Top 10 Companies in the Cyclodextrin in Pharma Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Pharmaceutical Formulations

In Business Insights
July 09, 2026

MARKET INSIGHTS

The Global Cyclodextrin in Pharma Market was valued at USD 35.2 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 57.8 million by 2034, exhibiting a 5.7% growth rate during the forecast period (2025–2034).

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides derived from enzymatic conversion of starch, featuring a toroidal architecture with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic exterior. This unique geometry allows them to encapsulate poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), improving solubility, stability and bioavailability. The sector is driven by the persistent solubility challenge that affects roughly 40% of approved drugs and up to 90% of pipeline candidates, creating a sustained demand for advanced formulation technologies.

Strategic initiatives have accelerated adoption: in 2023, Wacker Chemie AG expanded its CAVAMAX® production capacity to satisfy rising demand for complexed APIs. Other key players—Ashland, Roquette, and Nihon Shokuhin Kako—provide a diversified portfolio of cyclodextrin excipients for oral and parenteral drug delivery.

Cyclodextrin in Pharma Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: CAVAMAX® alpha, beta, and gamma cyclodextrins for pharmaceutical excipients

Wacker’s CAVAMAX® line dominates the market thanks to high‑purity production and a robust supply chain that supports both volume and specialty applications. The company’s investment in enzymatic conversion technology has lowered production costs while maintaining stringent quality controls, positioning it as the preferred partner for manufacturers targeting complex biologics and oral solid dosage forms.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Expansion of the Eddyville, Iowa facility to increase beta‑cyclodextrin output by 30%.
  • Partnership with Ashland to develop next‑generation inclusion complexes for protein therapeutics.
  • Commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions across the production chain by 15% by 2030.

9️⃣ 2. Roquette Frères

Headquarters: Villeneuve, France
Key Offering: Roquette Cyclodextrins for drug solubilization and taste masking

Roquette’s focus on high‑quality excipients and its strong presence in the European market have made it a go‑to supplier for pharmaceutical companies seeking to enhance drug stability and patient compliance. Its continuous improvement in enzymatic processes has enabled the company to offer a broader range of derivatives tailored to specific API characteristics.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Launch of a circular economy program to recycle starch waste into cyclodextrin precursors.
  • Investment in digital monitoring of production parameters to improve yield consistency.
  • Targeted R&D for beta‑cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for gene delivery platforms.

8️⃣ 3. Ensuiko Sugar Refining Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Ensuiko Cyclodextrins for oral and injectable formulations

Ensuiko’s expertise in large‑scale enzymatic conversion and its focus on product purity have positioned it as a leading supplier in the Asia‑Pacific region. The company’s cyclodextrins are frequently selected for oncology and antiviral drug candidates where solubility and stability are critical.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Implementation of energy‑efficient bioreactors to cut electricity usage by 10%.
  • Collaboration with Japanese universities to develop novel cyclodextrin derivatives for personalized medicine.
  • Expansion of the Osaka manufacturing plant to meet projected demand for injectable APIs.

7️⃣ 4. Nihon Shokuhin Kako Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Nihon Cyclodextrins for parenteral drug delivery and protein stabilization

With a strong foothold in the Japanese market, Nihon Shokuhin Kako offers cyclodextrins that excel in stabilizing proteins and peptides. Their product line supports advanced biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and peptide vaccines.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Adoption of green chemistry protocols to reduce hazardous waste.
  • Partnerships with global pharma firms to co‑develop cyclodextrin‑based delivery systems.
  • Investment in scalable fermentation processes for high‑purity beta‑cyclodextrin.

6️⃣ 5. Ashland Global Holdings

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, United States
Key Offering: Ashland Cyclodextrins for oral solid dosage forms and controlled release

Ashland’s extensive portfolio includes alpha, beta, and gamma cyclodextrins, each tailored to specific API attributes. The company’s strong distribution network across North America and its focus on innovation make it a preferred partner for manufacturers targeting high‑end applications.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Launch of a sustainability dashboard tracking water usage and emissions.
  • Development of biodegradable cyclodextrin derivatives for eco‑friendly formulations.
  • Strategic alliance with pharmaceutical contract manufacturers to accelerate product launch timelines.

5️⃣ 6. Shandong Xinda Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Xinda Cyclodextrins for oral and injectable applications

Shandong Xinda’s rapid expansion has positioned it as a key supplier in the Asia‑Pacific region. The company’s focus on cost‑effective production and quality compliance has attracted a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical clients.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Implementation of renewable energy sources at the main production site.
  • Collaboration with local universities to develop novel cyclodextrin derivatives.
  • Expansion of the Shanghai facility to support regional demand for biologic formulations.

4️⃣ 7. Yunan Yongguang Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Yunnan, China
Key Offering: Yongguang Cyclodextrins for oral and topical drug delivery

Yunan Yongguang has carved a niche in the Chinese market by offering cyclodextrins with high solubilization efficiency for hydrophobic APIs. The company’s focus on rapid scale‑up and regulatory compliance has made it a trusted partner for emerging pharmaceutical developers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Adoption of a zero‑waste policy in its production lines.
  • Partnership with domestic pharma companies to develop tailored cyclodextrin formulations.
  • Investment in advanced analytics for process optimization.

3️⃣ 8. Qufu Tianli Biotech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Tianli Cyclodextrins for injectable and parenteral applications

Qufu Tianli’s high‑purity beta‑cyclodextrin has been adopted by several pharmaceutical firms for biologic formulations. The company’s commitment to meeting international quality standards has facilitated rapid market entry for its products.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Implementation of a closed‑loop water recycling system.
  • Collaboration with global contract manufacturing organizations.
  • R&D focus on cyclodextrin derivatives that enhance protein stability.

2️⃣ 9. Jiangsu Fengyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Fengyuan Cyclodextrins for oral and injectable drug delivery

Jiangsu Fengyuan’s product range supports a variety of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and injectables. The company’s emphasis on cost‑effective production and strict quality controls has attracted a growing list of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Adoption of energy‑efficient manufacturing equipment.
  • Development of a digital platform for real‑time quality monitoring.
  • Strategic partnership with research institutions to explore new cyclodextrin applications.

1️⃣ 10. Mengzhou Huaxing Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Huaxing Cyclodextrins for oral solid dosage and controlled release

With a focus on high‑purity cyclodextrins, Mengzhou Huaxing has positioned itself as a reliable supplier for manufacturers seeking to improve API solubility and stability in solid dosage forms. The company’s agile production capacity allows it to respond quickly to market demand shifts.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

  • Implementation of a green chemistry approach to reduce solvent usage.
  • Collaboration with local universities to innovate cyclodextrin derivatives for targeted delivery.
  • Investment in digital twin technology for process optimization.

Cyclodextrin in Pharma Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Cyclodextrin in Pharma Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Cyclodextrin in Pharma

The sector is evolving as pharmaceutical companies increasingly demand excipients that can address complex solubility and stability challenges. Cyclodextrins are becoming integral to the development of next‑generation biologics, gene therapies and personalized medicines, where precise control over drug release and protection of labile APIs is essential.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Growing adoption of cyclodextrins in biologic and nucleic acid formulations.
  • Continued investment in enzymatic process innovation to lower production costs.
  • Expansion of regional manufacturing hubs in Asia‑Pacific to meet global demand.
  • Increased focus on sustainability, including renewable energy use and waste reduction.
  • Strengthening of strategic alliances between excipient producers and pharmaceutical developers.

These dynamics position cyclodextrins as essential excipients in modern pharmaceutical technology, offering manufacturers a reliable pathway to meet stringent performance and regulatory requirements.