Antibody Fragments Market – By Specificity, By Type, By Application - Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Antibody Fragments Market Size

The global antibody fragments market size was valued at around USD 7.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a 5.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Antibody fragments are smaller parts of full-length monoclonal antibodies, designed to retain the binding specificity of the parent antibody, but with unique properties that make them suitable for certain applications where full-length antibodies might not be as effective.
 

Rising demand for targeted therapies is driving revenue growth in the market. Growth in personalized medicine is contributing to an increasing demand for biologic therapies that are highly specific. Antibody fragments, known for their ability to be customized to interact with particular antigens, are emerging as prime candidates for these targeted therapies, especially in oncology and immunology.
 

For instance, as reported by China's National Medicines and Pharmaceutical Administration (NMPA), 2023 saw the approval of 87 novel drugs in China, with targeted therapies making up 67.8% of total approvals. The growth in targeted therapies is contributing to an increasing use of antibody fragments as therapeutics globally.
 

Additionally, the growing prevalence of cancer, advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering, and the increase in regulatory approvals are key factors contributing to market growth.
 

Antibody Fragments Market Trends

Key trends are shaping the market, driven by technological advancements, evolving healthcare needs, and emerging applications.
 

• Research and development of bispecific antibody fragments have surged, with many undergoing clinical trials for cancer and immune diseases. These fragments can simultaneously bind to two distinct antigens or epitopes, allowing for precise targeting of complex diseases, particularly in oncology. They can further guide immune cells directly to tumor cells, bolstering the immune response.
   
• There’s a growing trend of combining antibody fragments with other therapies, such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, yielding synergistic effects that enhance patient outcomes. These fragments are being integrated into immuno-oncology treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapies. Their smaller size and precision make them ideal for targeting tumor-specific antigens, further amplifying cancer treatment efficacy.
   
• In antibody-drug conjugates, antibody fragments are paired with cytotoxic drugs for direct delivery to cancer cells. Their compact size and superior tumor penetration capabilities make them ideal for antibody-drug conjugates.
   
• The rise in cancer biomarker research is supporting the development of antibody fragments that target specific molecular markers unique to certain cancers or autoimmune diseases, increasing treatment efficacy. Furthermore, these fragments pave the way for personalized medicine, tailoring therapies to an individual's disease profile, a crucial aspect in oncology for precision targeting.
   

Antibody Fragments Market Analysis

Based on specificity, the market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibody segment is further bifurcated into Praxbind (Idarucizumab), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), Iodine (I 311) Metuximab/Licartin, Beovu (Brolucizumab-dbll), Cablivi (Caplacizumab-yhdp), and Blinatumomab. Similarly, the polyclonal antibody segment is further bifurcated into CroFab, Anavip, Anascorp, Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent, Digibind, and Digifab. The monoclonal antibody segment of the market is forecasted to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2032.
 

• The dominance of the monoclonal antibody segment is due to the specificity of monoclonal antibody fragments. These fragments retain the high specificity of their parent antibodies, allowing precise binding to specific antigens or receptors on diseased cells. This precision makes them highly effective in targeted therapies, particularly in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
   
• Additionally, monoclonal antibody fragments can be engineered for various improvements, such as increased binding affinity, stability, or circulatory half-life. These advancements enable scientists to fine-tune fragments for optimal therapeutic performance, driving the higher adoption of monoclonal antibody fragments globally.

Based on type, the antibody fragments market is bifurcated into FAB, scFv, sdAb, and other types. The scFv segment accounted for USD 2.3 billion in 2023.
 

• The leading share of the scFv segment can be attributed to the increasing incidence of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, projections indicate over 35 million new cancer cases by 2050, marking a 77% rise from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. scFvs are finding increasing applications in targeted cancer therapeutics. The smaller size of scFvs enhances their ability to access difficult-to-reach targets, such as tumor cells deep within tissue or in microenvironments that full-sized antibodies might not penetrate effectively.
   
• scFvs are also finding increasing adoption in CAR-T cell therapies, a leading area in cancer immunotherapy. In CAR-T therapy, scFvs direct the patient’s T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Thus, with the growing adoption of CAR-T cell therapies, the demand for scFvs is expected to increase during the forecast period.

Based on application, the antibody fragments market is bifurcated into cancer, immunodeficiency, and other applications. The cancer segment accounted for USD 3.8 billion in 2023.
 

• The growing burden of cancer has led to increased demand for effective treatments, driving innovation in areas like antibody fragment-based therapies. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 20% of individuals will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, with mortality rates standing at about 11% for men and 8% for women in 2022.
   
• Additionally, the proven efficacy and safety of antibody fragment-based therapies in cancer treatment are driving global demand. Antibody fragments, including scFv and FAB fragments, retain the ability to specifically bind to tumor-associated antigens, making them highly effective in targeting cancer cells without affecting normal, healthy cells.
   
• Moreover, antibody fragments can be customized to target specific cancer mutations. Hence, the increasing adoption of personalized medicine for cancer treatment is driving the demand for antibody fragments, contributing to revenue growth in the segment.

The growth of the antibody fragments market in the U.S. is projected to reach USD 4 billion by 2032.
 

• The region has one of the highest cancer prevalence rates globally. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, about 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022. This large patient population drives demand for cancer therapies, further increasing the demand for antibody fragments in the country.
   
• Furthermore, the country is home to a large number of prominent biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Genentech, Pfizer, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. These industry leaders spearhead the development and commercialization of biologics, including antibody fragments, aiding revenue growth in the U.S. market.
   
• Additionally, favorable regulatory policies and increasing approvals for antibody therapies by the U.S. FDA are also supporting market growth. In 2023, the U.S. FDA granted approval to 55 new molecular entities, including 12 therapeutic antibodies.
   

The antibody fragments market in the UK is expected to experience significant growth from 2024 to 2032. Several factors contribute to the UK's leadership in the market, including its strong biotechnology sector, supportive regulatory environment, and vibrant research landscape.
 

• The UK biotechnology market is recognized for its innovative strategies and pioneering research, positioning it at the forefront of developing novel antibody fragment-based therapies. According to Statista, the number of enterprises in biotechnology research surged from about 174 to 1,454 between 2008 and 2022.
   
• Moreover, the UK is a hub for medical research and innovation. Numerous universities and research institutions, such as the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) and Antibody-Based Medicines Research Group (ABMRG), focus on advancing targeted therapies for cancer and immunodeficiency diseases. This research contributes to the development of more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly antibody fragment-based therapies, driving market growth.
   

Japan’s antibody fragments market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 and 2032.
 

• The Japanese government and private sector invest heavily in R&D, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This commitment to innovation supports the development of cutting-edge therapies, including antibody fragments.
   
• For instance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Blockbuster TOKYO program provides funding for firms working on drug design and medical startups. Such favorable initiatives and government support drive antibody-based research in Japan, further aiding market growth.
   
• Additionally, Japan's high prevalence of cancer and chronic diseases drives strong demand for effective therapies. As a result, there is a growing exploration of antibody fragments for their potential in targeted cancer treatments, contributing to revenue growth in Japan’s market.
   

The antibody fragments market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• Saudi Arabia is investing significantly in biotechnology research, contributing to rapid growth in R&D for antibody fragment-based targeted therapies. The country has launched its National Biotech Strategy, aiming to lead the MENA biotech sector by 2030 and establish itself as a global biotech hub by 2040. This initiative is projected to have a cumulative impact of USD 34.6 billion.
   

Antibody Fragments Market Share

The market is concentrated and characterized by intense competition, with major global companies vying for market leadership. Key strategies for maintaining a competitive edge include investments in R&D and the constant launch of innovative technologies and advanced therapies. Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and mergers are also crucial for consolidating market positions and expanding international reach. Smaller players focus on specific niches, targeting underserved areas or therapeutic applications to create competitive pressure on established players.
 

Antibody Fragments Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the antibody fragments industry include:

• AbbVie Inc.
• Amgen
• AstraZeneca
• BioNTech
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Genentech, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck & Co.
• MorphoSys
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sanofi
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• UCB Pharma
   

Antibody Fragments Industry News:

• In September 2021, AbbVie partnered with Regenxbio to develop RGX-314, a one-time gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other chronic retinal diseases. RGX-314 uses the NAV AAV8 vector to encode antibody fragments that inhibit VEGF.
   
• In January 2021, ImaginAb Inc. announced a multi-year, non-exclusive licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc. This agreement allows Pfizer to utilize the 89Zr CD8 Immuno-PET agent, specifically designed for imaging CD8 T cells in cancer patients.
   

The antibody fragments market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Specificity

• Monoclonal antibody
  • Praxbind (Idarucizumab)
  • Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
  • Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
  • Iodine (I 311) metuximab/ licartin
  • Beovu (Brolucizumab-dbll)
  • Cablivi (Caplacizumab-yhdp)
  • Blinatumomab
• Polyclonal antibody  
  • CroFab
  • Anavip
  • Anascorp
  • Botulism antitoxin heptavalent
  • Digibind
  • DigiFab

Market, By Type

• FAB
• scFv
• sdAb
• Other types

Market, By Application

• Cancer
• Immunodeficiency
• Other applications

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa