Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 7.38%

Orally disintegrating tablets are a unique form of medication that dissolves in the mouth when exposed to saliva, eliminating the need for water or any other liquid to aid swallowing. These tablets are manufactured using various methods, including conventional techniques, freeze-drying, and floss-based technology, to ensure optimal disintegration. ODTs typically dissolve in 30 seconds or less, offering patients a convenient and fast-acting alternative to traditional tablets. They are available for a wide range of therapeutic indications, such as hypertension, mental health disorders, chronic pain, epilepsy, migraine, and more.

Increasing focus on research and development drives the global market

The growing emphasis on research and development (R&D) in the ODT sector is playing a pivotal role in driving market growth. Companies are dedicating substantial resources to R&D efforts to develop ODT formulations for a broader range of drugs, including those that were not previously available in oral forms. Additionally, R&D is facilitating the transformation of traditional non-oral medications into more convenient and patient-friendly ODT alternatives.

A prime example of this innovation is KalVista Pharmaceuticals' development of an ODT formulation for sebetralstat, expected to be the first of its kind in the U.S. and Europe for New Drug Application (NDA) filing, scheduled for May 2024. This intensified focus on R&D is propelling the ODT market forward, leading to the introduction of cutting-edge products that are both novel and effective, further expanding the availability of ODT options.

Rising demand for ODTs in pediatric and geriatric patients creates tremendous opportunities

The rising demand for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) is largely driven by the difficulties pediatric and geriatric patients face when it comes to swallowing traditional tablets. Children, particularly those with developmental or cognitive challenges, often have trouble swallowing pills, while elderly individuals are frequently affected by dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult.

According to Mayo Clinic Proceedings, dysphagia affects between 10% and 33% of older adults, many of whom are also more vulnerable to chronic conditions. ODTs offer a practical solution for both pediatric and geriatric patients, as they dissolve rapidly in the mouth, eliminating the need for water and making medication intake easier.

With the growing prevalence of dysphagia among the aging population, the demand for ODTs continues to rise, creating new opportunities for market expansion in these patient groups. This trend is expected to drive significant growth in the ODT market.

North America currently holds the largest revenue share in the orally disintegrating tablet market, driven by a combination of factors. Significant investments in research and development, along with a high prevalence of chronic conditions such as mental health disorders, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disturbances, contribute to this dominance.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that between 2021 and 2023, nearly 48% of U.S. adults were affected by hypertension, with the condition impacting 70% of adults aged 60 and older. The need for long-term medication to manage hypertension, along with increasing awareness of ODT benefits, is accelerating demand.

Key Highlights

• The global orally disintegrating tablet market size was valued at USD 14.76 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 16.33 billion in 2025 to USD 28.88 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.38% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
• By drug class, the global orally disintegrating tablet market is segmented into analgesics, anti-psychotics, anti-epileptics, gastrointestinal drugs, anti-hypertensive drugs, and others.The anti-psychotics segment leads the market.
• By technology, the global orally disintegrating tablet market is segmented into conventional, freeze-drying, and floss-based technology. The conventional segment owns the highest market share.
• By distribution channel, the global market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment dominates the market, accounting for a significant CAGR.
• North America is the most significant global orally disintegrating tablet market shareholder.

Market Segments

1. By Drug Class
   1. Analgesics
   2. Anti-psychotics
   3. Anti-epileptics
   4. Gastro-intestinal Drugs
   5. Anti-hypertensive Drugs
   6. Others
2. By Technology
   1. Conventional
   2. Freeze Drying
   3. Floss-based Technology
3. By Distribution Channel
   1. Hospital Pharmacies
   2. Drugs Stores & Retail Pharmacies
   3. Online Pharmacies