Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Size
| Study Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 209.59 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 371.43 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 12.10 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Analysis
The Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size is estimated at USD 209.59 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 371.43 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 12.10% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The pharmaceutical e-commerce market is expected to witness significant growth opportunities amid factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, coupled with higher demand for online medicines owing to their cost-effectiveness compared to retail medicines. In addition, the market is also driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and fostering demand for e-pharmacies due to the greater convenience and affordability associated with it.
The higher burden of chronic diseases is one of the major factors responsible for the higher demand for e-pharmacies, as the management of chronic diseases requires prolonged medicinal therapy and online pharmacies offer more cost-effective medicines than retail outlets. Hence, the requirement for cost-effective medicines for the management of chronic disease is expected to fuel market growth during the study period.
For instance, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society, around 2 million cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2024, compared to 1.93 million cases in 2023 in the United States. Thus, an increase in the burden of cancer is expected to increase the demand for cost-effective medicines, which, in turn, is projected to fuel the demand for online pharmacies during the study period. Thus, the growing burden of chronic diseases is projected to foster market expansion during the study period.
In addition, the market’s growth is also driven by the increasing levels of awareness regarding e-pharmacies and the growing uptake of online pharmacies in low and middle-income countries. For instance, according to an article published by the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal in August 2023, there is an increasing level of awareness for online pharmacies in Saudi Arabia, and customers expressed great satisfaction with the service provided by these platforms. Thus, the mounting awareness of e-pharmacies among people is projected to accelerate market growth during the forecast period.
Similarly, the paradigm shifts in medicine purchases across most countries and growing preferences for online medicines have created a significant opportunity for market growth. For instance, according to an article published by the Indian Journal of Pharmacology in October 2022, the uptake of online pharmacies increased remarkably after the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The demand increased amid convenience and great quality medicines offered by e-pharmacies. Thus, such an increased uptake of online pharmacies is expected to foster market growth during the study period.
Furthermore, several strategic initiatives undertaken by industry participants are projected to fuel industry expansion during the study period. For instance, in January 2022, TELUS Health launched a digital virtual pharmacy service in Canada to improve medication management and deliver prescription medicines to the doorsteps of Canadians. Thus, such developments undertaken by industry participants are projected to accelerate market growth during the study period.
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Trends
The Cancer Segment is Expected to Exhibit a Significant Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
- The cancer segment is expected to exhibit lucrative growth opportunities owing to factors such as an alarming increase in the prevalence of cancer, the growing demand for cost-effective cancer medicines, and several strategic initiatives undertaken by industry participants.
- The increasing prevalence of cancer is one of the significant factors projected to fuel the demand for cost-effective and affordable cancer medicines. For instance, according to the February 2024 updated data of Cancer Australia, the number of kidney cancer cases diagnosed increased from 4,552 in 2022 to 4.600 people in 2023. Kidney cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that one in 65 people will be diagnosed with the condition.
- In addition, according to the overview of cancer in France published in 2023, 433,136 cases of cancer were diagnosed in France in 2023, of which 57% were men and 43% were women. Thus, the exaggerated increase in number of cancer patients is anticipated to foster the demand for pharmaceutical e-commerce for affordable medicines.
- The segment’s growth is also expected to be driven by the higher cost of anticancer drugs and the growing demand for cost-effective anticancer medicines. For instance, according to an article published by the Journal of Global Health in November 2023, the cost of cancer medicine is very high, and there is a strong demand for affordable and safe medicines. Thus, the higher demand for affordable cancer medicines is projected to fuel the demand for online pharmacies as they offer discounts and offers on prescription/generic cancer medicines.
- Moreover, the strong preference of patients for online pharmacies to buy cancer medicines and several developments undertaken by the industry participants are expected to fuel segment growth during the study period. For instance, according to an article published by MJH Life Sciences in August 2022, leukemia patients prefer online pharmacies amid higher medicine costs and several offers offered by online pharmacies. Thus, such increasing preference for online pharmacies by patients is expected to facilitate segment expansion during the study period.
- Furthermore, in recent times, market players have also emphasized increasing the online accessibility of cancer drugs to support patients’ health. For instance, in November 2023, MrMed planned to make cancer medicines accessible and affordable for patients. Thus, such developments undertaken by the companies are further expected to foster segment expansion.
- Thus, an alarming increase in the prevalence of cancer, the growing demand for cost-effective cancer medicines, and several strategic initiatives undertaken by industry participants are projected to boost segment growth during the study period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Strong Market Share During the Forecast Period
- North America is expected to witness significant growth opportunities during the study period amid the increase in internet usage and the growing adoption of online services. For example, Medicure Inc., in February 2022, launched a national direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmacy platform in the United States with the help of its subsidiary, Marley Drug Pharmacy. This newly launched e-commerce website allowed Americans to purchase FDA-approved medications at affordable prices, with home delivery available in all 50 states.
- In addition, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and minor illnesses such as influenza (flu), fever (backache), cough, and cold increases the demand for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, thus increasing the reliance on online pharmacies to purchase these drugs.
- The convenience of obtaining medicines from the comfort of one’s home is likely to drive the pharmaceutical e-commerce market growth in North America, particularly the United States.
- The presence of a large number of players in the market and the use of cutting-edge technology by major players to make online medicine shopping easier for their customers are also likely to contribute to the growth of the market in North America. For instance, in January 2022, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) launched an e-pharmacy to provide cost-effective and safe medicines to the people of the United States. In addition, in August 2023, Amazon Pharmacy increased the affordability and cost-efficiency of prescription insulin for patients with the help of coupons and discounts. Such initiatives undertaken by the industry participants are expected to accelerate market expansion during the study period.
- Thus, factors such as the increased uptake of pharmaceutical e-commerce in North America, the increased burden of chronic diseases, and the growing demand for cost-effective medicines are expected to accelerate regional market growth during the study period.
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Industry Overview
The pharmaceutical e-commerce market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of several market players. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international and local companies that hold significant market shares. Major companies in the market are CVS Health, Walgreen Co., DocMorris, Amazon Inc., and Giant Eagle Inc., among others.
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Leaders
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CVS Health
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Walgreen Co
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DocMorris
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Amazon, Inc
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Giant Eagle, Inc
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market News
- March 2024: Eli Lilly partnered with Amazon Pharmacy to deliver the weight loss drug Zepbound and other medicines from its direct-to-consumer website.
- January 2024: Eli Lilly and Company launched LillyDirect for people living with obesity, migraine, and diabetes in the United States. This platform provides disease management resources and direct home delivery of select Lilly medicines for people in the United States.
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumption and Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
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4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Increasing Smartphone Penetration and Growing Demand for E-pharmacies
- 4.2.2 Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases
- 4.2.3 Convenience and Other Benefits Offered by E-pharmacies
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4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 Rising Instances of Counterfeit and Substandard Products
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4.4 Industry Attractiveness- Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD)
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5.1 By Type
- 5.1.1 Prescription
- 5.1.2 Over-the-counter (OTC)
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5.2 By Product Type
- 5.2.1 Vaccines
- 5.2.2 Specialty Care
- 5.2.3 General Medicines
- 5.2.4 Consumer Healthcare
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5.3 By Therapeutic Area
- 5.3.1 Diabetes
- 5.3.2 Immune-system Diseases
- 5.3.3 Cancer
- 5.3.4 Neurodegenerative Diseases
- 5.3.5 Cardiovascular Diseases
- 5.3.6 Other Therapeutic Areas
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5.4 By Market Type
- 5.4.1 B2B
- 5.4.2 B2B2B
- 5.4.3 B2B2C
- 5.4.4 B2C
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5.5 By Platform
- 5.5.1 Manufacturer-owned Digital Commerce
- 5.5.2 Distributor/Wholesaler-owned Digital Commerce
- 5.5.3 Manufacturer-owned Marketplace
- 5.5.4 Third Party Market Place
- 5.5.5 Retail
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5.6 By Geography
- 5.6.1 North America
- 5.6.1.1 United States
- 5.6.1.2 Canada
- 5.6.1.3 Mexico
- 5.6.2 Europe
- 5.6.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.6.2.2 Germany
- 5.6.2.3 France
- 5.6.2.4 Italy
- 5.6.2.5 Spain
- 5.6.2.6 Rest of Europe
- 5.6.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.6.3.1 China
- 5.6.3.2 Japan
- 5.6.3.3 India
- 5.6.3.4 Australia
- 5.6.3.5 South Korea
- 5.6.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.6.4 Middle East and Africa
- 5.6.4.1 GCC
- 5.6.4.2 South Africa
- 5.6.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 5.6.5 South America
- 5.6.5.1 Brazil
- 5.6.5.2 Argentina
- 5.6.5.3 Rest of South America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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6.1 Company Profiles
- 6.1.1 Amazon Inc.
- 6.1.2 Apotek
- 6.1.3 DocMorris
- 6.1.4 Express Scripts (Cigna)
- 6.1.5 Giant Eagle Inc.
- 6.1.6 NetMeds
- 6.1.7 Tata 1mg
- 6.1.8 �Optum Inc.�(UnitedHealth Group Inc.)
- 6.1.9 EMedStore
- 6.1.10 Walgreen Co.
- 6.1.11 CVS Health
- 6.1.12 �Apteka.ru
- 6.1.13 Rite Aid Corp
- 6.1.14 shop-apotheke
- 6.1.15 PharmEasy
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
** Subject To AvailablityGlobal Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Industry Segmentation
As per the report's scope, pharmaceutical e-commerce refers to the online buying and selling of pharmaceutical products, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, through digital platforms and websites. It enables consumers to conveniently purchase medications, access healthcare information, and receive home delivery of their orders. The pharmaceutical e-commerce market is segmented by type, product type, therapeutic area, market type, platform, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). By product type, the market is segmented into vaccines, specialty care, general medicines, and consumer healthcare. By therapeutic area, the market is segmented into diabetes, immune-system diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other therapeutic areas. By market type, the market is segmented into B2B, B2B2B, B2B2C, and B2C. By platform, the market is segmented into manufacturer-owned digital commerce, distributor/wholesaler-owned digital commerce, manufacturer-owned marketplace, third-party marketplace, and retail. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the pharmaceutical e-commerce market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market Research FAQs
How big is the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market?
The Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size is expected to reach USD 209.59 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 12.10% to reach USD 371.43 billion by 2029.
What is the current Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size?
In 2024, the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size is expected to reach USD 209.59 billion.
Who are the key players in Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market?
CVS Health, Walgreen Co, DocMorris, Amazon, Inc and Giant Eagle, Inc are the major companies operating in the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market.
What years does this Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size was estimated at USD 184.23 billion. The report covers the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market historical market size for years: . The report also forecasts the Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Global Pharmaceutical E-Commerce analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to (2024to2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
