Adherence Packaging - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Adherence Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 1.04 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights

• Adherence packaging, predominantly utilized in healthcare, serves to streamline medication management, replacing traditional pill organizers. This packaging aligns with patients' daily routines, facilitating timely and accurate prescription intake as directed by healthcare providers.
• Inadequate adherence to pharmacological therapy and illness management is a known factor leading to emergency hospitalizations among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Consequently, the demand for adherence packaging is on the rise, with projections indicating substantial growth in the near future.
• Furthermore, a heightened focus on minimizing drug waste is bolstering the adherence packaging sector. Waste not only strains healthcare finances but also poses environmental risks. Yet, the industry faces challenges, notably in the form of high implementation, installation, and maintenance costs, which could potentially impede its global expansion.
• Recent advancements in packaging technology are integrating digital capture features utilizing near-field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID). These innovations aim to enhance verification processes. Unit-dose blisters, equipped with passive, active, and interactive elements, are at the forefront of combating the opioid crisis and bolstering pharmaceutical safety. Passive components include graphic or text-based alerts, while active features leverage electronics for timely reminders or alarms. Interactive functionalities empower patients to engage with the packaging, aiding in dose recording and addiction management.
• Several companies are actively pursuing strategies, like new product launches and strategic partnerships, to stay competitive in this evolving landscape. Notably, Acute Technology, a company in tech-driven medication adherence, is championing the Hydra Communications Gateway. This technology could potentially allow smartphone users to monitor their dosages electronically, addressing concerns around the control of medications dispensed via weekly trays.
• Pharmaceutical giants like Gilead and Eli Lilly are at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Their stocks are surging, reflecting a renewed focus on innovation, especially in infectious diseases. This heightened activity, driven by the urgent quest for COVID-19 treatments, is poised to have a substantial impact on the adherence packaging market. In conclusion, the advancements and increased investments in COVID-19 therapies by leading pharmaceutical companies are expected to drive significant growth in the adherence packaging market.

Adherence Packaging Market Trends

Multi-dose Packaging is Expected to Witness Significant Growth

• The rising significance of medication adherence and the advantages of synchronizing medications have spurred the emergence of multi-dose packaging solutions. Multi-dose blister cards offer several benefits, such as streamlining dosage schedules to reduce confusion, facilitating self-medication, and reducing monthly pharmacy visits. Numerous studies underscore the enhanced adherence and health outcomes associated with multi-med blister packs, especially when coupled with medication therapy management (MTM).
• As reported by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's drug and pharmaceutical exports in FY 2024 (until February 2024) reached USD 25.0 billion, from USD 25.4 billion recorded in FY 2023. This resilience is notable, given the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions, lockdowns, and subdued manufacturing. Notably, the United States, Belgium, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Brazil emerged as India's primary export destinations in FY 2023. India's performance underscored its pivotal role in the global pharma landscape, showcasing unwavering reliability even in the face of crises, notably exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• According to IBEF, India boasts the highest number of USFDA-compliant companies operating outside the United States. Notably, 8 out of the top 20 global generic companies hail from India, and more than half (55%) of the country's exports target highly regulated markets. Given its status as a major vaccine exporter, India fulfills a substantial 65-70% of the World Health Organization's (WHO) vaccine demand.
• Findings from an Omnicell survey underscore the impact of multimed packaging on patient adherence. Initially, patients in this group achieved an 80% adherence rate, which surged to an impressive 90% by the trial's end. In contrast, patients relying solely on pill bottles managed a modest 56% adherence rate. Omnicell's solution, the SureMed+, a seven-day, four-time pass, cold-seal, bi-fold card, was adopted by Holyoke Health Center following Omnicell's provision of multimed blister cards.
• E-commerce players are increasingly focusing on enhancing convenience, compliance, and tailored healthcare packaging for the elderly. Amazon's acquisition of PillPack last year underscores the rising demand for online medication delivery, hinting at a growing interest in multi-med packs. With the onset of COVID-19, multi-dose packaging is crucial, aiming to streamline prescription processing, minimize 'touchpoints,' and mitigate self-medication errors.

North America Dominates the Market

• The North American region is developed with prosperous economies, aging population segments, and advanced medical delivery systems. Still, the countries vary measurably in population size, healthcare spending intensities, aggregate gross domestic product (GDP) levels, and the structure of health insurance plans. With an advanced primary medical community, extensive medical and life science research activities, high healthcare spending intensity, and large pharmaceutical and medical supply and device industries, the United States accounts for one of the world's largest geographical markets for adherence packaging products.
• Furthermore, the United States is witnessing improved medication adherence in the correctional setting. The incarcerated population in most correctional facilities relies on an outside pharmacy to fill their prescriptions. An onsite pharmacist may be provided in some situations. However, such staff is often restricted, relying on a centralized location to supply drugs and an onsite nurse manager or similar to dispense. This strengthens the case for dispensing administration systems that are low-effort for personnel while yet being well-managed to ensure patient adherence.
• As per Parata Systems, non-adherence to medication, on average, costs USD 300 billion/year in the United States. Pouch packaging has reduced the cost of care and improved patient outcomes. With the growing presence of strip packaging in the market, patient awareness is expected to pressure pharmacies without proper packaging to be left behind. The company launched Parata PASSTM 36, targeting pharmacies. Parata Systems, being a provider of pharmacy automation systems, including vial-filling, adherence packaging, and workflow and patient experience solutions, launched a pouch packager named PASSTM 36.
• Businesses in the region are focused on a mission: helping people stay adherent to their medications and improving their care outcomes. To achieve this, they are increasingly forging partnerships with innovative market players, particularly those with strong ties to pharmacies. By doing so, these businesses aim to expand the reach of the patients they serve. Leveraging their expertise in primary packaging and their relationships with pharmacy leaders, these companies are poised to develop enhanced adherence solutions, thereby magnifying their impact.
• Adherence to medication is pivotal to successful therapy outcomes and can significantly reduce the need for costly hospitalizations. In this landscape, digital therapy support is gaining prominence. This support extends beyond traditional body-worn sensors and apps, encompassing connected primary packaging, delivery systems, and advanced medication adherence monitoring. Consequently, collaborations and alliances are emerging, offering cloud-based software and devices to pharmacies. These tools empower pharmacies to swiftly introduce adherence solutions, bolstering patients' health journeys with minimal workflow adjustments and paving the way for new revenue streams.

Adherence Packaging Industry Overview

The adherence packaging market is semi-consolidated and consists of a few significant players. Companies like Cardinal Health Inc., WestRock Company, Omnicell Inc., Parata Systems LLC, and Keystone Folding Box Co. hold substantial market shares. The market is also witnessing multiple product launches and partnerships.

In April 2024, Gerresheimer, a global partner for the pharma, biotech, and cosmetics industries, recently partnered with US digital health company RxCap, acquiring a minority stake. In this collaboration, Gerresheimer's subsidiary, Centor, gains exclusive US pharmacy distribution rights for RxCap's adherence solutions. These solutions include connected prescription vial closures and cloud-based software, enhancing Centor's existing offerings. This move underscores Gerresheimer's commitment to providing customers with integrated packaging and digital monitoring solutions.

In April 2024, Canadian medical supplier Healthmark Services Ltd, a division of RICHARDS Packaging Inc., teamed up with JFCRx. This partnership designates Healthmark Services Ltd as the sole provider of JFCRx's adherence pouch packaging, inspection, and semi-automated vial filling pharmacy automation equipment. JFCRx, known for its "analytics-driven automation," empowers pharmacies with real-time data insights, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. Their flagship product, TruPak, integrates advanced hardware and software, offering features like RFID smart canisters, customizable pouch sizes, and on-the-fly replenishment, ensuring both labor savings and enhanced safety.

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