PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1891475
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1891475
The global pen needles market continues to expand rapidly, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions requiring injectable therapies. According to recent industry data, the market was valued at USD 2.28 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.41 billion in 2025, eventually climbing to USD 3.89 billion by 2032, reflecting a steady CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period. North America remained the dominant regional market in 2024 with a significant 39.47% share, supported by strong infrastructure, high adoption of injectable drug delivery devices, and widespread availability of advanced pen needle brands.
Pen needles play an essential role in patient-administered therapies, particularly for diseases requiring regular injections, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and growth hormone deficiencies. Their frequent replacement-often daily or after several uses-ensures continuous market demand. Increasing reliance on pen-based drug delivery solutions is a major contributor to the expanding market base. In 2023, Ypsomed reported record demand for UnoPen and YpsoPen, exceeding 100 million and 10 million units sold, respectively, reflecting global consumption patterns for pen-based injectables.
Market Trends
A key trend influencing market development is the growing focus on improved drug delivery systems by industry players. Manufacturers are launching enhanced products that improve user safety, comfort, and access. For example, in September 2022, Novo Nordisk A/S introduced a generic version of its Tresiba injection pen, increasing accessibility for diabetic patients. Additionally, companies are expanding product availability: in April 2024, MTD Medical Technology and Devices S.p.A. made its Droplet Micron pen needles available over-the-counter in the U.S., broadening consumer access through online pharmacies and retail channels.
Growth Factors
The rising global burden of metabolic and hormonal disorders remains the leading market driver. Diabetes prevalence reached 10.5% of adults aged 20-79 years in 2021, with figures projected to rise by 46% by 2045, reinforcing long-term demand for insulin pens and pen needles. Osteoporosis is also a major contributor: in 2023, 13.1% of U.S. women aged 50-64 and 27.5% of women aged 65+ were affected, elevating the need for injectable treatments. Market players continue to expand their portfolios to meet this demand. For example, in March 2024, MTD acquired Ypsomed's pen needle and blood glucose monitoring businesses, advancing its product capabilities and global reach.
Restraints
Despite strong demand trends, certain factors hinder market growth. Pen needles carry risks of site reactions such as lipohypertrophy, skin infections, and allergies, often triggered by poor injection techniques. Healthcare providers also face exposure risks: a study reported in 2023 indicated 3.2% of nurses in China experienced HBV infections linked to needlestick injuries. Additionally, availability of alternative therapies-such as oral medications-places competitive pressure on injectable delivery device markets.
Standard pen needles dominated the product type segment in 2024, driven by high diabetes prevalence and lower awareness of needlestick hazards. Conversely, safety pen needles are expected to grow at the fastest pace due to rising demand for injury prevention features.
Among drug types, the insulin segment held the largest share in 2024, reflecting the substantial global diabetic population. The launch of advanced injectable solutions, such as affordable insulin pens introduced through the 2023 Civica-Ypsomed partnership, continues to propel the market.
Based on disease indication, diabetes remained the leading segment in 2024. New product approvals, such as Novo Nordisk's 2024 regulatory clearance for Awiqli basal insulin icodec, further support segment expansion. The obesity segment is also poised for strong growth, supported by global obesity levels estimated at one in eight people in 2022.
Needle sizes are shifting toward shorter, safer formats, with 4 mm needles dominating 2024 due to reduced intramuscular injection risks. The 6 mm category is expected to grow fastest, attributed to improved injection comfort.
North America led the market in 2024 with a valuation of USD 0.90 billion, attributed to major manufacturers such as Embecta, Cardinal Health, and Allison Medical. Europe also holds substantial potential, driven by high diabetes prevalence, including 4.3 million cases in the U.K. in 2024. Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest due to rising launches of advanced injection therapies, such as Sanofi's 2024 introduction of Soliqua in India. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show promising prospects due to high diabetes rates, including 15.7 million adults affected in Brazil in 2021.
Conclusion
With rising global prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in drug delivery systems, and increasing accessibility of injectable therapies, the pen needles market is set for sustained expansion, reaching USD 3.89 billion by 2032.
Segmentation By Product Type
By Drug Type
By Disease Indication
By Needle Size
By Distribution Channel
By Region