Global Oral Proteins & Peptides Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 20.35% 

Introduction

The global oral proteins and peptides market is experiencing robust growth owing to several key drivers. A major factor is the increasing preference among patients for non-invasive treatment options, which makes oral formulations more appealing than injectable ones due to better patient compliance. Growing investments in the biopharmaceutical sector are also accelerating the development of innovative peptide-based therapies with improved drug stability and absorption profiles.

The expanding biopharma landscape is promoting advances in personalized medicine and targeted treatments, aiming to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Supportive regulatory frameworks for oral biologics are further simplifying approval processes, thus facilitating market growth. Additionally, the rising elderly population and increasing healthcare spending are contributing to the demand for convenient and effective therapies. As pharmaceutical companies continue to improve delivery technologies and formulations, the market is poised for ongoing expansion, especially in areas such as gastrointestinal, metabolic, and genetic disorders.

Market Dynamics

Rising prevalence of chronic diseases drives the global market

The surging incidence of chronic illnesses is a key factor driving growth in the healthcare sector, spurring the need for advanced therapies and innovative drug delivery technologies. Shifting lifestyles—characterized by physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and aging populations—are contributing significantly to the global rise in long-term health conditions.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic ailments like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disorders are responsible for more than 75% of deaths worldwide each year. Additionally, the OECD highlights that over one-third of adults in its member countries live with chronic conditions, with 6.9% affected by diabetes.

This growing health burden is accelerating the demand for preventive care, personalized medicine, and biologic treatments. In response, healthcare companies are increasingly focusing on precision therapies, AI-powered diagnostics, and user-friendly drug formulations to meet evolving patient needs.

Increased utilization in new therapeutic areas like NASH and Alzheimer's disease creates tremendous opportunities

The growing application of oral peptides in emerging therapeutic areas such as NASH and Alzheimer’s disease represents a significant market opportunity. In the case of NASH, peptides are being investigated for their capacity to modulate metabolic pathways and reduce liver inflammation. For instance, semaglutide—originally developed for diabetes management—has shown promising results in enhancing liver histology and slowing disease progression. Meanwhile, in Alzheimer’s research, peptide-based strategies are being pursued to address neurodegeneration.

• A 2024 study published in Brain Research introduced PHDP5, a synthetic peptide targeting tau protein accumulation, a major contributor to Alzheimer’s-related neurodegeneration. In mouse models, PHDP5 demonstrated potential by reversing impairments in memory and learning through the restoration of neuronal communication, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

These developments indicate that peptide-based treatments may revolutionize the management of complex diseases by offering less invasive options that enhance patient adherence and accessibility.

Regional Analysis

North America holds a prominent position in the global oral proteins and peptides market, driven by robust pharmaceutical R&D, strong regulatory frameworks, and early adoption of innovative therapies. The region benefits from significant investments by key players like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Oramed Pharmaceuticals, which are advancing oral insulin and GLP-1 analogs for diabetes treatment. The U.S. FDA’s approval of Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) by Novo Nordisk exemplifies the region's progressive stance on oral peptide drugs. 

Additionally, rising chronic disease prevalence, especially obesity and type 2 diabetes, fuels demand for patient-friendly drug delivery options. Academic institutions and biotech startups in the U.S. and Canada are actively involved in developing novel drug delivery platforms using lipid nanoparticles and enzyme inhibitors. The region’s strong intellectual property protection and favorable reimbursement policies further support market expansion.

Key Highlights

• The global oral proteins & peptides market size was valued at USD 7.13 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 8.58 billion in 2025 to reach USD 37.77 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.35% during the forecast period (2025–2033). 

• By drug type, the global oral proteins and peptides market is segmented into linaclotide, plecanatide, calcitonin, insulin, octreotide, and others. 

• By molecule type, the market is categorized into proteins and peptides. 

• Based on application, the market is divided into gastric and digestive disorders, bone diseases, diabetes, hormonal disorders, cancer, and others. 

• By end-user, the market includes hospitals, clinics, homecare settings, research institutes, and others.

• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

1. Novo Nordisk A/S
2. Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.
3. Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.
4. Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
5. Rani Therapeutics, Chiasma, Inc.
6. Allergan plc
7. Enteris BioPharma, Inc.
8. Ipsen Pharma
9. Biocon Limited
10. Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.
11. Others

Recent Developments

• In April 2025- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported positive topline results from its Phase 3 ACHIEVE-1 trial, which assessed the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron in adults with type 2 diabetes who were not achieving adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise alone. Orforglipron is the first oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist—administered without restrictions on food or water intake—to successfully complete a Phase 3 clinical trial.

Segmentation

1. By Drug Type
   1. Linaclotide
   2. Plecanatide
   3. Calcitonin
   4. Insulin
   5. Octreotide
   6. Others
2. By Molecule Type
   1. Proteins
   2. Peptides
3. By Application
   1. Gastric and Digestive Disorders
   2. Bone Diseases
   3. Diabetes
   4. Hormonal Disorders
   5. Cancer
   6. Others
4. By End-User
   1. Hospitals
   2. Clinics
   3. Homecare Settings
   4. Research Institutes
   5. Others
5. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa