The global pharmaceutical excipients market continued to evolve in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, supported by rising demand for functional excipients, growth in production of generics, and advances in drug delivery technologies.
The
global market for pharmaceutical excipients was estimated at US$ 9.8 billion to US$ 10.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to
grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 to 6.6 percent through 2030. At this pace, the market is
expected to reach US$ 13.05 billion to US$ 14.86 billion by 2030.
Europe
retained the largest market share in 2024, followed by Asia-Pacific. Key drivers shaping the excipients market
include the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, expansion of biologics and
biosimilars, and increasing quality and regulatory expectations. Increased
investments in facility expansions and ongoing reforms in clinical trial regulations
are also facilitating market growth.
The
sector remains highly competitive and fragmented. Major excipient providers include BASF, Roquette, Gangwal Healthcare, DuPont, Evonik, Seqens, SPI Pharma, PMC Isochem, Croda International, Pfanstiehl, Colorcon, Kewpie Corporation, ICE Pharma, Nanjing Well Pharmaceutical, Merck KGaA owned MilliporeSigma, Minakem, Ashland Global, Actylis and Nippon Fine Chemical.
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Evonik in partnership with Ethris; Colorcon Ventures invests in
Phytolon
The
market saw strategic collaborations across the excipients and drug formulation
ecosystem in Q3 2025. Evonik entered into a partnership
with Ethris to strengthen its nucleic acid delivery platform. The collaboration integrates Ethris’ proprietary technology — its lipidoid nanoparticle platform, known as SNaP LNP — into Evonik’s CDMO offerings, enhancing the latter’s ability to support RNA-based therapeutics from concept to clinic.
Colorcon
Ventures, the investment arm of Colorcon, announced a strategic investment in Israel-based Phytolon. The biotechnology start-up uses precision fermentation to develop natural colorants. The investment underscores Colorcon’s commitment to next-generation coloring technologies that support cleaner-label formulations and innovation in oral solid dosage coatings.
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Evonik launches MaxiPure Polysorbate 80; Asahi Kasei expands its portfolio
The
quarter saw continued innovation in high-purity and
injectable-grade excipients. Evonik introduced MaxiPure Polysorbate 80, a
high-purity injectable-grade surfactant designed for biologics and parenteral
formulations. This excipient addresses key challenges such as protein stability, viral inactivation, and the solubilization of hydrophobic
APIs, while meeting regulatory expectations across global markets.
Asahi Kasei expanded its
Sonanos portfolio of excipients with two new products — Sonanos PG (optimized for sustained release of biologics and peptides while supporting patient-friendly dosing) and Sonanos DS (developed to enhance solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs). These additions reflect growing industry demand for dosage optimization, stability, and specialized delivery of complex molecules.
Gangwal Healthcare operates EXCiPACT-certified
GMP facilities and offers a broad range of functional excipients, including co-processed blends like ProBlend,
Starlose, and Microlose. Its excipients, including Solvostar (sodium starch glycolate) and Sallyso (croscarmellose sodium), support enhanced tablet
disintegration and drug release. The company also provides taste-masking agents
such as SucreX (sucralose) and CutCal (neotame), supporting the development
of patient-friendly oral dosage forms.
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Colorcon, Gattefossé, Croda, Roquette, Clariant expand manufacturing capacities
Manufacturing
investments and facility expansions remained a key trend during Q3 2025. Colorcon inaugurated a new state-of-the-art, film coating manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia. The site incorporates energy-efficient systems and advanced production technologies to strengthen Colorcon’s functional-excipient supply network across Asia.
Gattefossé opened a new lipid-based excipient facility in Texas
(US), marking a strategic expansion of its North American
manufacturing footprint. Croda International expanded its
Leek, UK facility with a lipid system synthesis unit and enhanced R&D capabilities. The site will support the launch of Super Refined Poloxamer 188, a highly purified fast-dissolving granular excipient.
Roquette announced the opening of a dedicated innovation center in São Paulo, Brazil, strengthening its engagement with regional drug developers.
Clariant expanded its
Daya Bay, China facility, adding a second spray tower dedicated to
pharmaceutical excipient production. The upgraded site increases capacity for
excipients used in laxatives and other formulations.
BASF also strengthened its commitment to biopharma and pharmaceutical ingredients with a new GMP Solution Center in Michigan (US). The facility expands BASF’s network of poloxamer (a synthetic polymer) manufacturing sites. With state-of-the-art clean room packaging and high-sensitivity analytical testing, this new facility will enable close collaboration with BASF’s customers on customized chemistries for product development.
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India mandates excipient disclosure; new rules to apply from March
2026
India has made it mandatory to disclose excipient details from March 2026 under the country’s new Drugs (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2025. This applies to Schedule H2 medicines. The final notification
expands earlier draft requirements by mandating qualitative excipient details
in QR codes on product packaging. This should enhance transparency and support
patient safety.
Meanwhile,
US pharmaceutical groups have responded to the US Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance proposing simplified pathways for replacing color additives in drug products. Industry associations have supported draft guidance, noting that it reduces regulatory burden while maintaining product quality and consistency.
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Our view
While
the fast-growing generics market is creating demand for cost-effective and
versatile excipients, the market is also witnessing innovations tailored to the
specialized needs of biologics and biosimilars.
India is poised to become a
key player in the global excipient market, supported by the rapid growth in its generic drug industry, expansion of its health infrastructure and increasing investments in R&D. The new excipient-disclosure rules, therefore, are likely to benefit the global excipient industry by improving transparency and strengthening quality ecosystems.
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