Forecast: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 6: Generic Drugs Market: Competitive Structure
- Table 7: Generic Drugs Market: Key Players
- Table 8: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Costs Related to Land and Site Development (in USD)
- Table 9: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Costs Related to Civil Works (in USD)
- Table 10: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Costs Related to Machinery Unit (in USD)
- Table 11: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Raw Material Requirements
- Table 12: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Costs Related to Salaries and Wages (in USD)
- Table 13: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Costs Related to Other Capital Investments (in USD)
- Table 14: Details of Financial Assistance Offered by Financial Institutions
- Table 15: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Capital Costs (in USD)
- Table 16: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Techno-Economic Parameters
- Table 17: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Taxation and Depreciation (in USD)
- Table 18: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Income Projections (in USD)
- Table 19: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Expenditure Projections (in USD)
- Table 20: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Cash Flow Analysis Without Considering the Income Tax Liability (in USD)
- Table 21: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Cash Flow Analysis on Considering the Income Tax Liability (in USD)
- Table 22: Generic Drugs Manufacturing Plant: Profit and Loss Account (in USD)
