Erythropoietin Drugs Market by Type (Biologics and Biosimilars), Product (Erythropoietin and Darbepoetin-alfa), Application (Cancer, Renal Diseases, Neurology, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Erythropoietin Drugs Overview

Erythropoietin is a vital hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to create red blood cells in the body. These red blood cells help carry oxygen to other cells and tissues in the body through the bloodstream. Having too much or too little erythropoietin in the body may contribute to problems with the blood. Doctors may therefore recommend tests to check erythropoietin levels in people with blood disorders such as anemia. People with very low levels of erythropoietin may need injections of the hormone. These injections may successfully resolve the issue, but they do carry their own risks.

Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Analysis

The global erythropoietin drugs market size was $6.89 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 1.32%, by generating a revenue of $7.79 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market

The pandemic's impact on manufacturing facilities, transportation, and logistics caused disruptions in the supply chain of pharmaceutical products, including erythropoietin drugs. This led to temporary shortages or delays in drug availability. The focus of healthcare systems worldwide shifted towards managing COVID-19 cases and preventing the spread of the virus. Non-urgent treatments or elective procedures, including some erythropoietin drug treatments, were delayed or deprioritized during this time. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are often prescribed erythropoietin drugs were at higher risk during the pandemic due to their underlying health conditions. They faced challenges in accessing regular healthcare services and medication.

As the situation improved and vaccination efforts progressed, healthcare systems have gradually returned to normal operations. This recovery led to increased demand for erythropoietin drugs as patients resumed their regular treatments. Governments and healthcare organizations worldwide have prioritized strengthening healthcare infrastructure to better manage any future health crises effectively. This could positively impact the availability and accessibility of erythropoietin drugs.

The Rising Prevalence of Kidney Diseases to Drive the Market Growth

As EPO is commonly used to treat anemia associated with CKD (chronic kidney disease), the rising prevalence of kidney disease contributes to the demand for these drugs. With an aging global population, there is a higher incidence of age-related conditions, including anemia. EPO drugs are often prescribed to manage anemia in elderly patients, which drives market growth. EPO drugs are used to manage anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The increasing incidence of cancer cases worldwide fuels the demand for EPO drugs. Anemia can result from surgical procedures and blood loss. EPO drugs may be used to stimulate red blood cell production and aid recovery, increasing their demand. Improvements in drug delivery technologies, such as longer-acting formulations or more convenient administration routes, can enhance patient compliance and drive market growth. As healthcare infrastructure improves in developing regions, access to medical treatments like EPO drugs expands, leading to market growth in these areas.

Strict Regulatory Scrutiny Concerns Associated with Erythropoietin Drugs to Restrain Market Growth

Erythropoietin drugs are classified as biologics and are subject to strict regulatory scrutiny, including complex approval processes. This can create challenges for new entrants and delay market entry. Drugs that inhibit erythropoiesis may have negative effects, especially when misused. Patients' and doctors' confidence in using these drugs may be affected by concerns about adverse effects such as an increased risk of blood clots. Erythropoietin medications may not compete with other therapies for anemia and associated diseases, such as blood transfusions or iron supplements, which might restrain market expansion. Because erythropoietin pills can be expensive, healthcare systems that are concerned about costs can possibly choose less-expensive alternatives or limit the amount they will pay for them. Access to erythropoietin drugs may be limited in certain developing regions due to affordability issues and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Advancements in Healthcare Sector to Drive Excellent Opportunities

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may use EPO medicines to cure anemia. Opportunities for EPO medications to assist cancer therapy and enhance patient quality of life will arise as cancer incidence rises and new cancer therapies are developed. New and enhanced EPO drug formulations, such as those with a longer half-life or more feasible administration paths, may be introduced as the result of ongoing pharmaceutical industry research and development. These developments might expand the range of available treatments and improve patient compliance. Developing countries with improving healthcare infrastructures may offer untapped opportunities for EPO drug manufacturers. As access to healthcare improves, there may be increased demand for treatments like EPO drugs. An aging global population is more susceptible to anemia, and EPO drugs may play a significant role in managing this condition in the elderly, presenting opportunities for market growth. EPO drugs may be combined with other medications or therapies to improve treatment outcomes in certain patient populations. Exploring these synergistic effects could open up new opportunities for EPO drugs.

Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Share, by Type, 2022

The biologics sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. Biologics are drugs produced using living cells or organisms. Biologic EPO drugs are engineered to be similar to the naturally occurring human erythropoietin. This similarity ensures better compatibility with the human body and reduces the risk of adverse reactions or immune responses. Some biologics EPO drugs have a longer duration of action, meaning they can stay active in the body for a longer period. This allows for less frequent dosing, reducing the burden of administration for patients and healthcare providers. Biologics can be engineered to specifically target and bind to the erythropoietin receptors, enhancing their therapeutic effect and reducing off-target interactions. This targeted approach helps minimize side effects and optimize treatment outcomes. Many biologic EPO drugs are protected by patents, giving manufacturers exclusive rights to produce and market them for a certain period. This exclusivity can create high demand and premium pricing for these drugs during the patent-protected period.

Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Share, by Product, 2022

The erythropoietin sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. EPO has been available in the market for a longer time compared to darbepoetin-alfa. As a result, it has gained wider acceptance among healthcare providers and patients, leading to a larger patient pool for this drug. EPO received approval for various indications earlier than darbepoetin-alfa, including anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced anemia, and anemia in certain other conditions. This broader range of approved indications contributed to its higher demand. Historically, EPO was often more cost-effective than darbepoetin-alfa, which made it the preferred choice for many healthcare systems and patients. Cost considerations can significantly impact drug utilization and demand. Prescribing patterns by healthcare providers can influence the demand for specific drugs. If physicians were more accustomed to prescribing EPO over darbepoetin-alfa due to experience or familiarity, it could have contributed to higher demand for EPO.

Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Share, by Application, 2022

The renal diseases sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. A lot of individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience anemia as one of its common complications. EPO drugs are used to treat anemia and enhance a patient's quality of life by aiding the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. The impaired kidney function in CKD leads to reduced EPO production. By administering EPO drugs, the deficiency is compensated, leading to increased red blood cell production. EPO therapy can help delay the need for dialysis initiation by improving anemia and slowing the progression of CKD. Anemia in CKD patients can exacerbate existing cardiovascular complications, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. EPO drugs can help mitigate these adverse effects by improving anemia and overall health.

Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North America region generated the highest revenue in 2022. North America, particularly the United States, has an advanced healthcare infrastructure. A robust regulatory environment and top-tier medical facilities foster pharmaceutical innovation and drug development. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and other conditions that can cause anemia in North America is relatively high, including cancer and certain autoimmune disorders. Anemia associated with these conditions is commonly treated with EPO drugs, which drives demand in the region. North America is home to some of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with strong expertise in biologics and drug development.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Erythropoietin Drugs Market

There are several major players functioning in the highly competitive global erythropoietin drugs market. In order to increase their market presence and boost their product portfolios companies focus on enhancing drug efficacy, reducing dosing frequency, and improving patient convenience and compliance. EPO drug manufacturers aim to expand their market reach by obtaining regulatory approvals in new regions and countries. This involves navigating complex regulatory processes and tailoring marketing strategies to different healthcare systems.

Some of the leading erythropoietin drugs market players are Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Amgen, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., LG Chem, Biocon, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.