Small Molecule Drug Discovery Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Orthopedics, Immunology, Rare Diseases, Others), By Phase/Process (Target Discovery, Target Validation, Lead Generation and Refinement, Preclinical Development), By End-User (Pharmaceutical Companies, Contract Research Organizations), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The Small Molecule Drug Discovery Market is witnessing significant growth driven by the escalating prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. With conditions such as heart disease and cancer on the rise, the demand for effective treatments continues to soar. Small molecules, characterized by their low molecular weight, play a pivotal role in drug discovery efforts due to their ability to target specific biological pathways and interact with cellular components. This market segment encompasses various stages of drug development, from initial screening and lead optimization to preclinical and clinical trials.

Advancements in technology, such as high-throughput screening and computational modeling, are further enhancing the efficiency of small molecule drug discovery processes. As pharmaceutical companies and research institutions intensify their efforts to address unmet medical needs, the small molecule drug discovery market is poised for continued expansion in the coming years.

Market Drivers

• Technological advancements

The market is expected to experience growth driven by the introduction of technologically advanced products and collaborations among key industry players. For example, in July 2022, Dotmatics, a leading developer of scientific software that integrates science, data, and decision-making, launched an integrated solution for small-molecule drug discovery. This platform features pre-configured workflows and enhanced data management capabilities. Additionally, in April 2022, Iktos and Teijin Pharma Limited entered into a strategic collaboration agreement focused on artificial intelligence for novel drug design. The partnership involves the application of Iktos' generative modeling technology to expedite the identification of potential pre-clinical candidates in several of Teijin Pharma's small molecule drug discovery projects.

• Rising rate of chronic diseases

The market is growing due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. According to August 2022 data from the British Heart Foundation, approximately 7.6 million individuals in the United Kingdom had heart or cardiovascular diseases in 2021. Globally, GLOBOCAN 2020 reported 19.3 million new cancer cases, with an anticipated increase to 30.2 million by 2040. This surge in chronic illnesses is projected to drive the demand for treatments, leading to an increased need for small molecules.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the market-

North America holds a dominant position in the overall small molecule drug discovery market due to the increasing incidence of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, along with the growing approval of new small molecules in the region. Based on the 2022 statistics from the American Cancer Society, it is projected that in 2022, the United States will witness 1,918,030 new cancer cases, with 983,160 cases among males and 934,870 cases among females. Additionally, the Canadian Cancer Society reports 233,900 new cancer cases in Canada for the year 2022. The substantial cancer burden is expected to be a significant driver for market growth, as small molecules play a crucial role in cancer treatment.

Market Developments

• In September 2023, Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) and Insilico Medicine ("Insilico") revealed a partnership through an exclusive license agreement. This agreement provides Exelixis with worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of ISM3091, a promising small molecule inhibitor targeting USP1. USP1 has been identified as a synthetic lethal target in BRCA-mutated tumors, potentially positioning ISM3091 as a leading candidate in this therapeutic context.
• In August 2022, BioDuro-Sundia and X-Chem, a pioneer in small molecule drug discovery utilizing DNA Encoded Compound Library (DEL) technology, introduced DEL technology services in China. This initiative aims to assist a broader range of innovative pharmaceutical companies in rapidly identifying small-molecule drugs.
• In July 2022, RxCelerate unveiled RxNfinit, a fresh small molecule discovery platform that utilizes machine learning, in silico structure modeling, and combinatorial chemistry in an innovative process. This platform offers notable benefits over existing tools in identifying small-molecule drugs for various protein targets.

Market Segmentation

• By Therapeutic Area
  • Oncology
  • Central Nervous System
  • Cardiovascular
  • Respiratory
  • Orthopedics
  • Immunology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Others
• By Phase/Process
  • Target Discovery
  • Target Validation
  • Lead Generation and Refinement
  • Preclinical Development
• By End-User
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Contract Research Organizations
• By Geography
  • • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Market Overview

1.2. Market Definition

1.3. Scope of the Study

1.4. Market Segmentation

1.5. Currency

1.6. Assumptions

1.7. Base, and Forecast Years Timeline

1.8. Key Benefits to the Stakeholder

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Research Processes

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Key Findings

3.2. Analyst View

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.5. Analyst View

5. SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY MARKET BY THERAPEUTIC AREA

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Oncology

5.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.2.2. Growth Prospects

5.3. Central Nervous System

5.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.3.2. Growth Prospects

5.4. Cardiovascular

5.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.4.2. Growth Prospects

5.5. Respiratory

5.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.5.2. Growth Prospects

5.6. Orthopedics

5.6.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.6.2. Growth Prospects

5.7. Immunology

5.7.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.7.2. Growth Prospects

5.8. Rare Diseases

5.8.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.8.2. Growth Prospects

5.9. Others

5.9.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

5.9.2. Growth Prospects

6. SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY MARKET BY PROCESS/ PHASE 

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Target Discovery

6.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

6.2.2. Growth Prospects

6.3. Target Validation

6.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

6.3.2. Growth Prospects

6.4. Lead Generation and Refinement

6.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

6.4.2. Growth Prospects

6.5. Preclinical Development

6.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

6.5.2. Growth Prospects

7. SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY MARKET BY END-USER

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Pharmaceutical Companies

8.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.2. Growth Prospects

7.3. Contract Research Organizations

7.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

7.3.2. Growth Prospects

8. SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. By Therapeutic Area

8.2.2. By Process/ Phase 

8.2.3. By End User

8.2.4. By Country

8.2.4.1. United States

8.2.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.2. Canada

8.2.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.3. Mexico

8.2.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.3. South America

8.3.1. By Therapeutic Area

8.3.2. By Process/ Phase 

8.3.3. By End User

8.3.4. By Country 

8.3.4.1. Brazil

8.3.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.2. Argentina

8.3.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.3. Others

8.3.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. By Therapeutic Area

8.4.2. By Process/ Phase 

8.4.3. By End User

8.4.4. By Country

8.4.4.1. United Kingdom

8.4.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.2. Germany

8.4.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.3. France

8.4.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.4. Italy

8.4.4.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.5. Spain

8.4.4.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.6. Others

8.4.4.6.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.6.2. Growth Prospects

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. By Therapeutic Area

8.5.2. By Process/ Phase 

8.5.3. By End User

8.5.4. By Country

8.5.4.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.2. UAE

8.5.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.3. Others

8.5.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. By Therapeutic Area

8.6.2. By Process/ Phase 

8.6.3. By End User

8.6.4. By Country

8.6.4.1. Japan

8.6.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.2. China

8.6.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.3. India

8.6.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.4. South Korea

8.6.4.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.5. Taiwan

8.6.4.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.6. Thailand

8.6.4.6.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.6.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.7. Indonesia

8.6.4.7.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.7.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.8. Others

8.6.4.8.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.8.2. Growth Prospects

9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

10.2. Eurofins Scientific SE

10.3. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

10.4. Evotec SE

10.5. Wuxi AppTec

10.6. Syngene International Limited

10.7. Curia Global Inc.

10.8. Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd.

10.9. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 

10.10. Jubilant Pharmova Limited 

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

Eurofins Scientific SE

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

Evotec SE

Wuxi AppTec

Syngene International Limited

Curia Global Inc.

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

 

Jubilant Pharmova Limited