Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents

Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents

Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) are medications that stimulate the production of red blood cells. They're often used to treat anemia, especially in conditions like chronic kidney disease or cancer. ESAs mimic the action of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. However, their usage requires careful monitoring due to potential risks, such as increased blood clotting or higher blood pressure. Several other factors, such as rising cases of chronic kidney disorders and unhealthy lifestyles which lead to anemia are leading drivers of erythropoietin-stimulating agents globally. According to the National Institute of Health’s study in September 2022, lifestyle choices such as heavy cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are found to be correlated with iron metabolism and seen as risk factors for anemia. Also, according to the BMC Public Health, in July 2023, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles was 86.4% for diet, 14.5% for alcohol, 6.0% for tobacco, 72.2% for physical activity, 42.3% for screen time, and 63.9% for sleep duration.

The Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 8.6% owing to the increased prevalence of alcohol and tobacco globally which are seen as risk factors for anemia. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the year 2020. Several factors, including a surge in the incidence of cancer, increasing awareness regarding anemia, and increased investments in healthcare departments are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period. For instance, in October 2022, according to Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates Research, over 62% of patients with metastatic breast cancer developed anemia. Apart from this, accelerated treatment efficiency with erythropoietin stimulating agents has resulted in faster treatment procedures and better accuracy which is also driving this market of erythropoietin stimulating agents at a steady rate.

• Based on product type, the market is segmented into epoetin-alfa, epoetin-beta, darbepoetin-alfa, and others. The epoetin-alfa segment held the maximum share in the global market of erythropoietin-stimulating agents 2022. This segment dominated the market because it helped increase red blood cell production, improving oxygen levels in the blood. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. It's used to treat anemia, particularly in patients with kidney failure or those undergoing certain treatments like chemotherapy. Growing incidences of cancer are driving this segment. For instance, according to the World Health Organization in 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally. Thus, amongst product types, the epoetin-alfa segment held a significant market share in 2022.
• Based on indication, the market is categorized into oncology, hematology, renal diseases, and others. The renal diseases segment is expected to hold a significant share of the market in the forecast period owing to the rising incidences of kidney disorders. For instance, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nearly 808,000 people in the U.S. are living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Damaged kidneys in chronic kidney disease may produce less erythropoietin, impacting the body's ability to create red blood cells. Kidney disease can disrupt the body's ability to regulate iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. This segment is also propelled by rising research and development activities. Thus, amongst indications, the renal diseases category is expected to witness higher CAGR during the forecast period.
• For a better understanding of the market adoption of erythropoietin stimulating agents, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America is dominating the market in the current scenario of 2022 due to the increasing alcohol consumption leading to chronic kidney disorders, and the rising number of research and investments in developing effective erythropoietin-stimulating agents. For instance, in September 2023, U.S-based H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute initiated a clinical trial for evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of canakinumab in combination with darbepoetin alfa in patients with lower-risk MDS who have failed prior treatment with an Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESA). Government organizations are initiating anemia awareness programs to provide efficient care to patients. Thus, amongst regions, North America held a significant share of the market in 2022.
• Some of the major players operating in the market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Pfizer Inc.; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; Amgen Inc.; Biocon; Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; 3SBio Group; CELLTRION INC.; Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.