by Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extra-cellular matrix proteins in the liver, which leads to distortion of its architecture and functional impairment. Prominent causes include chronic infection with hepatitis B & C viruses, alcohol consumption, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndromes. First-line treatment involves eliminating the underlying cause, which is followed by medications such as steroids, immune modifying drugs, antifibrotic agents, and nutrients supplements. Orthotopic liver transplantation can be performed in advanced stages when liver function deteriorates irreversibly.
The Global liver fibrosis treatment market is estimated to be valued at US$ 18.77 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the liver fibrosis treatment market are Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International Inc., Fresenius Kabi AG, DANONE S.A., B.Braun Melsungen AG, Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, Perrigo Company PLC, Koru Nutrition Inc., and Koninklijke DSM N.V.
The growing prevalence of viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases has significantly driven the demand for liver fibrosis treatment over the past few years. According to WHO estimates, over 257 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B infection globally. Further, fatty liver disease has an overall prevalence of 25% worldwide attributed to the rising obesity rates.
Major players are engaging in new product development and geographical expansion activities. For instance, in 2020, Bristol-Myers Squibb acquired Celgene Corporation, which strengthened its portfolio in the inflammation and immunology therapeutic area. Similarly, Intercept Pharmaceuticals expanded its commercial footprint in Asia and Europe to cater to the growing patient base.
Market drivers
The increasing research and development activities spearheaded by key players is a major market driver. Manufacturers are focusing on developing novel antifibrotic drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles. Several candidates such as simtuzumab, cenicriviroc, and elafibranor are in mid-late stage clinical trials.
Favorable regulatory environment and reimbursement policies have supplemented the market growth. For instance, the approval of pirfenidone and nintedanib for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2014 by the FDA provided an impetus. Further, the presence of supportive patient assistance programs has enabled access to high-cost therapies.
The current geopolitical situation is impacting the growth of the liver fibrosis treatment market. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and economic sanctions imposed by western nations have disrupted global supply chains. Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of pharmaceutical ingredients and raw materials used in liver fibrosis drugs. The restrictions on trade with Russia have limited the availability of such key materials for manufacturers. This is adversely affecting the production volumes and capacities of major companies in the market. Furthermore, restrictions on exports from Russia are driving up material costs. Manufacturers are struggling to cope with rising production costs and supply issues. Many firms have already scaled down their operations or passed on additional costs to customers via price hikes. The conflict has also diverted investments away from research and development activities towards ensuring steady supplies. This can potentially delay the development of advanced treatment options in the short to medium term.
To counter these challenges, Liver Fibrosis Treatment Market Size companies need to diversify their supplier base and establish secondary sources for critical materials. Many are scouting for alternative suppliers in countries like India and China. Partnerships and contract manufacturing agreements can help boost local production capacities. Investing in raw material stockpiles and maintaining buffer inventory is another strategy. Additionally, leveraging digital technologies like blockchains can make supply chains more transparent and resilient. Geopolitical risks also imply the need for geographical diversification of manufacturing plants beyond the most vulnerable regions to protect against supply disruptions.
In terms of value, the markets for liver fibrosis treatment in North America and Europe currently account for the largest shares globally. This is because of high awareness, developed healthcare infrastructure, and growing patient populations in the United States and major Western European countries. However, the Asia Pacific region excluding Japan is emerging as the fastest growing market owing to increasing incidence of liver diseases, rising healthcare spending, and growing focus of leading manufacturers on these developing markets. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are attracting significant foreign investments and offerings of affordable generic drugs are expanding access to therapy in the region.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
