Erythropoietin (Epo) is a glycoprotein hormone that consists 165 amino acids with four complex carbohydrate chains attached to the peptide at four linkage sites. Epo adjusts red blood cell production to meet the tissue oxygen demand. Epo biomarkers are used for treating cancers and associated anemia, AIDS, and mostly in end-stage renal disorders (ESRD). There are five different type of epo biomarkers. Commercially used epo for humans is known as recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO).

Increasing research and development in epo biomarker technology and high prevalence of ESRD is expected to boost growth of the global epo biomarker market. For instance, in 2015, Molecular Health — a cloud-based healthcare decision support technology that aids in evidence-based treatment decisions and improved outcomes — confirmed the discovery that ephrin-type B receptor 4 (EPHB4) is an alternative epo receptor.

Global Epo Biomarkers Market: Drivers

The epo biomarkers market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to increasing launch and adoption of erythropoietin alfa in cancer patients who are suffering from anemia. For instance, in November 2018, Pfizer launched epoetin alfa biosimilar — Retacrit — at 33% discounted rate than the original drug in the U.S. for treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy.

Furthermore, increasing prevalence of ESRD, which causes kidney failure and is often fatal is expected to boost the market growth. According to the U.S. Renal Data System Annual Data Report of 2016, over 660,000 people in the U.S. were treated for kidney failure or ESRD. Out of these, 468,000 were dialysis patients and over 193,000 had a functioning kidney transplant.

Global Epo Biomarkers Market: Restraints

A major restraining factor for the epo biomarkers market growth is the over-production of red blood cells due to over-expression of epo biomarkers, which leads to absolute polycythemia and other conditions. Overproduction of epo may be an adaptive response associated with conditions that produce tissue hypoxia such as living at high altitude, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cyanotic heart disease, and sleep apnea. According to an article published in Biospace Journal in 2015, in the U.S. between 40% and 90% of cancer patients suffer from chemotherapy-induced anemia. Use of epo in cancer patients that suffer from chemotherapy-induced anemia was restricted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to increasing adverse events including decreased survival and increased risk of tumor progression and recurrence.

Global Epo Biomarkers Market: Regional Analysis

North America is expected to hold a dominant position in the epo biomarkers market over the forecast period, owing to robust healthcare infrastructure and increasing prevalence of cancer in the region. According to World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2018 report, around 609,640 deaths were recorded due to cancer and around 1.7 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2018 in the U.S.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the epo biomarkers market, owing to presence of major companies such as 3Sbio Group, Biocon Ltd., Genscript, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., and Shandong Kexing Bioproducts Co. Ltd. Moreover, increasing prevalence of AIDS in India, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is also contributing to epo biomarker market growth. For instance, according to the UNAIDS Data 2018 for Asia Pacific region, in India 2.1 million people are living with HIV AIDS at the end of 2017.

Global Epo Biomarkers Market: Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the global epo biomarkers market include, 3Sbio Group, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Amgen Inc., Bioagilytix Labs, Biocon Ltd., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Galenica Ag, Genscript, Glaxosmithkline Plc., Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck Kgaa, Myriad Rbm, Novartis Ag, Pacific Biomarkers, Pfizer Inc., Shandong Kexing Bioproducts Co. Ltd., Siemens Ag, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Global Epo Biomarkers Market: Taxonomy

The global epo biomarker market is segmented on the basis of biomarker type, application, end user, and region.

By Biomarker Type