Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market By Route of Administration (Oral Drug Delivery, Injectable Drug Delivery, Topical Drug Delivery, Ocular Drug Delivery, Pulmonary Drug Delivery, Others), By Device (Syringes, Inhalers, Patch Pumps, And Others), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Others), By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market was valued at USD 120.32 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.25% through 2030. The Europe drug delivery devices market is undergoing a transformative phase, propelled by advancements in healthcare technology, rising chronic disease prevalence, and a growing emphasis on self-administration and home-based care. Drug delivery devices—ranging from inhalers and prefilled syringes to wearable injectors and implantable pumps—are redefining how therapies are administered, enhancing drug efficacy while improving patient convenience and adherence. The European market, backed by a strong regulatory framework and significant investment in research and development, is emerging as a hub of innovation in this space.

A significant driver of the market is the increasing burden of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, particularly among Europe’s aging population. According to Eurostat, nearly 21.6% of the EU population was aged 65 years or older in 2023, and this demographic is more likely to suffer from conditions such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions require continuous or long-term treatment, creating strong demand for drug delivery technologies that enable routine and precise dosing with minimal supervision.

In parallel, technological advancements are reshaping the market. Traditional drug delivery devices are being enhanced with smart features, such as connectivity via Bluetooth or mobile applications that allow real-time dose monitoring, reminders, and tracking. These "smart" drug delivery systems not only increase adherence but also allow healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely, thus improving outcomes and reducing hospital visits. Products such as smart inhalers, connected auto-injectors, and wearable infusion pumps are becoming more common, particularly in managing asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and insulin-dependent diabetes.

Another key trend is the increased preference for self-administration and home care. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift away from hospital-centric care towards decentralized healthcare models. As a result, there is greater uptake of user-friendly delivery systems that can be safely operated by patients themselves or caregivers at home. Devices such as pen injectors, nasal sprays, and wearable injectors are witnessing increased demand due to their convenience and minimal training requirements. Pharmaceutical companies are now designing drug-device combination products with built-in safety features and ergonomic designs to cater to this demand.

The regulatory landscape in Europe, particularly with the implementation of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in 2021, has brought significant changes to how devices are developed, tested, and commercialized. While the new regulations have improved product safety and standardization across EU member states, they have also increased compliance costs and time-to-market, especially for small and medium-sized device manufacturers. However, the harmonized regulatory environment also fosters greater innovation and trust in the devices introduced to the European market.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases is Driving Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market

The Europe drug delivery devices market is experiencing sustained growth, primarily driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases across the region. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory illnesses, and cancer are becoming increasingly common, placing long-term pressure on healthcare systems and highlighting the need for more effective drug delivery solutions.

Chronic diseases are no longer isolated health concerns — they have become a major public health challenge in Europe. According to Eurostat, in 2023, over one-third (35.0%) of individuals in the European Union reported living with a long-standing (chronic) health condition. The most prevalent among these are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers. Managing these diseases often requires long-term medication regimens, leading to a rising demand for safe, efficient, and convenient drug delivery devices. The growing number of patients requiring daily or routine drug administration has shifted the focus from traditional delivery methods to more advanced and patient-friendly technologies. Devices such as prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, inhalers, infusion pumps, and wearable injectors are increasingly being adopted to support consistent and accurate dosing, especially in outpatient or home settings.

As chronic diseases tend to be lifelong conditions, there is an urgent need for solutions that enhance patient adherence and reduce the risk of complications. Drug delivery devices offer several advantages in this regard , from improving bioavailability and reducing side effects to minimizing dosing errors and enhancing user comfort. These benefits are particularly important for elderly patients and those managing multiple conditions, where complex medication schedules are common.

The persistent burden of chronic illnesses is also encouraging innovation in drug delivery technologies. Companies are investing in the development of smart devices that integrate digital monitoring, reminders, and adherence tracking to support patients in managing their conditions effectively. These technologies are transforming chronic disease care into a more personalized and proactive experience.

Growing Adoption of Biologics and Biosimilars

The Europe drug delivery devices market is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by the rising adoption of biologics and biosimilars. As these advanced therapeutics continue to gain traction across multiple disease areas, particularly oncology, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions, there is a growing demand for efficient, patient-centric delivery systems that ensure accurate dosing, improved compliance, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Biologics, derived from living organisms, offer targeted treatment mechanisms with high efficacy. However, their complex molecular structures and sensitivity to degradation pose challenges for traditional drug delivery formats. Biosimilars—clinically equivalent alternatives to approved biologics—are increasingly being introduced to provide more affordable treatment options, thereby widening patient access across Europe’s healthcare systems. The rapid expansion of these therapies is reshaping the drug delivery landscape, as pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers collaborate to develop advanced delivery platforms that cater to the unique requirements of biologic drugs.

The shift towards biologics has accelerated innovation in drug delivery devices such as pre-filled syringes, auto-injectors, pen injectors, and infusion pumps. These devices are specifically engineered to handle the viscosity and stability requirements of biologic formulations while offering user-friendly designs for self-administration. Notably, auto-injectors and wearable injectors are witnessing robust demand, as they empower patients to administer complex therapies in the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for hospital visits and supporting decentralized care models, which are gaining prominence in post-pandemic Europe.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has taken proactive steps to streamline the approval process for biosimilars, promoting market competition and encouraging the integration of biologics into mainstream treatment protocols. This regulatory momentum has not only accelerated the entry of biosimilars into the market but also incentivized the development of compatible and innovative delivery systems. In addition, national health systems across Europe are adopting policies that promote the uptake of biosimilars, indirectly driving investments in supportive delivery technologies that enhance usability and patient adherence.

With biologics often prescribed for long-term conditions, patient experience and convenience have become critical design considerations. Drug delivery device manufacturers are increasingly focusing on ergonomics, portability, and digital connectivity. Smart drug delivery devices—integrated with sensors and mobile apps—offer real-time adherence tracking, dosage reminders, and remote monitoring, aligning with the broader shift towards personalized medicine and digital health integration.

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Key Market Challenges

High R&D and Manufacturing Costs

Developing innovative drug delivery systems—such as implantable devices, smart inhalers, or needle-free injectors—requires substantial investment in research and development. Additionally, integrating digital features or biocompatible materials into devices escalates production complexity and cost. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sustaining competitiveness while managing capital expenditure can be particularly burdensome.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The Europe Drug Delivery Devices market is witnessing a transformative shift, largely propelled by technological advancements and continuous innovation. As the region grapples with increasing healthcare demands, aging populations, and the rising burden of chronic diseases, drug delivery technologies have evolved beyond conventional methods, paving the way for sophisticated, patient-centric solutions. These innovations are not only enhancing treatment outcomes but are also improving patient compliance, reducing hospital visits, and lowering overall healthcare costs.

One of the most significant technological milestones in the European drug delivery landscape is the emergence of smart drug delivery devices. These include wearable injectors, connected inhalers, and implantable systems integrated with sensors and wireless communication technologies. Such devices enable real-time monitoring of dosage and adherence, empowering both patients and healthcare providers with actionable insights. For instance, connected auto-injectors are being increasingly used in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, allowing patients to self-administer medication with precision and ease.

Innovations in micro-needle and nano-technology have led to the development of minimally invasive drug delivery platforms. These technologies facilitate controlled and targeted drug release, significantly enhancing bioavailability while reducing side effects. European companies and research institutions are investing heavily in nano-based delivery systems for oncology and neurological disorders, leveraging their potential to cross biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier.

The shift toward personalized medicine in Europe is also influencing the design of drug delivery systems. Modern devices are now being tailored to meet the specific pharmacokinetic profiles and physiological conditions of individual patients. Technologies such as 3D printing are being explored to create customized oral dosage forms, while controlled-release formulations are being developed to maintain therapeutic drug levels for extended durations.

Europe’s favorable regulatory environment and robust R&D ecosystem are key enablers of innovation in this space. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has introduced adaptive pathways and streamlined approval processes for novel drug-device combinations, encouraging faster market access. Moreover, public-private partnerships and EU-funded initiatives are fostering collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and academic institutions.

In the post-COVID era, there has been a clear trend toward home-based care and self-administration of medications. This has further accelerated the development of user-friendly drug delivery devices such as pre-filled syringes, pen injectors, and transdermal patches. These solutions are designed with intuitive interfaces, enabling patients to manage their conditions independently, while reducing the burden on healthcare infrastructure.

Segmental Insights

Route of Administration Insights

Based on the category of Route of Administration, the Injectable Drug Delivery category had the highest share of revenue in 2024, primarily due to its critical role in the administration of a wide range of therapies, including biologics, biosimilars, vaccines, and chronic disease treatments. As the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis continued to rise across Europe, the demand for injectable formulations, especially those requiring targeted or sustained release, significantly increased. These conditions often necessitate precision dosing and rapid bioavailability, which injectable systems are well-equipped to deliver. Biologic drugs, which are typically administered via injection due to their large molecular size and poor oral bioavailability, are becoming increasingly central to modern therapeutics. Europe has seen substantial growth in the use of biologics and biosimilars, particularly in oncology, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases. As a result, prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, and pen injectors have seen wide adoption across the region, supported by patient-centric trends such as home-based care and self-administration. These devices not only improve patient adherence but also reduce hospital visits, which has become especially important in the post-pandemic healthcare landscape..

Device Insights

Based on the category of Device, the Inhalers category secured the largest share of revenue in 2024, which can be attributed to several interconnected factors rooted in both the clinical importance and the technological evolution of inhalation therapy. Firstly, respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic respiratory disorders have a significant prevalence across Europe. According to recent epidemiological data, millions of Europeans suffer from these conditions, creating a sustained and growing demand for effective respiratory drug delivery solutions. Inhalers, being the primary device for delivering medication directly to the lungs, offer rapid onset of action and improved efficacy by targeting the site of disease, which enhances patient outcomes and treatment adherence. This clinical necessity ensures inhalers maintain a dominant position in the market revenue-wise. Secondly, the inhaler segment benefits greatly from ongoing technological advancements and innovations. The development of newer inhaler devices such as dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) with dose counters, and smart inhalers equipped with digital monitoring and adherence tracking capabilities has driven both physician preference and patient acceptance. These innovations improve ease of use, dose accuracy, and patient engagement, thereby expanding the market appeal and supporting higher sales volumes and value.

Regulatory support and reimbursement frameworks in many European countries encourage the use of inhalers as standard care for respiratory conditions. National healthcare systems and insurance providers recognize the cost-effectiveness of inhalers, which not only improve quality of life but also reduce hospital admissions related to respiratory complications. This financial backing further stimulates market growth and revenue generation.

The broad therapeutic application of inhalers beyond asthma and COPD—such as in cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and even emerging indications—extends the patient base. Pharmaceutical companies are actively investing in inhaled formulations for biologics and combination therapies, contributing to increased demand for sophisticated inhaler devices.

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Regional Insights

In 2024, Germany held the largest market share in terms of revenue. Germany's commitment to research and development (R&D) has positioned it at the forefront of medical technology innovation.  In 2021, research and development (R&D) expenditure in Germany reached a record high, increasing by 5.6% year-over-year to USD 132.18 billion, according to provisional data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

The country is a leader in nanotechnology, with nearly half of Europe's nanotechnology companies based in Germany. This focus on advanced technologies has led to the development of next-generation drug delivery systems, such as connected insulin pens and wearable infusion pumps, which enhance patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Germany boasts one of the most advanced healthcare systems globally, characterized by high-quality medical facilities and a well-established regulatory framework. The country's statutory health insurance system ensures broad access to healthcare services, including advanced drug delivery devices. This comprehensive coverage facilitates the adoption of innovative medical technologies across various healthcare settings.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Zeteo Biomedical secured new patents for its ZTech drug delivery technology portfolio in both the United States and the European Union. The first patent, titled “Cartridge Devices for Administration of a Medicament” (US Patent No. 12329949), and the second, titled “Hand-Operated Device for Administration of a Medicament” (EU Patent No. 3946526), enhance Zeteo’s ability to expand and reinforce its ZTech platform. These patents support the continued development of ZTech-L and ZTech-P technologies, which feature both single-use disposable and multi-dose, cartridge-reloadable handheld devices.
• In October 2024, Stevanato Group announced the expansion of its manufacturing capacity for the Vertiva on-body delivery system, designed for the subcutaneous administration of large-volume drugs.
• In September 2024, PCI Pharma Services (“PCI”), a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in complex biopharmaceutical therapies, announced an investment exceeding $365 million to expand its infrastructure. This investment is aimed at enhancing clinical and commercial-scale final assembly and packaging capabilities for drug-device combination products, with a strategic focus on advanced injectable drug delivery systems. The expansion includes the development of new and upgraded facilities across Europe and North America. This initiative is part of PCI’s broader global investment strategy, supported by recent business wins, and is intended to support the company’s continued growth and future scalability.
• In July 2024, Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, announced the forthcoming launch of a new laboratory near Frankfurt, Germany. This facility, part of the Smithers Medical Device Testing Division, will specialize in testing medical devices and pharmaceutical products. It is designed to offer advanced drug delivery device testing services to clients across Europe and international markets.

Key Market Players

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
• Antares Pharma
• Novartis AG
• 3M Company
• Sulzer Ltd
• Gerresheimer AG
• Sanofi S.A.
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• Bayer AG
• GlaxoSmithKline plc

Report Scope:

In this report, the Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market, By Route of Administration:

o   Oral Drug Delivery

o   Injectable Drug Deliver

o   Topical Drug Delivery

o   Ocular Drug Delivery

o   Pulmonary Drug Delivery

o   Others

• Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market, By Device:

o   Syringes

o   Inhalers

o   Patch Pumps

o   Others

• Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market, By End User:

o   Hospitals & Clinics

o   Ambulatory Surgery Centers

o   Others

• Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market, By Country:

o   Germany

o   France

o   United Kingdom

o   Italy

o   Spain

o   Switzerland

o   Netherlands

o   Turkey

o   Sweden

o   Belgium

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Europe Drug Delivery Devices Market.

Available Customizations:

Europe Drug Delivery Devices market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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