Market Trends of EPO Biomarkers Industry
The Cancer Segment by Application is Expected Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a growth factor used to treat anemia caused by cancer or its treatment. The growing incidence of cancer is expected to be the key driver of the segment's growth during the forecast period. For instance, according to GLOBOCAN 2022 Statistics, approximately 20 million cancer cases were newly diagnosed worldwide in 2022, and by 2050, the number of cancer cases is predicted to increase to 35 million globally. The increasing incidence of cancer cases is anticipated to drive the need for the effective treatment of patients.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can lower the production of new blood cells, leading to anemia by decreasing red blood cell production. Some examples of erythropoietin used for the treatment of anemia caused by cancer treatment are epoetin alfa (Eprex), epoetin beta (NeoRecormon), epoetin zeta (Retacrit), and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp).
For example, a study published by Highlights in Science, Engineering, and Technology in August 2024 concluded that recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) could effectively enhance the abnormal hematopoietic function of bone marrow damaged by chemotherapy. It was proved that rhEPO can significantly increase patients' hemoglobin (Hb) content and hematocrit (HCT) levels after chemotherapy and improve their tolerance. It further highlighted that it has fewer adverse reactions and is safer. Thus, the safety and positive clinical outcomes reported by EPO are anticipated to drive demand for the treatment of anemia caused by cancer treatment, thereby driving demand and segment growth.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
North America is expected to witness healthy market growth during the forecast period. Factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in countries of this region, coupled with the surge in clinical research related to EPO biomarkers and the strong presence of market players, are among some significant factors responsible for the market growth across the region.
The increasing incidence rate of HIV/AIDs among people in North America is a vital factor attributed to the growing usage of erythropoietin (EPO) biomarkers for effective diagnosis to boost the market's growth during the forecast period. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data updated in May 2024, over 38,000 people received an HIV diagnosis. Men are most affected, making up almost 80% of diagnoses, with gay and bisexual men accounting for the majority in 2022. Similarly, as per the Public Health Agency of Canada's December 2023 publication, the new HIV diagnoses cases increased by 24.9% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the increasingly vulnerable aging population prone to chronic kidney diseases in the region is also contributing to the surging demand for early-stage diagnosis. For instance, according to the 2023 statistics published by the United Nations Population Fund, about 20% of the population in Canada was 65 years or older in 2023. Thus, a significant percentage of the aging population is expected to increase the burden of CKD, which is anticipated to increase new research and development, creating opportunities to advance EPO biomarkers.
Moreover, the region's continuous research and development to find the practical application of different EPO biomarkers in blood pressure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease is increasing. Thus, the ongoing research is poised to create more new opportunities for the studied market in the region. For instance, a study published by the World Journal of Cardiology in May 2023 examined the benefits of EPO in treating patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) was a drug routinely prescribed to treat anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and rhEPO treatment has been demonstrated to improve patients' life quality and survival. It is reasonable to assume that rhEPO treatment is useful for patients with CRS. Such studies highlight the clinical significance of EPO and broaden its practical application, which is anticipated to drive its demand across the region during the forecast period.
Therefore, owing to factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney diseases coupled with a surge in clinical studies, the significance of EPO markers in diagnosing and treating various diseases is anticipated for market growth in North America.
