The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (United Kingdom) defines ophthalmology as "the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye and visual system disorders." Ophthalmic drug delivery devices are a subset designed to deliver therapeutic compounds for the eye. These include conventional and advanced drug delivery systems, including prefilled syringes, multidose eyedroppers, drug-coated contact lenses, mist sprayers, add-on devices, squeeze dispensers, tubes, and ocular inserts. Several methods of ocular drug administration are discussed, beginning with basic formulation techniques to increase drug availability; mucoadhesives and viscosity enhancers assist in drug retention; and penetration enhancers promote drug transport into the eye.
Development of Novel Drug Dispensers Drives the Global Market
Several market participants have developed innovative dispensing methods or cutting-edge eyedroppers to resolve the deficiencies of conventional eyedroppers. Companies like AptarGroup, Inc. and Owen Mumford have developed squeeze dispensers to administer medications. In addition, companies such as Nemera, Aero Pump GmbH, and Berry Healthcare have developed sophisticated eyedroppers emphasizing user-friendliness and formulation without preservatives. Ocular inserts, implants, and drug-coated contact lenses are innovative drug dispensers being developed to provide sustained medication administration. These sophisticated drug dispensers emphasize targeted and prolonged drug delivery, driving market growth.
Inclusion of Nanotechnology in Ophthalmic Drugs Formulation Creates Tremendous Opportunities
Drug waste is one of the primary concerns in ophthalmology. In 2018, only 11.7% of glaucoma patients had optimal drug delivery techniques, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study titled "Evaluating Eye Drop Instillation Technique and Its Determinants in Glaucoma Patients." This has spurred the development of novel formulations that emphasize targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology is an essential technology that can be utilized to produce pharmaceutical formulations. Targeted drug delivery, minimal drug waste, continuous drug delivery, and cost-effectiveness are among the primary advantages of this technology. In addition, these formulations can pass through barriers such as the cornea and replace invasive procedures such as implants, thereby creating new market opportunities.
North America is the most significant global ophthalmic drug delivery devices market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.07% during the forecast period. The primary growth driver for the North American ophthalmic drug delivery devices market is the increasing prevalence of ocular disorders such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract. According to Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx), the prevalence of cataracts rose by 9.42% in the region between 2016 and 2019. In addition, the prevalence of glaucoma in North America increased by 12.66 percent during this period. As a result, the prevalence of ocular disorders has increased, as has the demand for ocular drugs and drug-delivery devices. The growth of the ophthalmic drug delivery devices market in North America is fueled by key and emerging companies. Furthermore, emerging regional companies have accelerated technological advancements and incorporated digital solutions into ophthalmic drug delivery devices.
Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.59% over the forecast period. The rising incidence of ocular disorders such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract is the primary growth driver for the ophthalmic drug delivery devices market in Europe. Historically, medical devices in Europe were governed by European Commission (EC) regulations. The main medical device regulations under which the companies applied for CE mark certification were 90/385/EC, 98/99/EC, and 93/42/EC. In response to the need for a change in the regulations, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) was implemented. The new regulations are anticipated to be more rigorous and stringent, and the requirement for extensive documentation will increase the cost of regulatory procedures. Numerous market-leading companies, including Schott AG, Aero Pump GmbH, Gaplast GmbH, Nemera, Owen Mumford, and Gerresheimer AG, are headquartered in the region and control a substantial share of the global ophthalmic drug delivery devices market.
The key global ophthalmic drug delivery devices market players are Aero Pump GmbH, Aptar Group, Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Beckton, Dickinson, and Company, Gaplast GmbH, Gerresheimer AG, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Jotteq Inc., Nemera, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc., Owen Mumford, Nipro Corporation, Silgan Holdings Inc., and Terumo Corporation.