SICKLE CELL DISEASE TREATMENT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025 - 2032)

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Size and Forecast – 2025 - 2032

The Global Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.20 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 8.81 Bn by 2032 exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2025 to 2032

Key Takeaways of the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market:

• By treatment type, the blood transfusion segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 43.1% in 2025.
• By age group, the adults segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the global sickle cell disease treatment market with 38.3% in 2025.
• By route of administration, the oral segment is expected to gain prominence in the global sickle cell disease treatment market with a share of 55.3% in 2025.
• North America is expected to top the global market with 35.3% share, followed by Asia Pacific with 27.7% share in 2025.

Market Overview:

The market trend for sickle cell disease treatment shows immense potential for growth. Increasing awareness about the disease, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and rising investments in R&D for novel therapies are some key factors contributing to the rising demand for sickle cell treatment. Greater research emphasis on stem cell and gene therapy as a cure offers promise for growth. Existing drugs mainly address symptoms but recent pipeline drugs hold promise of increasing reimbursements and reducing disease burden.

Segmental Insights

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Treatment Type Insights - Dependence on Available Treatment Options, Blood Transfusion contributes the highest share of the market

In terms of treatment type, the blood transfusion segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market with 43.1% in 2025 owing to its availability and low risks compared to other treatment options for sickle cell disease patients. Blood transfusion is one of the primary and widely available treatment methods that helps reduce the percentage of sickle hemoglobin in the blood and provides relief from symptoms of the disease. Patients with frequent pain crises or strokes largely rely on regular blood transfusions. Moreover, blood transfusion is a relatively safe option compared to experimental treatments like bone marrow transplantation which carries risks of transplant rejection or infections. The low technical expertise required and support from voluntary blood donors associations have increased accessibility of blood transfusions across various regions. Though not a permanent cure, blood transfusion effectively manages disease symptoms safely through affordable and standardized processes.

Age Group Insights - Demographic Factors Fuel Adults Segment Dominance, Adults contributes the highest share of the market

In terms of age group, the adults segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the global sickle cell disease treatment market with 38.3% in 2025 owing to various demographic factors. Sickle cell disease being a genetic condition, patients are diagnosed from early childhood. However, symptoms generally increase in severity with age and patients require long-term management plans. A majority of affected demographic already falls in the adult category in developing nations where the disease is more prevalent. Treatment needs progressively rise with age as complications like severe pain episodes, organ damage or failures become more frequent in adults. Additionally, awareness and adherence to treatment also increases at the adult stage compelling greater dependence on curative and preventive options. Younger pediatric patients may occasionally experience mild symptoms but the adult population forms the bulk requiring consistent care.

Route of Administration Insights- Oral Route Dominates on Grounds of Convenience and Compliance, Oral contributes the highest share of the market

When examined based on route of administration, the oral segment is projected to gain prominence in the global sickle cell disease treatment market with a share of 55.3% in 2025 owing to advantages over parenteral options. Oral medications are preferred due to their convenience of self-administration and flexibility. Treatments like hydroxyurea pills require less medical supervision and hospital visits thus avoiding disruption to daily routines. This translates to better compliance seen with oral drugs compared to injectables. Additionally, oral administration eliminates risks of complications from intramuscular or intravenous injections. Swallowing tablets is also less painful and anxiety-inducing than frequent needle pricks needed for parenteral drugs. With advancements in drug delivery, newer oral formulations have been developed that promise higher bioavailability than earlier drugs.

Regional Insights

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North America Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

North America’s dominance in the sickle cell disease treatment market with a share of 35.3% in 2025 can be attributed to the strong presence of major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Inc. in the region. Favorable government policies have also promoted high healthcare spending and development of advanced treatment options.

Asia Pacific Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region exhibits the fastest growth with a share of 27.7% in 2025, led by countries like India, China, and Southeast Asian nations. Rising healthcare expenditure, growing patient awareness, and efforts by governments to expand access to affordable treatment are driving the market growth in the region.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Outlook for Key Countries

U.S. Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

The U.S. sickle cell disease treatment market is set to witness significant growth, fueled by increased awareness, advanced R&D investments, and a high prevalence of sickle cell disease. In October 2023, Editas Medicine, a clinical-stage genome editing company, achieved a significant milestone when the U.S. FDA granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to EDIT-301, its gene-editing therapy designed for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

U.K. Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

The U.K. leads the sickle cell disease treatment market, driven by its pioneering advancements in medical innovation. Notably, In November, 2023, the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Casgevy, the first CRISPR-based (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene therapy for treating sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. This therapy works by editing defective bone marrow genes, restoring lifelong hemoglobin production, alleviating severe symptoms, and significantly reducing the need for transfusions.

South Africa Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

South Africa drives the sickle cell disease treatment market through its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high disease burden among infants, In November 2024, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) received a transformative three-year, US$ 8 million grant from Open Philanthropy to improve access to sickle cell disease (SCD) care in low- and middle-income countries. SCD, a leading cause of death in children under five, disproportionately affects South African infants, with up to 90% of untreated cases resulting in death.

India Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

India has a high prevalence of sickle cell disease, particularly in tribal regions. Government initiatives, such as the National Health Mission's focus on screening and awareness programs, aim to improve diagnosis and treatment access, driving market expansion.

Market Players, Key Devlopment, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments:

• In September 2024, Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company, announced that it is voluntarily withdrawing all lots of OXBRYTA (voxelotor) for sickle cell disease treatment from worldwide markets and discontinuing all related clinical trials and expanded access programs. This decision follows clinical data suggesting an imbalance in vaso-occlusive crises and fatal events, which requires further assessment. Pfizer Inc. emphasized that patient safety is its priority and advised patients to consult with their physicians for alternative treatments while the company continues its review.
• In December 2023, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company, and CRISPR Therapeutics, a gene editing company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CASGEVY (exa-cel), a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited cell therapy for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 and older with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). This approval offers approximately 16,000 patients the potential for a one-time transformative therapy that could eliminate severe VOCs and hospitalizations. CASGEVY is the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy approved in the U.S. and marks a significant milestone in SCD treatment.
• In February 2022, Global Blood Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, received marketing authorization for Oxbryta, a treatment for hemolytic anemia due to sickle cell disease (SCD) in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, either as a monotherapy or in combination with hydroxycarbamide

Top Strategies Followed by Global Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Players

• Established Players - Leading pharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in research and development to innovate high-performance treatments for sickle cell disease (SCD)
  • For instance, in December 2022, bluebird bio, Inc., a biotechnology company, received the U.S. FDA approval for Zynteglo, a gene therapy for beta-thalassemia, indicating significant advancements in related hemoglobinopathies
• Mid-Level Players - Mid-sized companies are focusing on delivering quality, budget-friendly treatments targeting price-sensitive consumers. Emmaus Medical, Inc. offers Endari, an U.S. FDA-approved treatment for SCD, providing a more affordable option for patients. Partnerships aimed at boosting technology, production capabilities, and market presence are common.
  • For instance, in April 2023, Editas Medicine, Inc. received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for its EDIT-301, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease, highlighting collaborative efforts in advancing treatment options
• Small-Scale Players - Small players are targeting niche areas or specific gene mutations to carve out a unique identity. They are focusing research on personalized therapies tailored to the needs of certain patient subsets. This helps them attract funding and partnerships while remaining competitive against larger companies.

Emerging Startups - Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Industry Ecosystem

• Innovative Technologies - Startups are employing technologies like nanotechnology, 3D bioprinting, and gene therapy to develop transformative treatment approaches. Companies like BioNano Genomics are using optical genome mapping to improve diagnostics. SickleTouch is developing a smartphone-based diagnostic tool using computer vision.
• Sustainable Solutions - Some startups are introducing eco-friendly approaches. Biolyfe is producing biodegradable pills from algae to reduce plastic waste. NuGenerex is focusing on regenerative medicine using adult stem cells to provide an alternative to blood transfusions.
• Market Contribution - Startups like Fulcrum Therapeutics are addressing unique market needs by focusing on specific pathways involved in SCD, offering targeted therapeutic options. These startups often engage in partnerships with established companies or academic institutions to drive technological and sustainable innovation, enhancing their market presence and contributing to the overall advancement of SCD treatments.

Market Report Scope

Market Dynamics

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Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Growth Driver - Increasing prevalence of sickle cell disease globally

Sickle cell disease is a very debilitating genetic disorder that has affected millions of people globally. Due to the rising levels of migration and movement of people across different geographies in the past few decades, the prevalence of sickle cell disease has significantly increased in many parts of the world. While it was predominantly found in people of sub-Saharan African descent, it is now common in Middle Eastern countries, Mediterranean regions and India as well. With more ethnic mixing and interracial marriages happening worldwide, newborns from different ethnic backgrounds are at a higher risk of inheriting the sickle cell gene from their parents. As per updated statistics from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released in June 2023, the global population living with sickle cell disease has risen by 41.4%, increasing from 5.46 million (4.62%-6.45%) in 2000 to 7.74 million (6.51%-9.2%) in 2021.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Challenge - High cost of treatment and therapies

One of the major challenges for the global sickle cell disease treatment market is the high cost of treatment and therapies. Sickle cell disease requires lifelong management, and the treatments available are often very expensive for patients. Hydroxyurea is one of the main prescription drugs used but its high cost makes it inaccessible for many patients. Bone marrow transplants which can potentially cure SCD are also extremely expensive, limiting their use. The development of new gene therapies and other advanced treatment options also involve significant research investment, causing treatment costs to rise. This financial barrier prevents many patients from getting optimal care and adheres strictly to treatment plans. The high economic burden of SCD disproportionately impacts developing countries and populations where access to healthcare is limited and out-of-pocket medical expenses can be catastrophic.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Opportunity - Growing awareness and advocacy for sickle cell disease

One of the major market opportunities for the global sickle cell disease treatment market is the growing awareness and advocacy around SCD. Advancements in research and therapeutic options have helped increase public understanding of the disease in recent decades. Campaigns by sickle cell disease advocacy groups are educating more people about SCD, its signs and symptoms, and available resources for support. Through their efforts, more at-risk communities and the general public now recognize SCD as a serious health issue. Greater awareness can help identify more cases early and encourage individuals to proactively manage their condition. It also creates an opening for pharmaceutical companies and clinicians to promote new treatment innovations.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The market is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of sickle cell disease across major regions. According to estimates, sickle cell disease affects over 100,000 Americans annually and millions globally. Developing countries in Africa and Southeast Asia have witnessed high numbers.
• Government efforts to spread awareness about the symptoms and treatment options available for sickle cell disease management are creating demand. Furthermore, new product approvals and robust pipelines will propel market revenue. The U.S. will continue dominating the market given strong reimbursement structures and the presence of key players. However, developing Asian countries are likely to provide lucrative opportunities attributable to growing health expenditures.
• High costs associated with specialized drugs and lack of universal healthcare in developing nations remain major bottlenecks. Limited treatment adherence due to complex regimens and potential side effects of drugs also hamper market growth. Moreover, lack of approved therapies for pediatric patients restricts the market size.
• The emergence of combination therapies, gene therapies, and targeted oral medications can potentially overcome these restraints, collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and research institutes aim to develop novel and affordable treatment options. This will further expand the market reach in developing regions. If priced competitively, new product launches are expected to bolster market expansion during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

• By Treatment Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Blood Transfusion
  • Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Pharmacotherapy
    • Hydroxyurea Therapy
    • Oxbryta
    • Adakveo
    • Pain Management Drugs
    • Others
• By Age Group Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Adults
  • Pediatric
  • Geriatric
• By Route of Administration Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Oral
  • Parenteral
• By End User Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Hospitals
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Homecare Settings
  • Others
• By Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
• • Novartis AG
  • Emmaus Medical Inc.
  • Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Bluebird Bio
  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  • Celgene Corporation
  • GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
  • Sanofi S.A.
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • Amgen Inc.
  • Bayer AG
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited