The Future of Orodispersible Tablets in Europe and the UK: Market Trends and Opportunities

What if a dosage form could improve patient experience, support treatment adherence, and create new commercial opportunities at the same time? That opportunity is increasingly being realised through orodispersible tablets (ODTs), also known as orally disintegrating tablets. According to recent market analysis, the global ODT market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.4%, with Europe emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions driven by ageing populations, chronic disease prevalence, and demand for patient-centric medicines2,3. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, CDMO partners, and healthcare innovators, ODTs are becoming more than a formulation choice - they are a strategic growth opportunity.

Why ODT Demand Is Rising Across Europe and the UK

The growing adoption of ODTs is being driven by a combination of demographic, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industry trends.

What's Driving Growth?

The UK population is ageing

  • According to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people aged 85 years and over is projected to nearly double - from 1.7 million in 2022 to 3.3 million by 2047.

Swallowing difficulties affect millions of patients

  • Dysphagia affects up to 13% of adults aged 65 years and over and more than 51% of older adults living in institutional care, driving demand for patient-friendly dosage forms such as ODTs and dissolvable tablets5.

Chronic diseases are increasing across Europe

  • According to the OECD, 35% of adults in the EU were living with a long-standing illness or health problem in 2023, driving demand for dosage forms that improve adherence.

Pharma companies are investing in patient-centric innovation

  • As part of broader pharmaceutical industry trends, companies are increasingly exploring ODTs to improve patient experience, differentiate products, and extend product lifecycles.

Growing demand for CDMO expertise

  • Rising ODT demand is driving greater reliance on CDMO services, pharmaceutical outsourcing, and specialised ODT manufacturing partners.

The Rising Commercial Value of ODTs

The demand for ODTs is creating significant commercial opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, driven by innovation, market differentiation, and growing patient demand.

Global ODT Market Outlook

Current Market Future Market Growth Rate
USD 15.85 Billion (2025) USD 30.08 Billion (2034) 7.38% CAGR (2026–2034)

Key Therapeutic Areas Driving ODT Demand

Therapeutic Area Key Applications
CNS & Psychiatric Disorders Schizophrenia, Depression, Parkinson's Disease
Pain & Migraine Management Migraine, Acute Pain Relief
Paediatric Therapies Allergy, Fever, Infection Management
Geriatric Care Neurological and Long-Term Therapies

Why It Matters for Pharma Companies

For pharmaceutical companies, ODTs offer more than improved patient convenience. They can help,

  • Differentiate products in competitive therapeutic markets
  • Extend product lifecycles through value-added reformulations
  • Improve patient acceptance and treatment adherence
  • Support licensing, in-licensing, and market expansion strategies
  • Create new opportunities for pharmaceutical outsourcing, CDMO services, and specialised pharmaceutical development

As healthcare systems across the UK and Europe continue to prioritise patient-centric medicines, ODTs are becoming an increasingly important area of innovation and commercial growth.

The Five ODT Trends Every Pharma Company Should Know

Expanding Therapeutic Applications

ODTs are expanding beyond traditional therapies, with increasing interest in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, allergy, and chronic disease medicines alongside established CNS applications.

Patient-Centric Development

Pharmaceutical development is increasingly focused on improving the overall treatment experience, making dosage-form selection an important part of product strategy.

Formulation Innovation

New advances in taste-masking, excipients, and manufacturing technologies are enabling a wider range of molecules to be successfully formulated as ODTs.

Evolving Regulatory Focus

Regulators are placing greater emphasis on medicine usability, patient engagement, and product quality throughout pharmaceutical development.

Strategic Partnerships

As formulation technologies become more specialised, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly collaborating with experienced development and manufacturing partners to reduce development timelines and bring products to market more efficiently.

The next phase of ODT growth will be driven by innovation, patient-centric drug delivery, and strategic development partnerships. Companies that invest early in ODT capabilities will be better positioned to capture opportunities across the UK and European markets.

Three Forces Shaping the Future of ODT Success

As the ODT market continues to grow across the UK and Europe, three factors will shape future success:

Patient-Centric Innovation

Developing medicines that are easier and more convenient for patients to take.

Advances in Formulation Technology

Expanding the possibilities for ODT development across more therapeutic areas.

Strategic CDMO Partnerships

Leveraging specialised expertise to accelerate development and manufacturing.

ODTs are no longer just an alternative dosage form. They are becoming a valuable tool for product differentiation, lifecycle management, and long-term commercial growth in an increasingly competitive pharmaceutical market.

Partnering for Success in a Growing ODT Market

As demand for ODTs continues to grow across the UK and Europe, pharmaceutical companies need partners with proven expertise in patient-centric drug delivery.

At NOVUMGEN, ODTs are a core area of focus. Our expanding ODT portfolio spans CNS, psychiatric, cardiovascular, allergy, and neurological therapies, supporting evolving patient and market needs.

How We Add Value

Specialised ODT Expertise

Supporting the development of innovative and patient-friendly formulations.

Broad Therapeutic Experience

ODT solutions across multiple high-demand therapy areas.

Quality-Driven Approach

Focused on delivering reliable, high-quality pharmaceutical products.

Strategic Partnerships

Supporting licensing, development, and market expansion opportunities.

As ODT adoption continues to accelerate, NOVUMGEN is committed to helping pharmaceutical partners bring differentiated, patient-focused medicines to market through innovation, quality, and collaboration.

Conclusion

The growing adoption of ODTs reflects a broader shift towards patient-centric drug delivery and value-added pharmaceutical formulations. As demand continues to expand across the UK and Europe, ODTs are creating new opportunities for innovation, product differentiation, and sustainable growth across multiple therapeutic areas.

For pharmaceutical companies seeking to enhance patient experience, strengthen competitive positioning, and unlock new growth opportunities, ODTs represent one of the most promising formulation strategies in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

References

  1. Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast 2026 - 2033
  2. Fast Population structure and ageing
  3. Burden of disease among older adults in Europe—trends in mortality and disability, 1990–2019
  4. National population projections: 2022-based
  5. Guidance on the Management of Dysphagia in Care Homes
  6. Health at a Glance: Europe 2024
  7. Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report
  8. Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market - Global Industry Analysis
  9. The Development of Innovative Dosage Forms of the Fixed-Dose Combination of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
  10. Recent Formulation Advances and Therapeutic Usefulness of Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs)
  11. Patient-Centric Product Development: A Summary of Select Regulatory CMC and Device Considerations
  12. Recent trends in specialty pharma business model