Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a highly effective treatment option across various disease areas such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases among others. These tailor-made therapies hold immense potential to alter the course of treatment for chronic and life-threatening conditions.
The global monoclonal antibody therapeutics market is estimated to be valued at US$ 83.63 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.
Monoclonal antibodies are artificially produced natural antibodies that can be tailored to target specific proteins expressed on diseased cells or pathogenic antigens. They act by neutralizing or marking the targeted proteins for elimination by the immune system. These targeted immunotherapy drugs provide highly selective treatment benefits with fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases globally has boosted the demand for novel treatment solutions. Monoclonal antibody therapeutics are gaining prominence owing to their improved clinical efficacy and favorable safety profiles demonstrated across several disease areas.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the monoclonal antibody therapeutics market size are IOI Loders Croklaan, Ghana Nuts Company Ltd., and The Savannah Fruits Company. These leading players are focusing on expanding their product portfolios and capabilities through strategic collaborations and acquisitions. For instance, in 2022, IOI Loders Croklaan acquired The Savannah Fruits Company to strengthen its position and capacities in the lucrative North American market.
The growing burden of chronic diseases worldwide is propelling the demand for monoclonal antibody therapies. According to estimates by the WHO, chronic diseases accounted for nearly 71% of global deaths in 2020. Areas such as oncology, inflammation, and infectious diseases are witnessing rising monoclonal antibody approvals and uptake. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also accentuated the opportunities for monoclonal antibody drugs in emergency situations.
Advancements in antibody engineering technologies are enhancing capabilities to develop novel monoclonal antibody formats with improved pharmacological properties. Next-generation platforms such as bispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, and CAR-T therapies are expanding the horizons of treatment outcomes that can be achieved. Ongoing research on these futuristic models is expected to transform cancer immunotherapy and management of other complex disorders over the coming years.
Market Trends
Growing adoption of biosimilars – Biosimilars provide an affordable treatment option and are increasing the accessibility of monoclonal antibodies in developing regions. The patent expiry of major branded drugs will further boost the biosimilars market.
Development of combination therapies – Combining monoclonal antibodies with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies is emerging as an effective therapeutic strategy. These regimens aim to achieve synergistic efficacy.
Market Opportunities
Oncology applications – Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers and the oncology segment will remain the largest revenue generator. Several pipeline candidates hold promise for hard-to-treat cancer types.
Infectious disease indications – Monoclonal antibodies play a crucial role in combating emergent public health threats such as Ebola, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) etc. and offer major opportunities.
Impact of COVID-19 on Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Market Growth
The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly impacted the growth of monoclonal antibody therapeutics market. During the initial phase of pandemic, clinical trials and drug development processes observed several delays as majority of resources and focus shifted towards developing effective treatment against the novel coronavirus. However, as the pandemic progressed, monoclonal antibody therapeutics started gaining attention due to their potential role in treating COVID-19 patients. Various pharmaceutical companies initiated clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in neutralizing the virus. Regulatory approvals were expedited to bring these therapies to market at the earliest.
In the pre-COVID era, the market was primarily driven by autoimmune diseases and cancer indications. Post pandemic, COVID-19 is expected to emerge as a major growth driver. Researchers are optimistic about the prophylactic and therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Several monoclonal antibody cocktails have received emergency use authorization and their widespread adoption is anticipated. Meanwhile, the pandemic also highlighted the need for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and stockpiling medical supplies. Governments and international organizations are making sustained investments towards enhancing preparedness for future health emergencies.
Going forward, pharmaceutical players need to expand production capacities and strategic partnerships to ensure adequate supply of monoclonal antibody therapies globally. Meanwhile, continued R&D investments would aid development of more effective and affordable treatment options.
The monoclonal antibody therapeutics market in North America currently accounts for the largest share in terms of value, attributed to factors such as rising healthcare spending, presence of leading market players and higher adoption of advanced treatment alternatives. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific region is poised to witness fastest growth over the forecast period, supported by growing patient population, increasing disposable incomes and improving medical infrastructure in emerging countries.
The monoclonal antibody therapeutics market in China currently demonstrates high market potential based on value. The large population size, growing medical needs and government initiatives to strengthen domestic healthcare sector are fueling rapid uptake of novel drugs including monoclonal antibody therapies in China. Meaningful collaborations between international pharma firms and local players would aid in enhancing access and affordability of these treatments across the nation.
