Contraceptive Drugs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Oral (Combined Contraceptives and Progestin-only Pills), Injectable, and Patches), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Clinics, Online Channels, Public Channels & NGOs, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global contraceptive drugs market size was valued at USD 16.59 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 17.50 billion in 2022 to USD 28.81 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with contraceptive drugs experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -9.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

An ever-increasing concern regarding the rapidly increasing population globally is leading to an increasing focus on educating the general population about available methods of contraception.

The increasing focus of leading market players and healthcare agencies on creating awareness of contraception methods is the primary factor in augmenting the contraceptive drugs market growth.

• In September 2021, Bayer AG in the Middle East partnered with the United Nations population fund in Egypt to launch the 'Your Right to Plan' campaign on World Contraception Day. The main motive of this campaign was to provide 100 million women in underprivileged regions with modern contraception and elevate the demand for family planning services.

This factor has been pivotal in increasing awareness among the general population, especially in emerging countries, toward the adoption of contraception and available contraceptive options. Furthermore, the introduction of over-the-counter drugs and other products by domestic and global players resulted in higher adoption and fueled the market growth.

How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Adoption of Contraceptive Drugs?

The emergence of COVID-19 has hindered the demand for contraceptives across the world. A majority of the key players operating in the market recorded a significant decline in their revenues from the sales of contraceptive drugs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For instance, Bayer AG registered a revenue of USD 797.6 million from the sales of YAZ hormonal contraceptive drugs in 2020 compared to USD 810.7 million in 2019, a decline of 1.6% from 2019-2020.


• Similarly, AbbVie Inc. recorded a revenue of USD 356.0 million from the sales of Lo Loestrin drug in 2020 as compared to USD 588.9 million in 2019, which is a decline of 39.5% during 2019-2020.

This significant decline in revenues was attributed to several factors, including supply chain disruption and others. Further, significant disruption was observed in family planning and contraception services in many countries. According to a pulse survey by the World Health Organization in 2020, it was reported that around 59% of the total surveyed countries reported partial disruption, and 9% of the countries reported severe disruption in family planning and contraception services during the pandemic. Also, a shift of healthcare resources for managing COVID-19 patients in developing countries is impacting the family planning programs provided by primary health centers.

Therefore, the disruption in manufacturing activities and supply chains and the negative impact on family planning programs were responsible for the negative growth rate of the market in the financial year 2020.

However, according to a number of survey analysis and interviews with key opinion leaders, it was reported that lockdown relaxations and the resumption of family planning sessions in developing countries resulted in substantial growth during 2020-2021. Also, major players, such as Bayer AG and Abbvie Inc., reported a significant increase in the revenue from the sales of contraceptive drugs during 2021 compared to 2020.

• Bayer AG generated a revenue of USD 881.0 from the sales of YAZ and witnessed an increase of 10.4% as compared to 2020.

Have Modern Contraceptive Methods Shifted the Preference from Conventional Method?

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• Shift from Conventional to Modern Contraceptive Methods Resulting in the Transformation of the Market

Technological advancements and the rising awareness for modern contraceptive methods are shifting the preference from traditional methods toward modern ones, including oral contraceptive pills, injectable, and topical drugs.

Conventional drugs and procedures offer limited protection against sexually transmitted diseases and have a higher failure rate than modern methods. Thus, this leads to the increasing demand and adoption of modern techniques such as sterilization, pills, and other products among the general population.

• According to the data published by the United Nations in 2019, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, a total of 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are present across the world. Around 842 million women now use modern contraception methods, including oral drugs and injectables, and approximately 80 million consumers are using traditional methods.


• Also, according to the data published by CHASE Africa in 2021, it was reported that oral contraceptives accounted for 45.3% of family planning uptake in 2020.

This factor indicates the growing preference of consumers toward modern methods, including drugs, is anticipated to surge the demand and adoption of contraceptive drugs during the forecast period.

Are Awareness Programs Driving the Adoption of Contraceptive Drugs in Emerging Countries?

• Growing Awareness Regarding Contraceptive Drugs Leads to Product Demand

There is a rising focus of non-profit organizations and regional and national healthcare agencies on improving women’s health and sexual wellness through various campaigns and public awareness programs. These for-profit and non-profit organizations promote the use of contraception techniques and create awareness among the general population toward various contraception methods, including a growing preference for contraceptive drugs.

• For instance, in December 2020, the government of Ireland announced a plan to introduce free contraception to women aged between 17 and 25.


• Additionally, according to the article published by Ms. Magazine in July 2021, it was reported that oral contraceptives are made available over the counter without a prescription in the U.K.

Available Reimbursement Policies in Developed Countries to Fuel Adoption Rate

Furthermore, rising number of products being introduced in the market by leading global and domestic players and the availability of favorable reimbursement policies in the developed regions are supporting the market growth. According to an article published by BBC in 2021, it was reported that a three-month supply of progestogen-only pills was provided to women across Scotland for free by community pharmacies. Also, according to NHS U.K., the women population in the U.K. can avail contraceptive injections free from contraceptive clinics, GP surgeries, and others.

These initiatives by the government and other organizations are fueling the adoption rate of these drugs and are instrumental for growth of this market during the study period.

What are the Current Factors Responsible for Restraining the Adoption of these Drugs?

• Side Effects Associated with Drugs to Limit Demand

The long-term use of birth control medications is associated with side effects such as bleeding, headaches, nausea, and weight gain. Several research studies have been published to highlight the long-term side effects related to birth control drugs.

• For instance, according to the study published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2021, long-term consumption of birth control pills increases breast and cervical cancer risk.


• Moreover, progesterone and estrogen-based drugs are linked with increasing the risk of developing a blood clot, which may cause stroke and heart attack.

Moreover, lack of awareness and social taboo about contraception methods and other methods of contraception are accountable for the lower adoption of these products in developing countries. Moreover, the availability of alternative contraceptive methods, including condoms, IUD, and other physical barriers that are proven to be effective for contraception without any side effects is anticipated to hinder the adoption rate of these drugs.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

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Oral Segment to Dominate Owing to its Robust Demand for Consumable Drug

Based on product, the global market is segmented into oral, injectable, and patches. The oral segment is further categorized into combined contraceptives and progestin-only pills. The oral segment accounted for the highest share in the market, driven by higher adoption of oral drugs in developed and developing countries across the globe. This surge in demand is attributable to the undue clinical benefits of oral medicines over other contraceptive methods, including injectables and patches. Also, the easy administration of oral pills along with growing availability of these products in pharmacies, public hospitals, and others is also fostering the adoption rate of this segment during the study period.

• According to a research article published by NCBI in 2022, it was stated that the women population in Brazil has free access to contraception and the Unified Health System offers a large variety of contraceptive products, including combined and progestin-only oral pills, free of cost.


• Also, according to the United Nations, the number of women of reproductive age consuming birth control pills increased from around 97 million in 1994 to 151 million in 2019.

On the other hand, the injectable segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The comparatively lower annual cost of injectable products compared to drugs and pills leads to higher demand for injectable products.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Increasing Preference of Customers toward Over-the-Counter Drugs has Enabled the Dominance of the Retail Pharmacy Segment

The global market is categorized into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, clinics, online channels, public channels & NGOs, and others based on distribution channel.

The retail pharmacy segment dominated the global market in 2021. The dominance of the retail pharmacy segment is attributed to the growing demand for OTC contraception drugs among the general population and increasing awareness about various contraception methods. Several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, China, and India allow birth control pills to be sold over the counter. This factor has led to a higher preference of consumers toward retail pharmacies for procuring birth control pills. Moreover, favorable regulatory policies are also responsible for the growth of the retail distribution channel.

• For instance, according to the report published by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), more than 15 jurisdictions and states in the U.S. have allowed pharmacists to prescribe and provide drugs and other products for contraception.

On the other hand, the online channels segment is growing at a CAGR higher than the other sub-segments. The higher growth of online channels is attributed to the rising adoption of over-the-counter solutions combined with various online offers and discounts to attract customers. Also, a wide distribution channel and all-time availability of these drugs, including oral pills, injectables, and patches of different brands are the other key factors for the highest CAGR of this segment.

What are the Factors for the Dominance of North America in the Global Market?

The market size in North America registered USD 6.58 billion in 2021. The high awareness about birth control pills in the North American population combined with the growing childbearing women population and fertility rate in the region are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of North America in 2021.

• According to the data published by Macrotrends LLC in 2022, it was reported that the fertility rates for the U.S. and Canada were around 1.78 and 1.50 births per woman, respectively, in 2021.

Europe held the second-largest contraceptive drugs market share in the global market due to the presence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure and an increasing number of women opting for modern contraceptive methods, including patches and injectables.

• According to an article published by European Medical Group LTD in 2021, it was reported that in an Italian study of 177 women using a contraceptive patch, 88% of the users found it convenient.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing government initiatives to expand access to contraceptives and surge in awareness about pills surge the increasing demand for these drugs. Moreover, the growing emphasis on family planning with the rise in cases of unintended pregnancy is influencing the market for birth control pills, including other contraceptive options.

• According to an article published by Living Media India Limited in 2022, it was reported that around 121 million unintended pregnancies are reported each year in the world, and more than one in seven such pregnancies occurred in India. Thus, the rising cases of unintended pregnancies are responsible for the increasing adoption of different methods of contraception, including drugs, patches, and injectable products to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions accounted for a significant share of the global market. Increasing initiatives by the government and other organizations for the awareness of contraceptive drugs are elevating the adoption rate in this region among the women population. This factor is anticipated to drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Which Players Hold a Lion’s Share in the Market?

The global market is fragmented, with the presence of a few international players along with a large number of domestic generic drug manufacturers. The major players operating in the market focus on strategic collaborations to gain a competitive advantage over other players. Leading three to four players together accounted for a lower market share in 2021.

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Also, the market is characterized by key players, including Agile Therapeutics and Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. These companies focused on introducing advanced drug molecules and patches to increase the product portfolio and strengthen the brand name.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Piramal Enterprises Ltd. (India)


• Agile Therapeutics (U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)


• AbbVie Inc. (U.S.)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• Viatris Inc. (U.S.)


• Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)

What are the Key Industry Developments in this Market?

• December 2020 - The Pharma Solution Business of Piramal Enterprises Ltd. announced the plan to expand its facility in Michigan to increase the capacity and capabilities to develop and manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients.


• September 2020 - Bayer AG announced the completion of its acquisition of KaNDy Therapeutics Ltd., intending to enhance its drug development pipeline in the women's healthcare division.


• September 2020 - Agile Therapeutics launched the “I’m so Done” campaign to enhance birth control conversation for women and to increase the product reach globally.


• February 2020 - Agile Therapeutics announced entry into the U.S. market with the U.S. FDA approval of Twirla (levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol), a transdermal patch for the woman.


• January 2020 - Bayer AG announced a license agreement with Daré Bioscience, Inc. to commercialize Daré’s investigational contraceptive product, Ovaprene, in the U.S. market once approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, products, and distribution channels. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the abovementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation