Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market – By Type, By Application, By End Use - Global Forecast, 2026 - 2035

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Size

The global immune checkpoint inhibitors market was valued at USD 66.2 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 76.3 billion in 2026 to USD 303.9 billion in 2035, growing at a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The growth of the market is supported by their proven clinical effectiveness across a wide range of cancers and their increasing adoption as a standard of care in oncology. With an increasing volume of cancer cases being diagnosed, the demand for effective therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, is rising.
 

As per the Lancet, there has been a rapid rise in the global burden of cancer between 1990 and 2023, despite significant advances in cancer therapies and sustained efforts to reduce risk factors. Without urgent action and targeted funding, an estimated 30.5 million people are projected to receive a new cancer diagnosis and 18.6 million are expected to die from cancer by 2050, with more than half of new cases and nearly two-thirds of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This escalating disease burden strongly underscores the growing demand for effective and innovative treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
 

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are cancer treatment drugs that belong to the class of immunotherapy drugs, which help to enhance the immune system of the body in fighting the tumor cells. These therapies function by inhibiting the action of the immune checkpoint proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, which are used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. By inhibiting these proteins, immune checkpoint inhibitors help to restore the function of T-cells and allow the immune system to better target and eliminate cancer cells. Key players driving the growth of the immune checkpoint inhibitors market include Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Roche, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer, among others. These firms are contributing to the growth of the market through innovation and development of new immunotherapies, expanding the use of existing products, partnerships, and licensing agreements, as well as investments in manufacturing and distribution capacity.
 

Between 2022 and 2024, the global market witnessed considerable growth to reach USD 56.4 billion in 2024 from USD 41.3 billion in 2022. This expansion was largely driven by the increasing global incidence of cancer, the ability to diagnose and test for biomarkers, and the growing awareness of clinical practitioners to identify patients earlier for immunotherapy. Moreover, the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as a standard of care for various types of cancers, along with the expansion of their use in combination therapies, has also contributed to the growth of the market.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Trends

• The increasing global cancer burden is one of the major trends that is currently propelling the market. The rising number of cancer cases has led to the growing target patient population for immunotherapy drugs, particularly for hard-to-treat and advanced-stage malignancies.
   
• According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, around 20 million new cases of cancer were reported globally in 2022, resulting in 9.7 million deaths from cancer. Lung cancer accounted for the highest number of new cases (2.5 million; 12.4%), followed by female breast cancer (2.3 million; 11.6%) and colorectal cancer (1.9 million; 9.6%). These cancers are major indications where the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors is rapidly increasing, thereby driving the market demand.
   
• In addition, the anticipated increase in cancer cases is expected to further accelerate market growth. As per the World Health Organization, the incidence of new cancer cases is expected to rise by almost 77% by 2050 from 2022. This growth is attributed to population aging, population expansion, and lifestyle-related risk factors, all of which are likely to increase long-term demand for immune-based cancer therapies.
   
• In addition, the growing need for innovative and effective treatment solutions is propelling the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, these treatment solutions increase the body’s immune response to target cancerous cells, ensuring a long-term survival rate in patients suffering from different types of cancers.
   
• Moreover, the demand for safer and less toxic alternatives to traditional cancer treatments is also fueling market expansion. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are gaining popularity due to their targeted approach and ability to control cancer in the long term, solidifying their position in the current cancer treatment landscape.
   
• Lastly, higher investments in cancer research and the strong pipeline of immune checkpoint inhibitors are expected to fuel the growth of the market. For instance, in the 2023 fiscal year, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) awarded USD 28.7 million in grants and fellowships to advance cancer immunotherapy research. This funding supported 73 projects across 41 institutions in 10 countries, focusing on novel immune-based approaches and training the next generation of scientists. Such initiatives are crucial for innovation and market entry.
   
• Overall, these trends collectively indicate strong and sustained growth prospects for the global market in the coming years.
   

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Analysis

Based on the type, the global immune checkpoint inhibitors market is segmented into PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and other types. The PD-1 segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 48.5 billion in 2025.
 

• Due to its pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy, the PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) segment commands a significant share of the market.
   
• PD-1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in the treatment of different types of cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
   
• Their success stems from their capability to bolster the immune system's attack on tumor cells by obstructing the PD-1 pathway, a tactic often leveraged by tumors to dodge immune detection.
• Additionally, strong clinical results, an expanding range of indications, and increasing integration into oncology practices solidify the dominant market position of PD-1 inhibitors, establishing them as foundational elements in cancer treatment.
   
• On the other hand, the PD-L1 segment is expected to grow at a 17% CAGR driven by the increasing adoption of PD-L1 inhibitors across multiple cancer indications.
   
• The growth of this segment is supported by expanding regulatory approvals, favorable clinical outcomes in solid tumors, and rising use of PD-L1 inhibitors as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy and other immunotherapies.
   

Based on the application, the global immune checkpoint inhibitors market is classified into lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma, cervical cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and other applications. The lung cancer segment dominated the market in 2025 with a market share of 25.4% and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% over the analysis period.
 

• Lung cancer holds a dominant share in the market due to its high disease burden and the strong clinical performance of these therapies in improving patient outcomes.
   
• For instance, according to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, in 2023, there were 238,340 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S., leading to 127,070 deaths. For men and women, the lifetime risk of diagnosis is 1 in 16 and 1 in 17, respectively. These statistics underscore the substantial disease burden of lung cancer, reinforcing its dominance as a key target for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
   
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which target proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, have shown significant success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer.
   
• The combination of lung cancer's high prevalence and the increasing acceptance of immunotherapy medications as a primary treatment fuels the robust market presence of these inhibitors.
   
• Moreover, continued studies and clinical trials are expanding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in different stages of lung cancer, strengthening their market dominance.
   
• On the other hand, the cervical cancer segment is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 17.5% over the forecast period due to the growing clinical adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer.
   
• This growth is supported by favorable clinical trial outcomes demonstrating improved survival benefits, rising regulatory approvals for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer indications, and growing awareness of immunotherapy as an effective treatment option.
   

• The widespread use of these treatments in clinics and hospitals is responsible for their dominant market position.
   
• Specialized oncology departments and expert healthcare professionals in hospitals ensure precise diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and continuous patient care.
   
• Moreover, the presence of cutting-edge medical infrastructure, holistic cancer treatment programs, and the ability to address the intricate side effects of immunotherapy further bolsters hospitals and clinics' leading role in this market.
   
• The cancer centers segment, on the other hand, is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 17% in the coming years, because of the growing concentration of immunotherapy administration in specialized oncology facilities.
   
• This growth is supported by the availability of advanced diagnostic infrastructure, experienced oncology specialists, and multidisciplinary care models required for immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments.
   

North America Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market

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The North America market dominated the global market with a market share of 48.3% in 2025.
 

• The North American market is bolstered by the presence of leading pharmaceutical companies, actively engaged in both the development and commercialization of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
   
• Furthermore, the region's advantageous regulatory landscape, coupled with strong backing from both governmental and non-governmental organizations for cancer treatment initiatives, solidifies its dominant market position.
   
• Moreover, the growing demand for these treatments due to the escalating prevalence of cancer in the region is driving market growth. For example, the American Cancer Society estimated a continued rise in the cancer burden, projecting around 2,170,450 new cases in the U.S. and Canada combined in 2024. This large patient base highlights the urgent need for effective treatments and also encourages healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies to develop and expand access to these advanced cancer therapies, thus boosting the regional market growth.
   

The U.S. immune checkpoint inhibitors market was valued at USD 18.6 billion and USD 21.7 billion in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The market size reached USD 29.7 billion in 2025, growing from USD 25.3 billion in 2024.
 

• The U.S. stands as a dominant force in the immune checkpoint inhibitors market owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, substantial R&D investments, and a promising pipeline of innovative therapies.
   
• The nation's leadership in both biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, combined with a high prevalence of cancer cases, increases the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
   
• Moreover, the presence of major pharmaceutical players and established clinical trial networks fortifies the development and market entry of these therapies.
   

Europe Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market

Europe market accounted for USD 15.4 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• The growth is driven by the region’s substantial cancer burden and a robust healthcare infrastructure.
   
• In 2022, Europe recorded 4,471,422 new cancer cases, with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 280 per 100,000 and a cumulative cancer risk of 27.9% by age 75, underscoring the large and growing patient pool eligible for immunotherapy.
   
• The market growth is further supported by early adoption of innovative oncology treatments, favorable regulatory frameworks, a strong reimbursement landscape, and widespread access to advanced cancer care across major European countries.
   

Germany dominates the Europe immune checkpoint inhibitors market, showcasing strong growth potential.

• The country’s leadership is supported by a high burden of cancer and expanding adoption of immunotherapy, with more than 500,000 new cancer diagnoses reported annually and comprehensive cancer prevalence above the EU average.
   
• Germany’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, well-established oncology care networks, and high uptake of innovative therapies further reinforce its market position.
   
• Additionally, robust clinical research activity, broad insurance coverage for immune checkpoint inhibitors, and early integration of targeted immunotherapies into treatment protocols are key factors driving the country’s strong performance and anticipated future growth within the European market.
   

Asia Pacific Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market

The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 17.1% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• Key drivers include swift advancements in healthcare infrastructure and heightened emphasis on cancer research.
   
• The surging cancer prevalence, paired with an increasing awareness and adoption of modern treatment modalities, amplifies the demand for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
   
• Furthermore, favorable government policies, escalating investments in the biotech and pharmaceutical domains, and a vast patient demographic bolster the region's growth trajectory.
   
• With the introduction of novel treatment protocols and active clinical trials, the Asia Pacific is solidifying its stature in the global immune checkpoint inhibitors arena.
   

India immune checkpoint inhibitors market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR in the Asia Pacific market.
 

• As highlighted in an article from the Indian Journal of Public Health, cancer incidences in India have been steadily climbing. Reported cases rose from approximately 1.39 million in 2020 to 1.46 million in 2022, with projections suggesting a leap to 1.57 million by 2025. This rising patient base, combined with improving access and affordability of advanced therapies, fuels the market's growth.
   
• Moreover, the country’s rapidly evolving healthcare infrastructure and surging investments in biotech and pharmaceuticals are catalyzing the demand for sophisticated cancer treatments.
   

Latin American Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market

Brazil leads the Latin American market, exhibiting remarkable growth during the analysis period due to its large cancer patient population and increasing adoption of advanced oncology therapies.
 

• The country has a high incidence of cancers such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, creating a substantial demand for innovative immunotherapies.
   
• For instance, as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in Brazil, an estimated 23.8% of men and 18.3% of women will develop cancer before the age of 75.
   
• Robust healthcare infrastructure in major urban centers, growing awareness among physicians and patients about immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the presence of specialized oncology hospitals further support market expansion.
   
• Favorable regulatory approvals and reimbursement policies for immunotherapies, coupled with participation in global clinical trials, are accelerating the availability and uptake of these therapies.
   

Middle East and Africa Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market

Saudi Arabia market is expected to experience substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa market due to the country’s rising cancer burden and expanding oncology care landscape.
 

• According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, Saudi Arabia recorded 28,113 new cancer cases and 13,399 cancer deaths, with a 5‑year prevalence of 94,951 cases, reflecting a significant and growing patient population requiring advanced treatments.
   
• The age‑standardized incidence rate of all cancers was 87.1 per 100,000, while the cumulative risk of developing cancer before age 75 was 9.1%, indicating increased demand for effective therapeutic options, including immune checkpoint inhibitors.
   
• Additionally, government initiatives to enhance cancer diagnosis and care, greater adoption of modern immunotherapies among oncologists, and participation in international clinical trials are strengthening treatment access and uptake.
   

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Share

The competitive landscape of the market is characterized by intense rivalry among leading pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms. Top 5 players, such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, and Eli Lilly and Company, dominate the market with ~90.4% of market share. These companies are heavily investing in ongoing clinical trials and research to expand the indications for their existing therapies and develop novel checkpoint inhibitors.
 

Additionally, emerging biotech firms are entering the market with innovative approaches and novel targets, contributing to a dynamic and rapidly evolving competitive environment. Strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and significant investments in research and development are key strategies employed by these companies to maintain their competitive edge and drive growth in the market.
 

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the immune checkpoint inhibitors industry are as mentioned below:

• AstraZeneca
• BeiGene
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Incyte Corporation
• Immutep Limited
• Merck
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
• Sanofi
• Shanghai Junshi Biosciences
• Sun Pharmaceuticals
• Zydus Lifesciences
   

• Merck

The company accounts for approximately 41.2% of the global market, supported by the strong commercial performance of its flagship PD-1 inhibitor. Merck has established market leadership through extensive clinical development, broad regulatory approvals across multiple cancer indications, and early adoption in both monotherapy and combination regimens.
 

• Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb holds a significant position in the immune checkpoint inhibitors market through its portfolio of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. The company has focused on combination immunotherapy strategies, particularly in melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer, offering differentiated efficacy profiles. Strong clinical trial outcomes and expanded label indications have strengthened its relevance in advanced and hard-to-treat cancers.
 

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche

Roche has established a robust presence in the immune checkpoint inhibitors market with its PD-L1 inhibitor portfolio, supported by extensive use in solid tumors such as lung, breast, and bladder cancer. The company’s strategy emphasizes biomarker-driven treatment approaches and combination regimens with targeted therapies and chemotherapy. Continuous investment in oncology R&D and a strong diagnostic–therapeutic integration model has further enhanced Roche’s competitive position.
 

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Industry News

• In January 2026, Zydus Lifesciences introduced its biosimilar version of the anti-cancer drug nivolumab in India after securing clearance from the Delhi High Court the previous week, offering it at a significantly lower price than the patented product. This launch allowed the company to tap into a large oncology market, strengthen its biosimilars portfolio, and boost revenues by expanding patient access to more affordable therapy.
   
• In January 2026, Sun Pharma launched its cancer drug Unloxcyt in the U.S. with an updated label, expanding its approved indications and reinforcing its presence in the highly regulated oncology market. This development enhanced the drug’s commercial potential and supported the company’s long-term revenue growth in the U.S.
   
• In September 2025, Merck announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KEYTRUDA QLEX (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph) injection for subcutaneous use in adults across most solid tumor indications previously covered by KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). This approval improves treatment convenience and patient experience, helping Merck extend the lifecycle of KEYTRUDA and reinforce its leadership in the oncology market.
   
• In October 2023, Bristol Myers Squibb received U.S. FDA approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) for the treatment of completely resected stage IIB or Stage IIC melanoma in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. This marks a significant expansion of Opdivo's indications, as it is now recognized as the only PD-1 inhibitor approved for adjuvant treatment in these earlier stages of melanoma, alongside its existing approvals for more advanced stages of the disease. This approval enhanced the company's position in the oncology market.
   
• In January 2023, Teon Therapeutics announced a clinical trial collaboration with Merck & Co. to evaluate the efficacy of TT-816, an oral immune response modifier, in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab).
   

The immune checkpoint inhibitors market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2022 – 2035 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• PD-1
• PD-L1
• CTLA-4
• Other types

Market, By Application

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Melanoma
• Cervical cancer
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Colorectal cancer
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals and clinics
• Cancer centers
• Academic and research institutes

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina

• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE