Intranasal Drug Delivery - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2032

Intranasal Drug Delivery Market by Dosage Form (Spray, Drops and Liquids, Gels, and Powders), Container (Pressurized and Non-pressurized), System (Unit-dose Systems, Bi-Dose Systems, and Multi-dose Systems), Application (Respiratory Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Infectious Diseases, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2032 owing to The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing R&D activities and product launches by key players in the domain of intranasal drug delivery.

The intranasal drug delivery market was valued at USD 64,451.20 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 104,248.63 million by 2032. This growth is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including neurological, respiratory, severe allergic, and ophthalmic disorders. The increasing demand for rapid-onset, non-invasive drug administration methods is also contributing to market expansion, as intranasal delivery offers fast absorption and ease of use, key factors in enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, heightened R&D activities and a surge in product launches by key industry players are further accelerating innovation in the field. These advancements are creating a dynamic and competitive landscape, fostering the development of more efficient and targeted intranasal therapies. Together, these trends are shaping a favorable environment for the sustained growth of the intranasal drug delivery market, positioning it for robust and consistent expansion throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

Intranasal Drug Delivery Market Dynamics:

According to the World Health Organization (2024), in 2023, epilepsy affected approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. Notably, around 80% of these cases occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where access to timely treatment remains limited. In such settings, intranasal drug delivery provides a practical, fast-acting alternative that can be administered without medical supervision. Such growing cases of epilepsy are driving the market growth as intranasal drug delivery is used for the acute treatment of intermittent episodes of increased seizure activity in patients with epilepsy.

Similarly, depression remains a major global health concern. As per WHO (2023), in 2023, an estimated 280 million people worldwide were living with depression. Intranasal therapies emerged as effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, offering rapid symptom relief and easy administration, especially in outpatient and emergency care environments thereby creating the demand for intranasal drug delivery solutions.

The global diabetes burden is also rising rapidly. According to the International Diabetes Federation (2023), in 2021, there were 537 million adults (aged 20-79) living with diabetes, a number projected to increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Innovative intranasal formulations of hormones like glucagon provide a non-invasive, fast-acting alternative to injectable therapies, helping manage acute hypoglycemia in diabetic patients while bypassing hepatic metabolism. Therefore, rising cases of diabetes are driving the growth of the intranasal drug delivery market.

Additionally, chronic pain and migraine continue to affect large populations worldwide. According to the European Pain Federation (2023), in 2023, approximately 150 million people in Europe suffered from chronic pain. Meanwhile, the WHO (2024), estimated that migraine and other headache disorders affected 3.1 billion people globally in 2021. The demand for intranasal drug delivery solutions is increasing due to rising cases of migraine as these devices manage acute migraine attacks, offering quick relief by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

According to NHS England (2023), approximately 5.4 million individuals received treatment for asthma in 2023, with around 160,000 new diagnoses recorded annually in the United Kingdom. This rising prevalence of asthma is a significant driver of growth in the intranasal drug delivery market. Intranasal delivery presents a promising approach for asthma management, offering advantages such as ease of administration, rapid onset of action, and the ability to bypass first-pass metabolism. These benefits not only improve patient compliance but also enhance therapeutic efficiency, further contributing to the growing adoption of intranasal drug delivery systems in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma.

Conditions like depression, epilepsy, chronic pain, diabetes, and respiratory disorders often require medications that are either rapidly metabolized by the liver or difficult to administer orally during acute episodes. Intranasal drug delivery offers key advantages in such cases, including rapid absorption, avoidance of first-pass hepatic metabolism, and reduced side effects due to the lower doses required. Therefore, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, and diabetes is significantly driving the growth of the intranasal drug delivery market.

The intranasal drug delivery market is further propelled by ongoing product approvals and launches from key industry players, reinforcing innovation and expanding treatment options. For example, in February 2025, Lupin Limited announced it had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Solution. This product is indicated for the symptomatic relief of rhinorrhea associated with both allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Similarly, in April 2024, Amneal Pharmaceuticals received U.S. FDA approval for its Over-the-counter (OTC) Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray, intended for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. These developments not only underscore the growing adoption of intranasal formulations but also highlight the increasing focus on accessibility, patient convenience, and rapid therapeutic response key factors fueling the market's sustained growth.

However, the complexities and limitations associated with the intranasal drug administration and stringent regulatory requirements for product approval, among others are some of the key constraints that may limit the growth of the intranasal drug delivery market.

Intranasal Drug Delivery Market Segment Analysis:

Intranasal Drug Delivery Market by Dosage Form (Spray, Drops and Liquids, Gels, and Powders), Container (Pressurized and Non-pressurized), System (Unit-dose Systems, Bi-Dose Systems, and Multi-dose Systems), Application (Respiratory Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Infectious Diseases, and Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies and Online Pharmacies), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the dosage form segment of the intranasal drug delivery market, the spray category is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2024. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, severe allergic reactions, ophthalmic disorders, and neurological conditions, coupled with the multiple clinical and practical advantages offered by nasal sprays.

Nasal sprays are favored for their non-invasive, needle-free application, offering ease of administration and rapid onset of action are the factors that significantly enhance patient compliance and therapeutic efficiency. The nasal mucosa's highly vascularized and permeable surface enables efficient systemic absorption of drugs while bypassing the first-pass hepatic metabolism and avoiding gastrointestinal degradation. This leads to improved bioavailability, especially for drugs that are unstable or poorly absorbed through oral routes.

Moreover, nasal sprays are increasingly being utilized in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Their ability to deliver drugs via the olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways allows for direct access to the brain, making them particularly effective in treating acute neurological conditions such as migraines, seizures, and opioid overdoses, where immediate therapeutic intervention is critical.

With the global burden of neurological diseases on the rise, leading pharmaceutical companies are intensifying their investments in research and development to introduce advanced intranasal spray formulations targeting these conditions. For example, in March 2023, Pfizer Inc. received FDA approval for ZAVZPRET(TM) (zavegepant), a CGRP receptor antagonist nasal spray indicated for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults. Similarly, in August 2023, Emergent BioSolutions launched NARCAN(R) Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg, an over-the-counter (OTC) product designed for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. These product innovations and regulatory milestones underscore the increasing clinical relevance of nasal sprays in both urgent care and chronic disease management. As such, the spray segment is poised for substantial expansion, driven by a convergence of therapeutic demand, technological advancement, and regulatory support.

Thus, the factors mentioned above are likely to boost the market segment and thereby increase the overall market of intranasal drug delivery across the globe.

North America is expected to dominate the overall intranasal drug delivery market:

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the intranasal drug delivery market in 2024, driven by several key factors. The region's dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of neurological, respiratory, and diabetes, which has created a growing demand for more effective and patient-friendly drug delivery solutions. Additionally, the increasing preference for rapid-onset therapies and the convenience of self-administration is significantly boosting the adoption of intranasal drug delivery systems across the region. Moreover, increase in regulatory approvals and new product launches by leading pharmaceutical companies with a strong pipeline of intranasal formulations, coupled with favorable healthcare infrastructure and awareness. Collectively, these factors are expected to sustain North America's leading position in the global market.

As per the data from the National Institute of Health (2023), in 2022, it was estimated that more than one in five adults were living with a mental illness (59.3 million) with 21 million people suffering from one major depressive disorder. Similarly, data from the Government of Canada (2023), in 2022, approximately 5 million people were suffering from mental disorders including major depressive disorders, anxiety, and seizures among others. Intranasal drug delivery devices with drugs are used for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024), in 2022, approximately 2.9 million adults aged 18 and older in the U.S. reported having active epilepsy.

Additionally, data from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (2022), revealed that 2 to 3% of individuals in the country experienced panic disorder, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men. Furthermore, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) impacted around 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, underscoring the widespread burden of anxiety-related conditions.

The increasing incidence of such neurological and psychiatric disorders necessitates fast-acting, non-invasive treatment options, for which intranasal drug delivery offers a highly effective solution.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (2023), more than 27 million people in the United States were living with asthma in 2022, accounting for approximately 1 in every 12 individuals. Additionally, over 2 million adults aged 18 or older were affected by asthma. Data from the Allergy & Asthma Network (2023), further supported this, indicating that more than 26 million people, including 7% of adults and 6.5% of children, were living with asthma across the country.

Similarly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), an estimated 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The data from the American Lung Association (2023), reported that 1.7 million individuals were diagnosed with COPD and other respiratory diseases, representing 4.6% of the U.S. population. The growing prevalence of asthma, COPD, and related respiratory conditions has led to a surging demand for intranasal drug delivery, which provides effective symptom relief and helps control disease progression.

The rising prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is driving growth in the intranasal drug delivery market in the region, as patients seek fast-acting, non-invasive therapies to manage respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion and airway inflammation. Intranasal corticosteroids and decongestants provide targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects, enhancing patient compliance and treatment effectiveness.

In addition to disease prevalence, regulatory advancements and product innovations are further fueling market growth. For instance, in September 2024, AstraZeneca announced that FluMist(R), the only self-administered influenza vaccine, was approved in the U.S. This needle-free nasal spray can be self-administered by adults up to 49 years old or administered by a caregiver to individuals aged 2-17, marking a major step forward in patient-friendly vaccine delivery.

Intranasal Drug Delivery Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the intranasal drug delivery market include Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., EMERGENT, UCB S.A., GSK plc, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Neurelis, Inc., Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Perrigo Company, ARS Pharmaceuticals Operations, Inc., AstraZeneca, Therakind, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, Impel Pharmaceuticals LLC, Endo, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Teleflex Incorporated, Viatris, Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Intranasal Drug Delivery Market:

• In January 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for SPRAVATO(R) (esketamine) CIII nasal spray. This approval makes SPRAVATO(R) the first and only monotherapy specifically indicated for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have had an inadequate response to at least two oral antidepressants.
• In November 2024, Corxel Pharmaceuticals announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for varenicline solution nasal spray. This approval allowed the product to be marketed in China for the treatment of dry eye disease by increasing natural tear production, offering patients a novel, non-invasive therapeutic option.
• In August 2024, ARS Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for neffy(R) (epinephrine nasal spray), marking a groundbreaking advancement as the first and only needle-free epinephrine treatment for Type I allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. This approval represented a significant milestone in allergy care, offering patients and caregivers a rapid, effective, and more accessible alternative to traditional auto-injectors.
• In January 2023, AstraZeneca announced the FDA approval of Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide), an as-needed inhaler for the treatment and prevention of bronchoconstriction and exacerbations in adults with asthma aged 18 years and older.

Key takeaways from the intranasal drug delivery market report study

• Market size analysis for current intranasal drug delivery market size (2024), and market forecast for 8 years (2025 to 2032)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the intranasal drug delivery market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the intranasal drug delivery market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2024? How these segments will perform in 2032?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current intranasal drug delivery market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for intranasal drug delivery market growth in the coming future?

Target audience who can benefit from this intranasal drug delivery market report study

• Intranasal drug delivery product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies
• Intranasal drug delivery-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 intranasal drug delivery
• Various end-users who want to know more about the intranasal drug delivery market and the latest technological developments in the intranasal drug delivery market.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Intranasal Drug Delivery Market:

1. What is intranasal drug delivery?

• Intranasal drug delivery is a method of administering medications through the nasal cavity for local or systemic effects. It offers rapid absorption due to the rich blood supply in the nasal mucosa and bypasses first-pass liver metabolism. This route is non-invasive, needle-free, and especially useful for emergency and CNS-related treatments.

2. What is the market for intranasal drug delivery?

• The intranasal drug delivery market was valued at USD 64,451.20 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 104,248.63 million by 2032.

3. What are the drivers for the intranasal drug delivery market?

• This growth is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including neurological, respiratory, severe allergic, and ophthalmic disorders. The increasing demand for rapid-onset, non-invasive drug administration methods is also contributing to market expansion, as intranasal delivery offers fast absorption and ease of use, key factors in enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, heightened R&D activities and a surge in product launches by key industry players are further accelerating innovation in the field. These advancements are creating a dynamic and competitive landscape, fostering the development of more efficient and targeted intranasal therapies. Together, these trends are shaping a favorable environment for the sustained growth of the intranasal drug delivery market, positioning it for robust and consistent expansion throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

4. Who are the key players operating in the intranasal drug delivery market?

• Some of the key market players operating in the intranasal drug delivery market include Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., EMERGENT, UCB S.A., GSK plc, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Neurelis, Inc., Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Perrigo Company, ARS Pharmaceuticals Operations, Inc., AstraZeneca, Therakind, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, Impel Pharmaceuticals LLC, Endo, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Teleflex Incorporated, Viatris, Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, and others.

5. Which region has the highest share in the intranasal drug delivery market?

• North America is expected to hold the largest share of the intranasal drug delivery market in 2024, driven by several key factors. The region's dominance is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of neurological, respiratory, and diabetes, which has created a growing demand for more effective and patient-friendly drug delivery solutions. Additionally, the increasing preference for rapid-onset therapies and the convenience of self-administration is significantly boosting the adoption of intranasal drug delivery systems across the region. Moreover, increase in regulatory approvals and new product launches by leading pharmaceutical companies with a strong pipeline of intranasal formulations, coupled with favorable healthcare infrastructure and awareness. Collectively, these factors are expected to sustain North America's leading position in the global market.