The Middle East & Africa patient controlled injectors market is expected to reach US$ 371.53 million by 2027 from US$ 157.85 million in 2019; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecasted period.
The increasing chronic diseases prevalence and rising patient compliance boost the growth of the Middle East & Africa patient controlled injectors market. However, the lack of adoption of patient controlled injectors in emerging countries restrains the growth of the market. Additionally, technological advancements and design development, and consolidation of market are likely to fuel the growth of the Middle East & Africa patient controlled injectors market during the forecast period.
Patient controlled injectors are subcutaneous drug delivery systems that adhere to the body and administer larger volumes (more than 2 mL) of a drug over an extended period. With the use of patient-controlled injectors, dosing errors, microbial contamination risks, and needle stick injuries can be avoided that are caused during parenteral drug administration using injections. In the last few years, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed the introduction of several innovative interventions for the treatment of various chronic diseases.
Patient-controlled injectors are rapidly gaining their prominence in the market owing to their ability to deliver a high volume of viscous formulations. In healthcare settings, the administration of medicines through an intravenous (IV) infusion is expensive. Moreover, self-administration of subcutaneous injections is expected to save 30–70% of costs. However, administration through conventional methods can have risks, such as inaccurate dosage, needle stick injuries, or rashes. The rise in demand for biologic drugs that are not suitable for oral administration has increased the adoption of patient-controlled injectors. Higher dosage volumes and viscous formulations of these drugs are further emphasizing the need for alternative injection methods, such as wearable injectors. Patient-centric features include a simple, two-step procedure to deliver a subcutaneous injection, as well as audible and visual end-of-dose indicators to confirm the successful administration of a prescribed dose.
Additionally, a safety system covers the needle before and after injection to prevent needle stick injuries to the patient and caregiver. Extensive trials of human factors have been carried out of the new patient-controlled injector confirming the intuitive nature and encouraging its ease of use and patient acceptance. A new category of products has emerged, bridging the gap between functionality and cost while improving patient safety and quality of life. Moreover, continuous developments by leading players in upgrading the existing patient-controlled injector portfolio is further driving the demand for innovative patient-controlled injectors
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown substantial effects in Middle East and Africa. The pandemic is disrupting the research and development activities in the countries in the region. The economic uncertainties and ongoing conflicts are worsening the condition in the region, which are hindering the growth of the patient controlled injectors market in the region. A sudden drop in domestic and external demand for goods and products (especially medical devices designed for alternative treatments other than COVID-19), and disruptions in production activities due to labor shortage are the major impacts observed in the region. Tightened financial condition is also decreasing the overall economic activities in the region. The uncertainty with normal delays often associated with regulatory approvals in low- and middle-income countries is also hindering the growth of the market.
In 2019, the electronic injector segment accounted for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa patient controlled injectors market. Electronic injector offers benefits such as comfort, water resistance, flexible dosing, and automatic warming of refrigerated drug, and these are easy to use. These benefits increase the demand for electronic injector. Moreover, the market for mechanical injector segment is expected grow at a faster pace during the forecast period as it eliminates the risks of skin fitting issues and allergic skin reactions.
A few of the major secondary sources referred to while preparing this report on the Middle East & Africa patient controlled injectors market are World Health Organization (WHO), Global Burden of Disease (GBD), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF).