The Global Lactulose API Market was valued at USD 1.24 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.68 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This consistent growth is primarily driven by the rising global prevalence of chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy, increasing geriatric population, and the expanding application of lactulose as a prebiotic food ingredient.
As the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries focus on gastrointestinal health and innovative treatment solutions, the manufacturers of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) are critical to the supply chain. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Lactulose API Industry—a group of established pharmaceutical giants and specialized chemical producers ensuring the global supply of this essential therapeutic compound.
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🔟 1. Abbott Laboratories
Headquarters: Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: High-Purity Lactulose API, Pharmaceutical-Grade Lactulose
Abbott is a global healthcare leader with a significant presence in the pharmaceutical sector. The company produces and supplies high-quality Lactulose API used in its own branded formulations and for distribution to other pharmaceutical manufacturers, adhering to strict pharmacopeial standards (USP, EP).
Key Strategic Focus:
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Investment in continuous manufacturing process optimization for higher yield and purity
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Strong quality control and regulatory compliance across global markets
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Integration of lactulose API production with finished dosage form manufacturing
9️⃣ 2. Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Lactulose Syrup, Specialty Oligosaccharides
Morinaga, a leading Japanese dairy and food product company, is also a major producer of lactulose and other functional sugars. Leveraging its expertise in lactose chemistry, Morinaga supplies high-purity lactulose API to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly strong in the Asian markets.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Research into novel biological and enzymatic synthesis methods for lactulose production
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Expansion of lactulose applications in functional foods and prebiotics
8️⃣ 3. Solactis
Headquarters: Saint-Genis-Laval, France
Key Offering: Pure Lactulose API, Lactulose Crystalline Powder
Solactis, a subsidiary of the Ingredia Group, specializes in the production of lactose derivatives, with lactulose as a core product. The company focuses on providing high-purity lactulose API to the European and international pharmaceutical sectors, emphasizing product consistency and reliability.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Focus on sustainable and efficient production processes
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Strategic partnerships with European pharmaceutical companies
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Lactulose API Market – View in Detailed Research Report
7️⃣ 4. Fresenius Kabi
Headquarters: Bad Homburg, Germany
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Injectable and Oral Formulations
Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company with a strong focus on injectable pharmaceuticals and clinical nutrition. The company sources and utilizes lactulose API for its own portfolio of drugs targeting hepatic encephalopathy and constipation, ensuring a vertically integrated supply chain.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Ensuring robust API supply for critical care medicines
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Adherence to the highest international regulatory standards (FDA, EMA)
6️⃣ 5. Illovo Sugar Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Headquarters: Durban, South Africa
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Lactulose Syrup for Pharmaceutical Use
As Africa’s largest sugar producer, Illovo has diversified into value-added products, including lactulose. The company leverages its raw material access to produce lactulose API, serving a growing pharmaceutical market across Africa and exporting to other regions.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Developing local API manufacturing capacity in Africa
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Cost-competitive production leveraging integrated sugar operations
5️⃣ 6. Biofac A/S
Headquarters: Køge, Denmark
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Custom Synthesis of Carbohydrates
Biofac is a Scandinavian contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in carbohydrate chemistry. The company offers high-quality lactulose API, focusing on serving niche and specialized pharmaceutical clients with custom synthesis needs.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Expertise in complex carbohydrate synthesis and purification
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CDMO model offering flexibility for pharmaceutical partners
4️⃣ 7. Dandong Kangfu Pharmacy Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Dandong, Liaoning, China
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Lactulose Concentrate
Dandong Kangfu is a prominent Chinese manufacturer of pharmaceutical ingredients, including lactulose API. The company has grown significantly, capitalizing on the large domestic API market and increasing exports, supported by competitive manufacturing capabilities.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Scaling production to meet growing global demand
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Competitive pricing strategy for cost-sensitive markets
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Lactulose API Market – View in Detailed Research Report
3️⃣ 8. Lactose (India) Limited
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Pharmaceutical Lactose, Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
As a specialist in lactose and its derivatives, Lactose (India) Limited is a key player in the Asian lactulose API market. The company benefits from India’s strong position in generic pharmaceuticals and API manufacturing, supplying both domestic formulators and international clients.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Leveraging India’s cost-effective manufacturing ecosystem
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Expanding product portfolio to include related prebiotic ingredients
2️⃣ 9. Zhejiang Apeloa Kangyu Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Various Pharmaceutical Intermediates
Part of the Apeloa Group, a major Chinese pharmaceutical company, this entity is involved in the production of lactulose API. It integrates advanced synthesis technology and operates large-scale production facilities to serve the global market.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Vertical integration within a large pharmaceutical conglomerate
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Focus on technological advancement in API synthesis
1️⃣ 10. Gansu Fuyuan Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Gansu, China
Key Offering: Lactulose API, Lactulose for Food and Pharma Applications
Gansu Fuyuan Chemical is another significant Chinese manufacturer contributing to the global lactulose supply. The company produces lactulose API for pharmaceutical use and also supplies grades suitable for the food industry as a prebiotic.
Key Strategic Focus:
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Diversification across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical end-markets
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Expanding international sales networks
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Lactulose API Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Lactulose API is Driven by Innovation and Expanding Applications
The lactulose API market is evolving beyond its traditional therapeutic roles. While treatment for constipation and hepatic encephalopathy remains the core driver, new opportunities in gut health and prebiotics are creating significant growth avenues.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Growing consumer awareness and demand for gut health and prebiotic supplements
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Increasing R&D into the therapeutic benefits of lactulose for metabolic disorders
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Technological advancements in enzymatic synthesis for more efficient and sustainable production
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Stringent regulatory requirements pushing manufacturers towards higher purity and quality standards
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Lactulose API Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical pharmaceutical ingredient—they are enabling advancements in digestive health and contributing to the expanding wellness industry.
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