Immunomodulators Market – By Product Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel – Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Immunomodulators Market Size

The global immunomodulators market size was valued at around USD 217.7 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 6.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Immunomodulators are agents that modify or regulate one or more immune functions. These substances can either enhance the immune system's activity (immunostimulants) or suppress it (immunosuppressants), making them crucial for treating a wide range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, and chronic infections.
 

The market is driven by the rising prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, breakthroughs in biotechnological and pharmaceutical research, and heightened awareness of these therapies. Additionally, increased healthcare spending and a growing demand for effective treatments are fueling this growth. The surge in post-COVID complications has significantly broadened the immunomodulator market. A recent study highlighted that post-COVID-19 respiratory challenges have intensified the demand for immunotherapies, particularly due to restricted access to vaccines. These proven approaches aim to bolster the host's immunity against the virus, and this trend is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.
 

To gain a competitive edge, organizations are prioritizing the expansion of their customer base. In response, key players are actively pursuing strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships with other industry leaders. For instance, in February 2021, Merck & Co., Inc. announced the acquisition of Pandion Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech firm focused on innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Leveraging its TALON technology, Pandion Therapeutics had developed a strong pipeline of candidates aimed at rebalancing immune responses to target a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases. This acquisition helped Merck & Co., Inc. bolster its strategy of identifying and acquiring candidates with unique and potentially foundational traits.
 

Immunomodulators Market Trends

• The market is poised for significant growth due to the increasing adoption of immunomodulator therapy for Crohn's disease treatment. According to MedlinePlus, Western Europe and North America reported the highest prevalence of Crohn's disease in 2022, with rates ranging from 100 to 300 cases per 100,000 individuals. Additionally, in the U.S. alone, over half a million people were affected by Crohn’s disease, highlighting the demand for immunomodulator therapy.
   
• Furthermore, recent advancements in immunomodulatory therapy, such as CAR-T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors, have not only reduced organ rejection rates but also enhanced the ease of achieving remission, underscoring the growing advantages of these treatments.
   
• Moreover, the increasing global prevalence of multiple sclerosis, with estimates from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society indicating approximately 2.9 million individuals worldwide and nearly 1 million Americans affected, is also driving the use of immunomodulator therapy.
   

Immunomodulators Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated into immunosuppressants and immunostimulants. The immunosuppressants segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 136.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• Globally, the increasing demand for organ transplants has propelled the development of effective organ transplant rejection medications. For instance, according to the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation, approximately 153,863 organ transplants were performed worldwide in 2022, reflecting a steady increase in transplant procedures.
   
• Additionally, the need for immunosuppressant drugs to manage chronic conditions has intensified due to the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that autoimmune diseases affect up to 23.5 million Americans, highlighting the significant demand for immunosuppressive therapies.
   
• Together, these factors drive the expansion of the immunosuppressants market, addressing vital needs in transplant medicine and the management of autoimmune diseases.
   

Based on application, the immunomodulators market is segmented into oncology, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and other applications. The oncology segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 85.4 billion in 2023.
 

• The oncology sector is witnessing a rising trend in the use of immunomodulators to bolster the body's defenses against cancer cells. These agents, which include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and cancer vaccines, are designed to either energize the immune system to target tumors directly or adjust the immune landscape to favor anti-tumor actions.
   
• Additionally, the growing prevalence of various cancers worldwide is driving the demand for innovative immunomodulatory therapies that offer new treatment avenues. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. This significant number of cancer fatalities underscores the importance of developing new therapies for cancer treatment, resulting in an increasing demand for immunomodulators in oncology applications.
   

Based on distribution channel, the immunomodulators market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy. The hospital pharmacy segment held the largest revenue of USD 119.3 billion in 2023.
 

• The dominant share of the hospital pharmacy segment can be attributed to immunomodulators, such as biologics or monoclonal antibodies, which require specialized handling, storage, and administration (often via injection or infusion). These treatments typically cannot be dispensed or administered safely outside of a clinical setting, such as hospitals.
   
• Moreover, hospital pharmacies ensure that medications are administered with stringent medical oversight, enabling prompt intervention in case of complications. This contributes to the dominating share of the hospital pharmacy segment.
   

The North America immunomodulators market is forecasted to reach USD 178.3 billion by 2032. The U.S. dominated the North America market with the largest revenue of USD 91.2 billion in 2023.
 

• The region's dominance is largely due to the rising number of chronic disease cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more. This increased incidence has spurred the demand for immunomodulators, fuelling the market's growth and expansion.
   
• Additionally, increasing investments in research and development for novel therapies in the region are expected to further drive market growth. For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. invested around USD 37.8 billion in medical research in 2023, a significant portion of which was allocated to the development of novel therapies such as immunomodulators.
   
• Therefore, these factors are poised to drive regional growth during the forecast period.
   

The immunomodulators market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• The NHS's increasing integration of immunomodulators, especially biologics and biosimilars, into standard care protocols for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis is fueling market growth. According to the NHS, over 400,000 people in the UK are currently living with rheumatoid arthritis, and the adoption of biologics has significantly improved treatment outcomes.
   
• Furthermore, as autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease and lupus become more prevalent in the UK, the demand for immunomodulatory therapies to effectively manage these chronic ailments is surging. The British Society of Gastroenterology reports that approximately 115,000 people in the UK have Crohn's disease, highlighting the growing need for advanced therapeutic options.
   

Japan immunomodulators market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• Japan's rapidly aging demographic has led to a surge in age-related diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders, amplifying the demand for immunomodulatory therapies. According to the World Bank, Japan's population aged 65 and above reached 30% in 2023, the highest proportion globally.
• Additionally, with a supportive regulatory framework, the Japanese government is actively expediting the approval process for groundbreaking biologics and immunotherapies, further promoting the uptake of these advanced immunomodulators.
   

The immunomodulators market in South Africa is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• Government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare access and bolstering infrastructure in urban and rural regions are facilitating the effective distribution and administration of immunomodulatory drugs nationwide. According to the World Health Organization, in March 2021, approximately 84% of the population in South Africa had access to essential healthcare services, a significant improvement from previous years.
   
• Furthermore, due to one of the world's highest incidences of HIV/AIDS, South Africa sees a heightened reliance on immunomodulators, especially immunostimulants, to combat opportunistic infections and strengthen the immune response in its immunocompromised population. The Joint United Nations Programmed on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reported that around 7.8 million people in South Africa were living with HIV in 2023, underscoring the critical need for effective immunomodulatory treatments.
   

Immunomodulators Market Share

The market is highly competitive, featuring a mix of major global players and smaller to medium-sized companies vying for market share. A key aspect of market strategy involves the continuous introduction of innovations, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, JAK inhibitors, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Notably, prominent industry players exert considerable influence in this dynamic landscape, often driving advancements through substantial investments in research and development. Additionally, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and mergers play a crucial role in strengthening market positions and expanding global footprints amidst evolving regulatory environments.
 

Immunomodulators Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the immunomodulators industry include:

• AbbVie Inc.
• Amgen Inc.
• AstraZeneca PLC
• Biogen Inc.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sanofi
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
• UCB S.A.
   

Immunomodulators Industry News:

• In March 2023, Pfizer Inc. announced the acquisition of Seagen Inc., a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and commercializes transformative cancer medicines, for a total enterprise value of USD 43 billion. This acquisition positioned Pfizer Inc. to enhance its oncology portfolio and accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies, thereby strengthening its leadership in the oncology market
   
• In July 2021, Sanofi and Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation announced the execution of a licensing agreement for the marketing of Plaquenil Tablets 200 mg for the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Japan. This partnership enhanced Sanofi's market presence in Japan and facilitated greater access to effective treatments for patients suffering from these autoimmune conditions.
   

The immunomodulators 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 Product Type

• Immunosuppressants
• Immunostimulants

Market, By Application

• Oncology
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Other applications

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacy
• Retail pharmacy
• Online pharmacy
• Other end-users

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