Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Size

The global orally disintegrating tablet market size was valued at USD 14.76 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow from USD 15.85 billion in 2025 to reach USD 28.02 billion in 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.38% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

An orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) is a type of medication that quickly dissolves or disintegrates in the mouth without the need for water. It is designed to dissolve on the tongue within seconds, making it easier for individuals who may have difficulty swallowing pills, such as children or elderly patients. ODTs are commonly used for medications that treat conditions like nausea, pain, or allergies. The unique formulation of ODTs helps ensure that the active ingredient is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing quicker relief.

Several key factors are driving the growth of the ODT market. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including mental health disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, and others, is creating a demand for more accessible drug delivery options. Moreover, advancements in research and development of novel drug delivery systems are boosting innovation within the market. Rising healthcare investments, coupled with growing patient awareness and compliance, further contribute to this expansion.

Below graph represents the global number of mental disorder cases per 100,000 people in 2021

Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and Straits Research

Market Trends

Novel and Innovative Product Launches

The oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) market is witnessing significant innovation, driven by advancements in formulation and technology to enhance patient experience. These innovations make ODTs more appealing, especially for those who face challenges with traditional tablets.

• For example, in May 2024, Tiefenbacher Pharmaceuticals introduced a 10 mg strawberry-flavored Bilastine oral dispersible tablet for children aged 6-11 years, marking a significant milestone. This product not only addresses the need for a child-friendly alternative but also emphasizes the importance of flavor and ease of use.

As novel ODT products continue to improve patient compliance and overall satisfaction, they are expected to propel the market's growth by offering more tailored solutions to a wide range of patients. 

Growing Use of Odts in the Generic Market

Orally disintegrating tablets are gaining popularity in the generic drug market due to their numerous benefits, such as rapid disintegration and the ability to be taken without water. These advantages are particularly attractive for patients who require easier medication options. The growing use of ODTs in generics is helping to make medications more accessible and convenient for a larger population.

• A notable example is the July 2024 launch of Desmopressin ODT by Adalvo in Europe, the first generic alternative for treating diabetes in ODT form. The inclusion of ODT technology in generic drugs is expanding the market for both ODTs and generics, further driving market growth as patient compliance and convenience continue to be prioritized. 

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Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Growth Factors

Surge in New Product Launches

The global orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) market is experiencing robust growth due to the surge in new product launches. Companies are significantly investing in both manufacturing and research to expand their portfolios and meet growing patient demands. This increase in product availability is helping to fuel market expansion.

• A prime example is Amring Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s February 2022 approval and launch of Lamotrigine ODT.
• Another notable launch occurred in Q1 2023 when Cycle Pharmaceuticals introduced Fingolimod ODT in the U.S. for treating multiple sclerosis (MS).

These continuous product launches are not only enhancing the variety of ODT offerings but also making these innovative products more accessible to patients, driving further growth.

Increasing Focus on Research and Development

The escalating focus on research and development in the ODT sector is playing a crucial role in market growth. Companies are heavily investing in R&D to develop ODT formulations for a wide range of drugs, including those originally not available in oral forms. R&D is also enabling the conversion of traditional non-oral medications into more convenient, patient-friendly ODT options.

• A noteworthy example is KalVista Pharmaceuticals’ May 2024 development of an ODT formulation for sebetralstat, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the U.S. and Europe for New Drug Application (NDA) filing.

This increasing emphasis on R&D is helping drive the market forward, leading to the launch of novel and innovative ODT products.

Market Restraining Factor

Limited Drug Load Capacity

One of the key factors restraining the growth of the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) market is the limited drug load capacity. Due to the unique design of ODTs, which are smaller in size to ensure fast disintegration in the mouth, it becomes challenging to load high doses of active ingredients. As a result, ODTs are typically available in lower doses compared to conventional tablets, restricting their applicability for medications that require higher doses. For example, Adare Pharma Solutions' Advatabs has a drug loading capacity of up to 500 mg. This limitation in drug load capacity results in a narrower range of formulations available in the ODT market, ultimately limiting its growth potential.

Market Opportunity

Rising Demand for Odts in Pediatric and Geriatric Patients

The growing demand for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) is driven by the unique challenges faced by pediatric and geriatric patients when it comes to swallowing traditional tablets. Children, especially those with developmental or cognitive issues, often struggle with swallowing pills, while geriatric patients are significantly affected by dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult.

• According to Mayo Clinic Proceedings, dysphagia impacts about 10% to 33% of older adults, with this group also being more susceptible to chronic diseases. ODTs provide an effective solution to these issues, as they dissolve quickly in the mouth, making it easier for both pediatric and geriatric patients to take their medications.

The increasing prevalence of dysphagia in the aging population is creating new opportunities for ODTs, driving demand and market growth in these segments.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global orally disintegrating tablet market, capturing the largest revenue share. This dominance is driven by significant investments in research and development, as well as a high prevalence of chronic conditions such as mental health disorders, hypertension, and gastrointestinal diseases.

• For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2021 and 2023, nearly 48% of U.S. adults were affected by hypertension, with the incidence rising to 70% among adults aged 60 and above.

The need for long-term medication management for conditions like hypertension is fueling the demand for convenient drug delivery options, such as ODTs, which require no water and are easier to administer. This growing need for ODTs is contributing to the overall market expansion in North America.

The U.S. remains a market leader due to strong investments in research and development and a high prevalence of chronic diseases. With the launch of novel ODT products addressing various health conditions, continuous innovation is key. For instance, in December 2024, MindMed began Phase 3 trials for MM120 ODT, a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a significant step toward offering optimized treatments in the mental health space.

Canada's ODT market is expanding, driven by the need for more accessible treatments for chronic disease patients. Market players are boosting their portfolios with new product launches, thus meeting the rising demand. For example, in April 2022, Pharmascience Canada launched pms-Ondansetron ODT, a generic drug available in 4 mg and 8 mg doses, providing crucial relief for patients with nausea due to various medical conditions.

Asia-Pacific Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Trends

Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to factors such as rising cases of chronic diseases, growing healthcare awareness, and increasing product launches in various countries with continuous research and development. For instance, in June 2024, HK inno.N launched K-CAB ODT 25 mg for treatment of Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is the only product with ODT formulation and indication for maintenance therapy among P-CAB class products released in Korea.

Japan's ODT market is booming, with continuous new product launches and strong pharmaceutical industry growth. Innovation through research and development is key to expanding product portfolios. For instance, in May 2022, Daiichi Sankyo launched Minnebro ODT, an antihypertensive agent. The country's growing demand for convenient medications is fueling the expansion of the ODT market, making it a key growth region.

China’s ODT market is expanding rapidly, supported by increased investment in research and development, enhanced manufacturing facilities, and favorable regulatory frameworks. The market is benefiting from the approval of new treatments like Toray's REMITCH Nalfurafine Hydrochloride ODT, which was approved by China’s NMPA in July 2023 for pruritus relief. These advancements are contributing to the steady growth of the healthcare sector, driving market development.

India's healthcare market is growing with significant investments in research, development, and manufacturing centers, creating more opportunities for ODT market growth. For example, in May 2022, DFE Pharma opened a center of excellence in India, offering fast-track formulation services. These services support the development of various specialized dosage forms, including ODTs, boosting the country’s market potential in the pharmaceutical sector.

Australia’s ODT market is flourishing due to the increasing demand for innovative and novel formulations. These advancements are improving patient compliance by offering more convenient medication options. For instance, in October 2024, Swisse Wellness launched a line of vitamins, minerals, and supplements in ODT form, further expanding the availability of ODT products in the Australian market and catering to a growing preference for easy-to-consume formulations.

Europe Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Trends

Spain is witnessing significant growth in its ODT market, with well-established players launching innovative products. These efforts are expanding the ODT product offerings, catering to the increasing demand for convenient drug delivery. Faes Farma launched Bilastine ODT in 2023, an antihistamine that alleviates allergic symptoms, helping to address a key health concern while enhancing patient compliance.

The UK is becoming the dominating market for orally disintegrating tablets market, with an increasing number of major illness cases. The requirement for medications, as well as the launch of innovative products, drive the market growth. According to Health Foundation UK, in 2023, more than 2.5 million people in England are projected to be living with major illness by 2040. This increasing number indicates the demand and drives the market growth in the UK.

Drug Class Insights

The anti-psychotics segment holds the largest market share, driven by the rising prevalence of mental health disorders and the increasing demand for easier-to-administer medications. Research and development efforts are fueling the launch of new ODT products tailored for mental health treatment, further solidifying this segment’s dominance. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 13.9% of the global population experienced mental health disorders in 2021, underscoring the growing need for accessible treatment options.

Technology Insights

The conventional segment leads the market, primarily due to the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of methods like dry granulation, wet granulation, and direct compression. These processes do not require specialized equipment or conditions, making them highly efficient and adaptable for mass production. The flexibility to switch platforms based on formulation components also contributes to the popularity of conventional technologies among manufacturers, reinforcing its dominance in the ODT market.

Distribution Channel Insights

Hospital pharmacies dominate the distribution of ODTs, particularly for conditions that require specialized care, such as mental health disorders, severe hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures. These diseases often necessitate hospitalization, where hospital pharmacies play a critical role in providing timely access to medications. Their essential position in the healthcare system as the primary distribution channel for these treatments leads to the hospital pharmacies segment commanding the largest market revenue.

Company Market Share

Key players in the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) market are actively investing in R&D and expanding their manufacturing capabilities to strengthen their product portfolios and increase market penetration. These companies are focused on developing innovative and optimized ODT formulations that cater to a wide range of therapeutic applications, including mental health, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic conditions.

Kalvista Pharmaceuticals: An Emerging Provider in the Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market

KalVista Pharmaceuticals is an emerging player in the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) market, known for its groundbreaking work in oral protease inhibitor drugs. The company leverages its deep expertise in the kallikrein-kinin system to develop novel treatments for various diseases, including those related to inflammation and vascular health.

List of key players in Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market

1. Pfizer Inc.
2. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
3. GSK plc. 
4. Mylan N.V.
5. Dr.Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
6. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. 
7. Eli Lilly and Company
8. Zydus Group
9. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
10. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
11. Aurobindo Pharma USA
12. Alkem
13. Lupin
14. KalVista Pharmaceuticals
15. Eisai Co., Ltd.

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Recent Development

• In September 2024, KalVista Pharmaceuticals announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptance of a New Drug Application (NDA) for Sebetralstat for oral on-demand treatment of hereditary angioedema. It is a novel, investigational oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the on-demand treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global orally disintegrating tablet market is witnessing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The rising prevalence of mental health disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, and migraines is fueling demand for easier-to-administer treatments. Additionally, the launch of innovative ODT products enhances patient compliance, while significant investments in R&D and manufacturing facilities further propel market expansion.

Regulatory support plays a crucial role in facilitating the introduction of new products, and collaborations are fostering advancements in novel drug delivery systems. However, despite these positive trends, challenges persist. Issues such as formulation complexities, high production costs, and patient preferences for traditional dosage forms may slow down market penetration.

Moreover, the market faces stiff competition from other drug delivery methods. Nevertheless, overcoming these challenges through continued innovation and strategic partnerships will likely secure long-term growth in the ODT sector.