Peptides are unique pharmaceutical compounds that play vital roles in physiological processes, including hormones and neurotransmitters. Peptide drugs, known for their good druggability, high activity, low toxicity, and minimal drug interactions, generated global sales of $22 billion in 2015, making them a rapidly growing sector.

A key player in this field is GLP-1, particularly with the recent approvals of GLP-1 drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in China. This advancement is set to expand the Chinese peptide industry, with estimates suggesting the GLP-1RA weight-loss market could reach CNY 38.3 billion by 2030. In early 2023, Novo Nordisk's semaglutide achieved $4.223 billion in sales, while Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide quickly generated $568.5 million in less than a year, indicating strong competition. The popularity of GLP-1RA drugs is also driving demand for peptide CDMO services in the pharmaceutical industry.

Peptide drugs are primarily synthesized using two main methods: liquid phase and solid phase synthesis. Both methods face technical challenges, especially for long-chain peptides, which require many steps, leading to low yields and complex impurities. To mitigate costs and reduce R&D risks, peptide pharmaceutical companies often collaborate with CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) companies during the early stages of development. This collaboration has driven demand for peptide CDMO services.

According to Polypeptide's data, the global market for peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) reached $1.8 billion in 2020, with 65% utilizing outsourcing services. The compound annual growth rate for peptide outsourcing services is projected at 10% from 2020 to 2025.

In China, innovative drug policies since 2010, along with the implementation of the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) system in 2019, have fostered the growth of the peptide CDMO industry, aligning with the broader trend of encouraging medical innovation.

Sinoway is a professional pharmaceutical & healthcare products supplier. We can provide one-stop CDMO service from R&D to commercial production, especially for advanced intermediates and new compounds with “special high quality ” and “cost saving” requirements. For more, please feel free to contact us.