Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Summary

The global immune checkpoint inhibitors market size was estimated at USD 48,426.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 154,254.5 million by 2030, expanding at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2024 to 2030. This strong growth trajectory is primarily driven by the increasing global burden of cancer, including forms such as lung, breast, bladder, and cervical cancer, as well as melanomas and Hodgkin lymphoma. The rising incidence of these malignancies has significantly contributed to the increased adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, and one in four is expected to die as a result of the disease. Furthermore, Cancer Research UK forecasts that by 2040, nearly 28 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed annually worldwide. As cancer cases continue to rise globally, the demand for innovative and effective therapeutic solutions, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, is expected to grow substantially.

The ongoing development of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors by numerous research organizations is anticipated to have a positive impact on the market. For instance, in May 2023, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University introduced a groundbreaking glyco-immune checkpoint inhibitor aimed at preventing bone cancer metastasis in breast cancer survivors. Additionally, increased funding for immunotherapy research is supporting the discovery of new drugs. In August 2023, the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Department of Urologic Surgery received a USD 1.4 million grant from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program to enhance immunotherapy approaches for drug-resistant prostate cancer.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Based on type, the PD-1 inhibitors segment led the market with a commanding revenue share of 73.3% in 2023. PD-1 inhibitors have proven effective across a wide range of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Their ability to generate positive clinical outcomes and sustained responses across multiple cancer types supports their dominant position in the market.
• In terms of application, the lung cancer segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 25.41% in 2023. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Data from GLOBOCAN indicates that the number of lung cancer cases is projected to rise from 2.48 million in 2022 to 3.05 million by 2030. This continued increase in both incidence and mortality rates associated with lung cancer is a major driver for the segment's growth.
• On the basis of distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment held the largest market share of 56.06% in 2023. This is attributed to the fact that immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments are typically administered in hospital settings due to the need for close patient monitoring and specialized medical care.
• Meanwhile, the online pharmacies segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the growing acceptance of digital healthcare solutions and telemedicine platforms, which allow patients to access immune checkpoint inhibitor medications with increased convenience and efficiency.
• Geographically, North America dominated the global immune checkpoint inhibitors market, accounting for the largest revenue share of 62.81% in 2023. This can be attributed to the high prevalence of cancers across the region. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a person in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma approximately every three minutes. Additionally, the CDC reported that there were about 1,603,844 new cancer cases in the U.S. in 2020, further emphasizing the region's growing demand for advanced oncology treatments.
• Within North America, the U.S. held the largest market share in 2023. This is largely due to the country’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising cancer incidence, and the strong presence of key industry players and clinical research institutions actively engaged in immunotherapy development.
• The immune checkpoint inhibitors market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. This regional growth is being driven by a combination of improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding healthcare reforms, a growing patient population, and an increasing number of domestic pharmaceutical companies entering the oncology space.

Order a free sample PDF of the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Market Size & Forecast

• 2023 Market Size: USD 48,426.3 million
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 154.25 billion
• CAGR (2024-2030): 17.9%
• North America: Largest market in 2023

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key players operating in the global market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Sanofi, Merck & Co, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The company's primary strategies involve a high focus on research and development, new product launches and approvals, anticipation of future market trends, and identification of opportunities and challenges.

BeiGene Ltd., Shanghai Jhunsi Biosciences Ltd, and Immutep Ltd are some of the emerging market participants in the global market. These market players are continuously focused on niche segments, leveraging specialized technologies to differentiate themselves.

Key Players

• Sanofi
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Merck & Co.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• AstraZeneca PLC
• Shanghai Jhunsi Biosciences Ltd
• Immutep Ltd
• BeiGene Ltd
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC

Browse Horizon Databook on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market – Global Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Size & Outlook

Conclusion

The global immune checkpoint inhibitors market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of various cancers and advancements in immunotherapy. Strong support from research institutions, coupled with funding initiatives and drug development breakthroughs, is enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. Key market segments such as PD-1 inhibitors and lung cancer applications continue to dominate due to proven efficacy. North America leads in market share, while Asia Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing region due to healthcare improvements and a rising patient base. As innovation accelerates and access improves, immune checkpoint inhibitors are set to become a cornerstone of future cancer treatments worldwide.