INFERTILITY DRUGS MARKET ANALYSIS
Global infertility drugs market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.91 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.10 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2024 to 2031.
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Increasing prevalence of infertility issues due to lifestyle changes, rising stress levels, and obesity can drive the global infertility drugs market. Rising healthcare expenditure, growing awareness regarding infertility treatments, technological advancements in fertility treatment techniques, and availability of reimbursement coverage for fertility treatments in developed countries can boost demand for infertility drugs. However, high cost of infertility treatment and procedures, lack of awareness in developing nations, adverse effects associated with use of fertility drugs, and social stigma related to infertility issues in certain regions can hamper the market growth during the forecast period.
Advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in assisted reproductive technologies for treating infertility issues. Technologies such as IVF, ICSI, and surrogacy have enabled many couples to fulfill their dreams of having children. Success rates of IVF cycles have improved due to better understanding of human reproductive biology as well as refinements in laboratory procedures. Furthermore, egg freezing has emerged as a viable option for women looking to delay pregnancy but preserve their fertility. This has especially benefited women focusing on their careers. The availability of these technologies in standard fertility clinics and IVF centers across major cities has made them accessible to more people. Growing demand for these technologies can boost need for infertility drugs that help stimulate egg production, facilitate sperm collection, prepare the endometrium, and support early pregnancy. New drugs that specifically target underlying causes of infertility are also entering the market. The continuous technological breakthroughs in this area and rising ability to pay for them in developing markets can boosts use of related fertility medications.
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Rise in Risk Factors Associated with Infertility
Various lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to risk factors linked with infertility. Delayed childbearing driven by social and economic reasons has increased the chances of age-related infertility in women. Furthermore, triple health burden of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension can also negatively impact fertility and make conception difficult. Changing dietary patterns have also altered hormonal balances in both men and women. Exposure to toxins and chemicals through polluted air and water as well as certain occupational hazards are raising concerns about their effects on reproductive health. The resultant stresses on reproductive systems signal a growing need for medical assistance. This makes infertility drugs an increasingly important component of the initial evaluation and treatment process.
Key Takeaways from Analyst:
Global infertility drugs market growth is driven by rising incidence of infertility worldwide. Improving access to infertility treatment and changing social views on assisted reproductive technologies can drive the market growth. However, high costs associated with infertility treatments can hamper the market growth. Cultural and religious taboos in certain regions regarding infertility treatment methods can also hamper the market growth.
North America currently dominates the infertility drugs market, owing to well-established healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness about treatment options. The U.S. market holds the bulk of revenues due to favorable medical reimbursement policies. Europe holds the second spot due to growing public funding support for infertility care. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market due to increasing medical tourism for fertility services and rising infertility rates in densely populated countries like China and India.
Greater investments from leading pharmaceutical players to develop more effective and affordable fertility treatment regimens can drive the market growth. Increasing adoption of first-line medication therapies and steady pipeline development of assisted reproductive technologies can also offer market growth opportunities. While socio-cultural barriers may limit access in some areas, efforts to promote awareness about infertility treatments could further fuel opportunities.
Market Challenges: High risk of radiation exposure
The high cost associated with infertility treatment can hamper the global infertility drugs market growth. Infertility treatments and drugs are generally not covered by insurance plans in many countries. A single cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can range anywhere between US$ 10,000 to US$ 15,000 without considering the additional costs involved in drugs and pre and post procedure care. For many couples struggling with infertility issues, undergoing multiple cycles is necessary to achieve success but the overall expenses for such treatments is expensive, thus, making it unaffordable for many people. This high-cost poses as a major restraint especially in developing nations where majority of the population has limited or no health insurance. As per a study conducted by World Health Organization in 2021, almost 70% of couples in low- and middle-income countries are unable to afford modern infertility treatments. For instance, in Indonesia, the median income of a family is US$ 375 per month, however a single cycle of IVF costs around US$ 3,000 thus, making infertility treatment almost 10 times the monthly income. In India, the annual per capita income is US$ 2,000 whereas the average cost of one complete IVF cycle ranges between US$ 2,500 to US$ 4,000 excluding the costs of consultation, tests and drugs. This significant gap between treatment affordability and actual cost prevents many patients from undergoing therapy.
Market Opportunities: Male infertility drugs market
The male infertility drugs market holds much promise within the global infertility drugs market. Infertility rates have been rising steadily due to trending lifestyles and environmental factors. According to the World Health Organization, around 9% of men globally experience some form of infertility. The stresses of modern life combined with other issues like rising obesity, alcohol/tobacco use and genetic abnormalities have all contributed to increasing male factor infertility. As social attitudes change and seeking treatment for fertility issues becomes less stigmatized, more men are likely to seek help. Advanced age of first-time fathers has also played a role as sperm quality naturally declines with increasing age. With delayed childbearing becoming more common, there has been huge need for effective medical assistance to treat male infertility. Growing medicalization of reproduction signals boosts demand for prescription solutions like testosterone supplements, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors that are used to treat conditions like low sperm counts or poor motility/morphology. Direct-to-consumer advertising and online doctor consultations have further spurred interest in these therapies. According to the United Nations Population Fund, over the period 2020 to 2023, many countries showed an uptick in the proportion of couples voluntarily childless or experiencing infertility. Indonesia had an involuntary childlessness rate of nearly 15% among ever-married women aged 40-44 years, as per the most recent Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) report published in 2021. As cultural changes pave the way for more proactive healthcare-seeking, the male infertility drugs segment within the broader infertility market is primed for sustained growth. With effective drug R&D and better access to diagnostics and treatments, this can present opportunities for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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By Drug Type - Demand for Better Pregnancy Outcomes Boosts Gonadotropins Leadership
In terms of drug type, gonadotropins segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 25% in 2024, owing to its proven effectiveness in helping couples conceive. Gonadotropins stimulate follicle development in the ovaries and treat infertility associated with deficient or abnormal gonadotropin secretion. These are derived from urine of post-menopausal women containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which play a crucial role in ovulation and production of sex hormones. Gonadotropins are used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) where multiple eggs need to be stimulated for retrieval at once. The precision with which these stimulate follicle development translates to better embryo quality and higher pregnancy rates as compared to older drugs. Clinics prefer gonadotropins for IVF cycles as these reliably support development of multiple follicles and eggs without overly stimulating the ovaries. With increasing success rates of IVF worldwide, there has been huge demand for gonadotropins from fertility centers. Young people prefer gonadotropins to expedite conception in a minimally invasive manner. The prospect of multiple egg/embryo retrieval per IVF cycle with gonadotropins is more attractive to patients versus lower odds with oral drugs. Consistent quality and standardization of gonadotropin injections as compared to compound formulations of other drugs has boosted patient confidence.
By Route of Administration - Oral Route Dominates Due to Ease of Access
In terms of route of administration, oral segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 71% in 2024, primarily due to convenience over parenteral drugs. The oral route allows patients to self-administer treatment anywhere without need for injection by a healthcare worker. This provides discretion and reduces clinic visits for monitoring during therapy cycles. Many infertility drugs have oral counterparts, including clomiphene citrate as first line therapy and letrozole for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These demonstrate adequate absorption in the body without invasive delivery. The oral route is also preferred by individuals wary of injections or those trying inexpensive ovulation induction before IVF. Since monitoring response clinically is easier with oral medicines versus injectables, these witness higher acceptance as initial treatment worldwide. This sustains demand compared to parenteral drugs usually employed after oral failures or for high complexity cases. Telehealth has further enhanced reach and adoption of oral infertility solutions amid the pandemic through remote consultations and prescriptions.
By Gender - Cultural Factors Influence Female's Leading Position
In terms of gender, female segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 70% in 2024, due to deep-rooted socio-cultural attributes across regions. Fertility is traditionally perceived as a woman's responsibility in numerous traditional and developing societies. Therefore, these are often the first to seek medical help and feel social pressure during conception delays. Sub-fertility stigma also weighs more on women than men in many cultures. This propels females to try various means sooner to prove fertility, boost self-esteem and avoid criticism within social circles. Existing family planning norms defer childbearing age but expectancies of motherhood remain unchanged. It escalates stress on women's natural fertility. Moreover, fertility preservation has become crucial before treatments like chemotherapy, owing to their damaging effect on ovarian reserve. Egg freezing is a major driver of female infertility drug use. Relationship expectations and values prioritize giving birth for their identity and status in conservative communities too.
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North America dominates the global infertility drugs market with an estimated market share of 39.2% in 2024. The U.S. accounts for the major share due to the strong foothold of leading pharmaceutical companies in the country. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies are highly popular in the U.S. for conceiving babies. This has boosted sales of fertility medications over the years. The availability of advanced fertility treatment options and rising public awareness about infertility issues can drive the market growth in North America. Favorable reimbursement policies for infertility drugs and procedures can drive the market growth.
Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest growing regional market. China and India are widely seen as most lucrative emerging markets. Rapid economic development, increasing health expenditures, growing medical tourism, and rising infertility rates due to lifestyle changes and late pregnancies boosts demand for infertility drugs in Asia Pacific. There is abundant opportunity waiting to be tapped given the huge patient population suffering from infertility-related issues. Local players are strengthening their presence while global manufacturers are expanding operations in Asia to leverage the high growth potential.
Infertility Drugs Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 3.91 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2019 to 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 to 2031 |
| Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 6.6% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 6.10 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Segments covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Merck & Co., Inc., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Pharma Mar, S.A., Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sanofi S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., LIVZON Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Fairfax EggBank, Inc., Genea Limited, Cook Medical Inc., Vitrolife, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., CooperSurgical, Inc., Monash IVF Group, Finox Biotech (Finox AG) |
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*Definition: Global infertility drugs market consists of pharmaceutical drugs that are used to treat infertility and related medical conditions. These drugs help stimulate ovulation, increase sperm production, or aid in sperm function and transport. Some common infertility drugs include clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and gonadotropins which are taken orally or administered via intramuscular injections. The global infertility drugs market has been growing in recent years due to rising infertility rates around the world as well as increasing social acceptance and awareness of assisted reproductive technologies.
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About Author
Ghanshyam Shrivastava - With over 20 years of experience in the management consulting and research, Ghanshyam Shrivastava serves as a Principal Consultant, bringing extensive expertise in biologics and biosimilars. His primary expertise lies in areas such as market entry and expansion strategy, competitive intelligence, and strategic transformation across diversified portfolio of various drugs used for different therapeutic category and APIs. He excels at identifying key challenges faced by clients and providing robust solutions to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities. His comprehensive understanding of the market ensures valuable contributions to research reports and business decisions.
Ghanshyam is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on pharma industry.
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