Leukemia Therapeutics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type of Leukemia (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)), By Treatment Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy), By Route of Administration (Oral Mode and Injectable Mode), By Distribution Channels (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global leukemia therapeutics market size was valued at USD 15.21 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow from USD 16.15 billion in 2020 to USD 27.78 billion in 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% in the 2020-2027 period. Based on our analysis, the market will exhibit a lower growth of 6.2% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2016-2019. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with leukemia therapeutics witnessing a negative impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. The rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs due to mutation in the genes responsible for the development of white blood cells (WBCs). The mutated genes lead to the development of abnormal WBCs in the bone marrow and cause leukemia. The other risk factors that may cause leukemia include smoking, family history of leukemia, blood disorders, exposure to chemicals or radiation, and genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.

There are different types of leukemia, with some types occurring more commonly in children, and other types in the adult population. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are some of the most commonly occurring types in adult populations. On the other hand, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) occurs in almost all age groups, which includes children, teenagers, and adults. The treatment for leukemia is based on its type and other contributing factors, such as age, tolerance capacity for a specific type of treatment, and others.

Chemotherapy and targeted therapy are some of the highly preferred treatment options for leukemia as chemo drugs flow through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells across the body. This makes chemotherapy useful for cancers, such as leukemia, and especially for people with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Targeted therapy medicines directly attack the cancer cells, slowing down the growth of these cells in the body and improving the patient treatment outcome.   

Reduced Immunity of Leukemia Patients to Stoke Market Growth amid COVID-19 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the healthcare industry in both positive and negative ways. To control the spread of the coronavirus, various governments across the globe have implemented strict lockdowns, which have resulted in the healthcare industry suffering from an imbalance in the demand and supply of pharmaceutical products. Most of the companies have their manufacturing facilities in key countries, such as the US, the UK, and Germany, where the impact of the pandemic has been severe, affecting company revenues for various healthcare products in the process.

Additionally, the decrease in non-COVID patients in hospitals resulted in declines in procedures and prescriptions for disease treatments. Furthermore, a study conducted by the U.K. Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project (UKCCMP) reported that blood cancer patients, especially those suffering from leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma, are at a higher risk of getting affected by the COVID virus, which will increase the demand for leukemia therapeutics.

However, the treatments for critical diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other serious conditions, have been performed regularly. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a limited impact on the sales generated by leukemia therapeutic products. Pharmaceutical companies did not report any drop in sales for products related to this market during the pandemic. For instance, Bristol-Myers Squibb reported that the sales for Sprycel, used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, have increased by 4.4% from the first quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2020. Similarly, Takeda reported a 0.4% revenue growth from the first quarter of 2020 to the second quarter of 2020 for ICLUSIG, indicated for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia.

LATEST TRENDS

Formulation of Innovative Therapies for the Treatment of Leukemia to Aid Market Growth

There are a number of research activities being conducted to develop different types of treatment approaches, using combinations of various therapies to improve patient outcomes for different types of leukemia. Chemotherapy is considered as the first line of treatment, but for the improvement of patient outcomes, a combination of cytarabine and anthracycline drugs with chemotherapy is the new approach being implemented.

Many patients are resistant to some chemotherapy drugs and so, to overcome this condition, companies are developing immune therapies for this disease. New immune-based therapies, such as CAR T cells, immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs), and bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTEs), are being developed as effective treatment options for chemoresistant B cell acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Bone marrow transplant and stem cell therapies are the evolving trends in this market and are expected to boost the market growth.

Additionally, the natural killer cell-based immunotherapy for AML is one of the treatment options for the tackling of unmet clinical needs. Furthermore, the research team at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the University of Bonn has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that tracks and detects acute myeloid leukemia with high reliability. The development of such innovative diagnostic and therapeutics for leukemia patients is expected to enhance market growth during the forecasted period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Incidence of Leukemia to Boost Leukemia Therapeutics Market Growth

One of the foremost driving factors influencing the global market is the increasing prevalence of leukemia across the globe, which is expected to fuel the demand for leukemia therapeutics. Almost all types of leukemia, such as ALL and CML, are witnessing an increased prevalence globally. For instance, according to statistics published by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), in 2020, an estimated 60,530 million people will be diagnosed with leukemia in the US. Similarly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that around 474,519 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in 2020 across the globe. Such an increase in patient populations across the world is expected to boost the growth of the market.

Rising R&D Spending and New Product Launches for Leukemia Treatments to Drive the Market

A large number of companies are involved in R&D and new product launches, which are expected to drive the growth of the global market. For instance, in December 2017, Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Bosutinib for the treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Similarly, in January 2020, Bristol-Myers Squibb received the U.S. FDA’s approval for Onureg for the treatment of adult patients with AML.

Furthermore, Novartis AG is developing a combination drug (MBG453, Venetoclax, Azacitidine) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, which is in phase II clinical trials. Such initiatives for product developments and the subsequent product launches are supporting the market’s growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects & Adverse Reactions to Leukemia Therapeutics to Limit Market Growth

Despite the advantages of leukemia treatment products, side effects and adverse reactions associated with the products are likely to limit the global market growth. Different treatments have various adverse reactions, such as chemotherapy, which leads to hair loss, infections, skin problems, high blood pressure, tiredness, and other such side effects. Similarly, targeted therapies can cause adverse reactions such as liver problems, diarrhea, and loss of hair color, nausea, and vomiting. Moreover, other treatment methods, such as radiotherapy, also have certain adverse reactions which may limit the adoption rate of leukemia therapeutic products.

SEGMENTATION

By Type of Leukemia Analysis

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Grow at a Fast Pace from 2020 to 2027

Based on the type of leukemia, the market can be segmented into CML, CLL, ALL, AML, and others. The CLL segment held a dominant share of the market in 2019. CML dominates the market owing to a substantial patient population and the increasing demand for treatments for this condition. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that around 21,040 new cases of blood cancer will be diagnosed in 2020 in the US, which is expected to drive market growth.

The acute myeloid leukemia segment is the second-largest market segment by type, with a huge population base in the U.S and European countries.

Following AML is the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) segment, which is the third-largest in the market, owing to its low prevalence in developing countries, such as India and other Asian countries, as compared to the Western countries.

The acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) segment accounts for the lowest market share owing to a limited patient population.

By Treatment Type Analysis

Chemotherapy Segment Accounted for the Highest Market Share in 2019

Based on treatment type, the market is segmented into chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and others. The chemotherapy segment is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period, as chemotherapy is the first line of treatment for leukemia, which leads to effective treatment outcomes for the patient.

In addition, the increasing number of launches of chemotherapy products for leukemia therapeutics is also leading to the segment’s growth. For instance, in September 2020, the U.S. FDA approved the oral chemotherapy product, Onureg, for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML patients.

Targeted therapy is the fastest-growing segment owing to the effectiveness and an enhanced patient outcome by the use of these therapies.

Immunotherapy is the third-largest segment by treatment type, as it activates the patient’s immune system to help kill cancer cells. Currently, there are ten FDA-approved immunotherapy options for leukemia, which support segmental growth.

The others segment includes radiotherapy and adoptive cell therapy and is expected to grow at the lowest CAGR.

By Route of Administration Analysis

Injectable Route Dominated the Market in 2019

Based on the route of administration, the leukemia therapeutics market can be segmented into oral and injectable. The injectable segment accounted for the largest market share owing to the presence of a large number of drugs in injectable forms, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, making it the highly preferred route of administration. Injectable medications are easy to absorb into the body and provide quick outcomes, which further increases their preference.

The oral route of administration segment is anticipated to be the second-largest segment during the forecast period as it avoids pain and is a convenient & safe route of medicine delivery.

By Distribution Channels Analysis

Hospital Pharmacy Segment Registered the Highest CAGR in 2019

Based on distribution channels, the market can be segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and others. The hospital pharmacy segment is expected to account for the highest share of the global market in the forecast period. Hospitals are the primary source of treatment. Patients visit hospitals for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, which results in the growth of hospital pharmacies.

The retail pharmacy segment is expected to account for the second-largest market share during the forecast period. The presence of a small number of retail pharmacies offering leukemia treatment products in developing countries has led to its second position by distribution channel.

The others segment includes online pharmacy, which is growing at the lowest CAGR. The limited product offering on online platforms for leukemia treatment slows down segmental growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The market size in North America stood at USD 6.92 billion in 2019. The dominance of the region in the global market is attributable to the strong healthcare expenditure, the presence of a large number of key players involved in leukemia product developments, and the increasing prevalence of leukemia cases across North America. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, in 2020, approximately 8,450 people were diagnosed with CML in the U.S, which supports market growth in this region.

The market in Europe is anticipated to be the second-largest owing to the greater adoption of advanced leukemia therapeutic products, coupled with a growing population suffering from leukemia. For instance, leukemia is the 12th most common cancer in the UK and accounted for 3.0% of all cancer cases in the country in 2017. According to Cancer Research UK, there were an estimated 10,084 leukemia cases in the U.K. in the period from 2015 to 2017.

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period owing to the huge patient population and increasing product launches in developing countries, such as China, India, and others. Furthermore, the reimbursements provided for cancer treatments support market growth in this region.

The other regional markets include Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, which accounted for a lower market share but are expected to register strong growth in the forecast period due to increased healthcare expenditure and greater awareness of timely treatment for leukemia.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Product Portfolio of Novartis AG and Bristol-Myers Squibb to Consolidate the Market

In the competitive scenario, the global market is characterized by the presence and dominance of a few key companies, such as Novartis AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer, Inc., and Sanofi-Aventis. In the current competitive scene, Novartis AG and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company dominated the global market in 2019, accounting for a strong market revenue share. The dominance of these market players is attributable to their strong and robust product portfolio of leukemia therapeutics, which comprises several product types. For instance, Novartis AG has strong dominance in the global market due to its prominent product offering Tasigna for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia.  

Other important players include Pfizer, whose market presence is due to its strong product offerings, such as Bosulif, Besponsa, and Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, for leukemia treatment, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche due to its offering of Gazyva/Gazyvaro, which increases the market share of these companies. The competitive landscape includes some other emerging players, such as Rasna Therapeutics, Inc. and Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and these companies’ expansion strategies are anticipated to aid them to increase their market revenue share in the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Pfizer Inc. (New York, U.S.)


• Novartis (Basel, Switzerland)


• Lupin Ltd. (India, Mumbai)


• Amgen Inc. (Thousand Oaks, U.S.)


• AbbVie (North Chicago, U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (New Brunswick, U.S.)


• Bristol-Myers Squibb (New York, USA)


• F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Basel, Switzerland)


• Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (Tokyo, Japan)


• Sanofi/ Genzyme Corporation (Paris, France)


• Other Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2021 – Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has recommended approval for their drug Onureg for Oral Maintenance Therapy for the treatment of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.


• October 2020 – F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd announced that they have received approval from U.S. FDA for their product Venclexta combinations for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.


• April 2020 – Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Services announced that they have received U.S. FDA approval for their drug IMBRUVICA in combination with rituximab for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

REPORT COVERAGE

The leukemia therapeutics market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as the types of leukemia, treatment types, routes of administration, and distribution channels. Besides this, it offers insights on key industry developments, such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launches, along with the prevalence of leukemia by key countries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this market. In addition, the report offers current market trends and highlights key industry dynamics.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2016-2027
Base Year	2019
Forecast Period	2020-2027
Historical Period	2016-2018
Unit	Value (USD Billion)
Segmentation	Type of Leukemia, Treatment Type, Route of Administration, Distribution Channels, and Geography
By Type of Leukemia	Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Others
By Treatment Type	Chemotherapy Targeted Therapy Immunotherapy Others
By Route of Administration	Oral Injectable
By Distribution Channels	Hospital Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Others
By Geography	North America By Type of Leukemia By Treatment Type By Route of Administration By Distribution Channels By Country The U.S. (By Type of Leukemia) Canada (By Type of Leukemia) Europe By Type of Leukemia By Treatment Type By Route of Administration By Distribution Channels By Country/ Sub-Region The U.K. (By Type of Leukemia) Germany (By Type of Leukemia) France (By Type of Leukemia) Italy (By Type of Leukemia) Spain (By Type of Leukemia) Rest of Europe (By Type of Leukemia) Asia Pacific By Type of Leukemia By Treatment Type By Route of Administration By Distribution Channels By Country/ Sub-Region Japan (By Type of Leukemia) China (By Type of Leukemia) India (By Type of Leukemia) Australia (By Type of Leukemia) Rest of Asia Pacific (By Type of Leukemia) Latin America By Type of Leukemia By Treatment Type By Route of Administration By Distribution Channels By Country/ Sub-Region Brazil (By Type of Leukemia) Mexico (By Type of Leukemia) Rest of Latin America (By Type of Leukemia) The Middle East & Africa By Type of Leukemia By Treatment Type By Route of Administration By Distribution Channels By Country/ Sub-Region GCC (By Type of Leukemia) South Africa (By Type of Leukemia) Rest of the Middle East & Africa (By Type of Leukemia)