Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Trends, Forecast Report 2025-2037
Erythropoietin Drugs Market size is expected to witness an increase of USD 9.19 billion during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037, expanding at a 4.8% CAGR. The industry valuation of erythropoietin drugs in 2025 is estimated at over USD 11.42 billion.
The primary growth driver of the erythropoietin drugs market is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases that lead to anemia, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cancer. These conditions often reduce the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, making EPO drugs essential for managing anemia. A hospital-based study on the prevalence of anemia published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in 2023, reported that anemia in CKD is prevalent at 14% in the United States, 39.36% in India, 51.5% in China, 43.18% in South Africa, and 79% in Cameroon. Furthermore, the prevalence rises with CKD stage, with overall rates of 22.4%, 41.3%, and 53.9% in stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
Moreover, the rising incidence of CKD and cancer is a significant driver for the erythropoietin drugs market. Both conditions are closely associated with anemia, as CKD can impair kidney function, and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can damage bone marrow and decrease red blood cell production. Anemia is prevalent among cancer patients, accounting for more than 40% of cases. This creates a demand for EPO drugs, which help stimulate red blood cell production and manage anemia symptoms, improving the quality of life for patients.
Erythropoietin Drugs Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Therapeutic use in neurodegenerative conditions: The global prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease is rising rapidly. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of cases and affecting about 50 million people worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 5 to 8% of adults over the age of 60 have dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common type. Currently, it is anticipated that 6.5 million U.S. residents aged 65 and older suffer from Alzheimer's disease; by 2060, this figure is expected to rise to 13.8 million.
Studies have shown that EPO can cross the blood-brain barrier and may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, factors contributing to cognitive decline. This has led researchers to explore EPO’s role in managing neurodegenerative conditions and improving the quality of life for patients. - Advancements in drug development: Innovations in formulations, biosimilars, and drug delivery systems expanding treatment options and accessibility are driving the erythropoietin drugs market. New formulations that offer extended or sustained release are improving patient convenience and adherence. Long-acting EPO formulations reduce the need for frequent dosing, which is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions requiring ongoing anemia treatment. Long-acting variants such as darbepoetin alfa and epoetin beta pegol allow for once-weekly or even once-monthly administration, as opposed to multiple doses per week with older formulations.
Moreover, researchers are developing next-generation EPO analogs and derivatives designed to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects. These drugs aim to be more selective and may exhibit a reduced risk of complications, such as blood clots, that have been associated with some EPO treatments. This also encourages adoption among a wider range of patients, including those with heightened sensitivity or comorbid conditions. - Rising awareness and improved diagnostics: Rising awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities are significantly driving the erythropoietin drugs market, as they enable earlier detection and more precise treatment of anemia-related conditions. Modern diagnostic tools such as automated complete blood count (CBC) analyzers and more sensitive biochemical markers, are enabling earlier and more accurate anemia diagnosis.
Several key players are innovating and launching advanced CBC analyzers that support early and accurate diagnosis of anemia, indirectly driving demand for EPO drugs. For instance, Sysmex is a global leader in hematology diagnostics, offering a range of CBC analyzers, including the Sysmex XN-Series and XE-Series. These analyzers provide high accuracy and advanced diagnostic features, such as the ability to detect abnormal cells and reticulocyte counts, which are useful for anemia diagnosis.
Challenges
- High treatment costs: EPO drugs can be costly, especially branded versions, making them less accessible in low and middle-income regions. Although biosimilars have improved affordability, price remains a barrier in many countries with limited healthcare funding, affecting EPO adoption rates.
- Side effects and safety concerns: EPO drugs can cause adverse effects, such as hypertension, blood clots, stroke, and in some cases, increased tumor progression in cancer patients. These safety risks have led to regulatory restrictions on EPO use, especially for off-label applications, limiting its erythropoietin drugs market potential.
Erythropoietin Drugs Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
4.8% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 10.90 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 20.04 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Erythropoietin Drugs Segmentation
Product Type (Biosimilars, First-generation formulation, and Second-generation formulation)
By the end of 2037, biosimilars segment in the erythropoietin drugs market is poised to reach USD 8.8 billion. EPO drugs, which are used primarily to treat anemia associated with CKD, cancer chemotherapy, and other chronic illnesses, have long been dominated by branded biologic products. However, with patents on several of these biologics expiring, biosimilar versions are entering the market, often at lower prices.
The biosimilars are expected to enhance market accessibility by reducing treatment costs, thereby expanding patient access and ultimately driving erythropoietin drugs market growth. Additionally, as more regulatory agencies worldwide establish clear pathways for the approval of biosimilars, particularly in emerging markets, the acceptance and use of EPO biosimilars are likely to increase.
Key players in the industry are also investing in R&D to improve the efficacy and safety of EPO biosimilars, potentially attracting more healthcare providers and patients to adopt these alternatives. Thus, the rising availability and adoption of biosimilars are estimated to significantly contribute to the growth of the global erythropoietin drugs market in the coming years. Major key players have been actively developing biosimilars which are widely adopted due to their affordability compared to traditional biologic treatments. According to the 2022 biosimilar trends report by Amgen, as of Q2 2022, the FDA lists 96 proposed biosimilar products enrolled in the FDA’s Biosimilar Development Program, an increase of more than 70% since October 2015.
Drug Class (Epoetin-alfa, Epoetin-beta, and Darbepoetin-alfa)
By drug class, the epoetin-alfa segment in erythropoietin drugs market is poised to increase its revenue share by 2037. The growth can be attributed to the increased demand for treatments addressing chronic CKD-related anemia and cancer-associated anemia. Epoetin-alfa, a synthetic form of erythropoietin, has become widely adopted due to its efficacy in stimulating red blood cell production, which is essential for patients.
Moreover, aging population and the rise in chronic diseases, especially CKD, are increasing the demand for epoetin-alfa. As the prevalence of these conditions grows, so does the need for effective anemia treatments, positioning epoetin-alfa as a critical segment driving the erythropoietin drugs market.
Our in-depth analysis of the erythropoietin drugs market includes the following segments:
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Drug Class |
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Customize this ReportErythropoietin Drugs Industry - Regional Scope
North America Market Forecast
North America industry is expected to dominate majority revenue share of 26.6% by 2037, The market in the region is largely driven by high prevalence rates of chronic CKD and cancer, which often result in anemia. Also, the region leads the global erythropoietin drugs markets, benefiting from substantial healthcare investment, which supports a growing acceptance and availability of EPO drugs among healthcare providers and patients.
In the U.S. there is a growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease requiring EPO and increasing availability of biosimilars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2023, about 35.5 million are estimated to have CKD. Anemia, often a complication of CKD, is prevalent in about 20-50% of patients with CKD, depending on the stage, leading to higher EPO drug demand. Moreover, new cancer cases reached more than 2 million in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society. EPO is commonly used to treat anemia in chemotherapy patients, adding to market growth.
In Canada, public health campaigns and initiatives by organizations like the Kidney Foundation of Canada have raised awareness about CKD and anemia. The Kidney Foundation partnered with Can-SOLVE CKD, a unique patient-oriented kidney research network. In 2022, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced a USD 3.75 million funding commitment to Can-SOLVE CKD, which will be matched by more than USD 8 million raised through the generous assistance of over 60 partners. Early detection efforts result in higher treatment rates, which supports the demand for EPO drugs. Further, government investments in healthcare and specific initiatives focused on CKD and cancer treatment are helping expand the erythropoietin drugs market.
APAC Market Analysis
The Asia Pacific erythropoietin drugs market is experiencing robust growth, largely driven by the increasing prevalence of anemia-related conditions, such as CKD, cancer, and HIV, especially in developing countries like China and India. The increased demand for low-cost therapies has prompted the development of biosimilars for EPO.
The Government of China focus on growing the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors has spurred domestic production and innovation in biologics, including EPO drugs. The country has been heavily investing in its healthcare infrastructure and expanding public and private insurance coverage, making treatments like EPO more accessible and affordable for a larger population.
India has one of the highest rates of anemia globally, particularly among women and children. Anemia related to CKD, chemotherapy, and other health conditions is driving demand for EPO drugs. The Government of India initiatives like Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), aim to provide accessible healthcare to the population, which includes treatments for conditions like anemia and kidney disease. Also, India has been increasing the number of dialysis centers and hospitals, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, which supports the demand for EPO drugs as a standard treatment in dialysis care.
Companies Dominating the Erythropoietin Drugs Landscape
- AstraZeneca PLC
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Amgen, Inc.
- Biocon Limited
- Celltrion, Inc.
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
- Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.
- LG Chem, Ltd.
- Novartis AG
- Pfizer Inc.
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Genexine
Major key players continuously invest in research and development to improve the effectiveness, safety, and delivery methods of EPO drugs. Partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and distribution networks help key players reach a wider audience. Collaborations with local healthcare providers or joint ventures with local manufacturers enable global companies to leverage regional expertise, boost local production, and improve drug availability.
Here are some key players in the erythropoietin drugs market:
In the News
- In October 2023, Sun Pharma and Zydus Lifesciences Limited signed a licensing deal to co-market Desidustat, a novel medication in India. Desidustat is India's first oral therapy for chronic kidney disease-related anemia.
- In October 2023, Genexine and KGbio got the first market approval for innovative long-acting Erythropoietin, Efepoetin alfa, from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 6685
- Published Date: Jan 10, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
