The ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing industry is witnessing robust business growth fueled by an uptick in specialized ocular therapeutics and advanced aseptic processing capabilities. Ophthalmic Drugs Contract Manufacturing Market insights reveal increased investment in sterile fill-finish technologies and strategic market growth strategies among leading contract manufacturing organizations. Emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America are driving new market opportunities as regional regulatory frameworks mature.
The ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.81 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4.23 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2025 to 2032.
Market size and Overview
The Global ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market size is estimated to be valued at USD 1.81 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4.23 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2032. This market forecast underscores robust market revenue growth driven by rising demand for sterile ophthalmic formulations and biologic ocular therapies. Increasing regulatory focus on aseptic processing standards and growing R&D outsourcing by pharmaceutical companies are key market drivers. Market research indicates expanding industry size in North America and Asia Pacific, reflecting evolving market dynamics and a broadening market scope of sterile fill-finish, packaging, and sterilization services.
Key Takeaways:
- Dominating Region: North America commands the highest industry share and ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market share, supported by Catalent's expansion of sterile fill-finish capacity in Winchester, US in early 2025.
- Fastest Growing Region: Asia Pacific registers the highest market growth, driven by Recipharm's commissioning of a sterile ophthalmic unit in New Delhi in mid-2024.
- Dosage Form Segment: Sterile solutions remain the largest sub-segment, while emulsions are the fastest-growing, as per the ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market report, evidenced by Recipharm launching a new emulsion fill line in Frankfurt in 2024.
- Service Type Segment: Aseptic fill-finish dominates service revenues, with secondary packaging emerging as the fastest-growing after Pillar5 Pharma unveiled a high-speed packaging line in Middleton, UK in Q1 2025.
- Therapeutic Class Segment: Anti-infectives lead revenue generation, whereas anti-glaucoma formulations exhibit the fastest growth, as demonstrated by Akorn's preservative-free glaucoma drops co-development in 2025.
Market Key Trends
One of the most significant ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market trends is the rapid adoption of preservative-free multidose delivery systems driven by patient safety concerns and stringent regulatory guidelines. According to industry data, preservative-free formats accounted for approximately 40% of new ophthalmic product launches in 2024, up from 32% in 2023. This shift is spurring market companies to invest in advanced barrier technologies and innovative valve designs to ensure sterility throughout the product lifecycle.
Pillar5 Pharma's USD 15 million investment in a multidose preservative-free line in Ireland in late 2024 increased its contract fill-finish capacity by 25%, demonstrating rising market demand. Regulatory agencies in North America and Europe updated guidelines in mid-2024 to reinforce preservative-free requirements for chronic ophthalmic therapies, creating favorable market opportunities and mitigating market restraints related to preservative-related adverse events. This trend is a core market driver underpinning projected ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market revenue growth, and it underscores evolving market dynamics as key players enhance their technology portfolios. As a result, manufacturers are realigning market growth strategies to prioritize preservative-free aseptic processing, shaping the future landscape of the industry. Looking ahead, collaboration between device developers and CMOs is expected to intensify, further driving business growth and advancing aseptic manufacturing capabilities.
Key Players
Catalent
Recipharm
Akorn
Pillar5 Pharma
Sterling Pharmaceutical Services
Lonza
Thermo Fisher Scientific
PCI Pharma Services
Jubilant Biosys
Siegfried Holding AG
Almac Group
Famar
Key players have pursued targeted market growth strategies in 2024 and 2025, including expansions of sterile fill-finish capacity and strategic partnerships. Pillar5 Pharma inaugurated a high-speed packaging facility in Middleton, UK in Q1 2025, boosting its market revenue by over 18%. Catalent launched an advanced ophthalmic drop production line in Winchester, US in mid-2024, enhancing its service portfolio. Recipharm expanded its Strasbourg site, adding 30% more aseptic capacity, while Akorn entered a co-development partnership on preservative-free glaucoma formulations, accelerating its pipeline and strengthening its competitive market position. These moves reflect a broader trend among market players informed by deep market analysis to address evolving industry demands and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
FAQs
1. Who are the dominant players in the ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market?
Leading contract manufacturers include Catalent, Recipharm, Akorn, Pillar5 Pharma and Sterling Pharmaceutical Services, offering comprehensive aseptic fill-finish, packaging and sterile handling services.
2. What will be the size of the ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market in the coming years?
The market size is projected to grow from USD 1.81 Bn in 2025 to USD 4.23 Bn by 2032, at a CAGR of 12% over the forecast period, driven by rising demand for sterile ophthalmic formulations.
3. Which end-user industry has the largest growth opportunity?
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing chronic ophthalmic therapies, such as anti-glaucoma and biologic ocular drugs, represent the largest growth opportunity, particularly for preservative-free multidose products.
4. How will market development trends evolve over the next five years?
Market trends will focus on advanced aseptic processing, preservative-free multidose systems and biologic drug manufacturing. Regulatory emphasis on sterility and patient safety will drive further investments in process innovation.
5. What is the nature of the competitive landscape and challenges in the ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market?
The market is moderately consolidated with key contract manufacturing organizations investing heavily in capacity expansions. Challenges include stringent regulatory requirements, high capital expenditure for aseptic facilities and supply chain constraints.
6. What go-to-market strategies are commonly adopted in the ophthalmic drugs contract manufacturing market?
Common strategies include strategic partnerships with biotech firms, greenfield facility expansions, technology licensing for advanced valve systems, and integrated service offerings covering fill-finish to packaging. These approaches aim to enhance service differentiation and business growth.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191__
