The global pharma E-commerce market size is expected to reach USD 277.87 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.2% from 2023 to 2030, according to a recent report from Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to grow attributed to the pharma e-commerce platforms continuing to prioritize consumer convenience by including features such as telemedicine integration, prescription management, and simple ordering processes. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered concerns over in-person contacts and prompted consumers to obtain prescription drugs, Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs, and healthcare supplies via online stores to avoid any coronavirus exposure, is expected to contribute to the growth of the market. The aggressive use of data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven algorithms by e-commerce platforms to deliver personalized recommendations for OTC items based on customers’ medical profiles, purchase histories, and preferences also bode well for the growth of the market.
In the pharma industry, the integration of telemedicine with e-commerce creates a patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. The combination improves access to healthcare, increases drug adherence, and enhances convenience. It utilizes innovative technology to provide on-demand healthcare consultations, individualized medication management, and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving access to medical care, quality, and patient experiences in the digital age. The rapid expansion of digital technologies such as telemedicine platforms, mobile health applications, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and AI-driven solutions have made it more accessible to provide continuous and user-friendly healthcare services online.
Online pharmacies determined to be unintentionally involved in the trafficking of counterfeit pharmaceuticals suffer major legal consequences. Moreover, such instances harm their reputation significantly. The resulting reputational damage can have far-reaching and long-term detrimental implications for the viability of a business. For instance, the annual international operation led by INTERPOL to reduce the internet selling of counterfeit medications is known as Operation Pangea. Several APAC countries are involved in this campaign to reduce illegal online pharmacies. Authorities in nations such as India, China, and Australia have already confiscated large quantities of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and arrested persons involved in their trafficking.
The pharmaceutical e-commerce sector has the potential for massive development and innovation in the future in terms of quick access to healthcare and increased medication compliance. It is expected to be shaped by health record integration, regulatory development, partnerships, patient empowerment, and global expansion over the forecasted period. The emphasis continues to be on improving patient-centered care by leveraging digital technologies to increase accessibility, personalization, and potency in healthcare delivery.
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Based on product type, the vaccines segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.1% over the forecast period. Pharma e-commerce platforms provide a user-friendly interface for customers to examine the vaccines available from different brands, evaluate vaccination timelines, and schedule appointments. Pharma e-commerce platforms are anticipated to increase their vaccine offerings to include a greater variety of vaccines for preventable illnesses and health issues, such as conventional vaccines for hepatitis, influenza, and tetanus; and new vaccines for emerging infectious diseases
Based on therapeutic area, the immune-system disease segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 20.0% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the continued research on immunology and the development of various treatments, which can lead to a better understanding of therapeutic options for immune-system illnesses
Based on type, the prescription medicine segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.7% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the rapidly aging world increasing the requirement for prescription pharmaceuticals. E-commerce platforms offer a convenient alternative for senior citizens to manage their drug needs. The healthcare business is progressively moving toward patient-centered care, and e-commerce sites can help patients actively participate in their medical decisions and drug management.
Based on channel type, the B2C segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the expanding product offerings encompassing a broader range of healthcare products other than prescription pharmaceuticals, including OTC medications, nutritional supplements, medical equipment, wellness products, and other personal care items
Based on platform, the manufacturer-owned marketplace segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.4% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the strong emphasis pharma businesses are putting on selling directly to customers through manufacturer-owned marketplaces, bypassing conventional distribution channels
The North American regional market is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.4% over the forecast period. The incorporation of telehealth solutions within e-commerce platforms has been crucial in driving the growth of the market in North America. Telehealth consultations frequently involve the option to acquire e-prescriptions and order drugs via e-commerce channels
Grand View Research has segmented the global pharma E-commerce market based on product type, therapeutic areas, type, channel type, platform, and region:
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Vaccines
Specialty Care
Topical Medicines
Others
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Therapeutic Areas Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Diabetes
Immune-system Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Others
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Prescription Medicine
Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Channel Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
B2B
B2B2B
B2B2C
B2C
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Platform Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Manufacturer-owned Digital Commerce
Distributor/Wholesaler-owned Digital Commerce
Manufacturer-owned Marketplace
Third Party Market Place
Retail
Pharmaceutical E-commerce Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Poland
Algeria
Turkey
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Indonesia
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
List of Key Players in the Pharma E-commerce Market
Amazon, Inc.
Apotek
CVS Health
DocMorris
Express Scripts
Giant Eagle, Inc.
L Rowland & Co (Retail) Ltd
McKesson Corporation
Netmeds Marketplace Ltd.
Optum, Inc.
SHOP-APOTHEKE EUROPE N.V.
The Kroger Co.
Walmart
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Zur Rose Group AG
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