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 Global Target Population for Anemia Drug Consumption

The target population for anemia drugs market is substantial and growing, driven by a high global prevalence of anemia across various demographics and underlying health conditions.

A significant portion of this population consists of women and children. In 2025, it is estimated that anemia affects half a billion women between the ages of 15 and 49 and 269 million children between 6 and 59 months of age worldwide. The WHO regions of Africa and South-East Asia are the most affected, with an estimated 106 million women and 103 million children with anemia in Africa, and 244 million women and 83 million children affected in South-East Asia. Globally, it is estimated that 37% of pregnant women are affected by anemia.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent another critical segment of the target population for the anemia drugs market. Globally, the prevalence of CKD is 13.4%, and it is a major cause of anemia. In 2024, the global prevalence of renal anemia was 0.82%, affecting approximately 63.92 million people. The prevalence of anemia increases with the severity of CKD, with one study showing that 78.7% of patients with CKD stages 3-5 have anemia.

The cancer patient population also has a high prevalence of anemia, making them a key target for anemia drugs. The incidence of anemia in cancer patients can be as high as 60% in those with lymphoma, lung cancer, or gynecologic or genitourinary tumors. For patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the incidence of anemia can be even higher, ranging from 70% to 90%.

Expanding Focus on Pediatric Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies in Emerging Markets

There is a substantial, underserved pediatric anemia drugs market, particularly in developing nations. The WHO estimated in 2025 that 83 million children in Southeast Asia are anemic. In response, at least 10 major nutritional companies have launched iron-fortified food products targeting children under five in 2024. Clinical trials are also reflecting this shift; in 2025, there are more than 20 active clinical trials globally focused specifically on novel pediatric anemia treatments. Moreover, governments and NGOs have initiated at least 12 large-scale iron supplementation programs in 2024, aiming to reach over 50 million children in high-prevalence regions. This growing focus on childhood anemia presents a compelling growth avenue for the anemia drugs market.

Most Prominent Available Anemia Drugs in the Market 

The anemia drugs market is dominated by several well-established products and is home to a range of pharmaceutical companies, from large, diversified corporations to more specialized firms.

Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs):

ESAs are a cornerstone of anemia drugs market, particularly for patients with CKD and those undergoing chemotherapy. Key players and their prominent drugs in this segment include:

• Amgen: A major player in the ESA market with leading products like Epogen (epoetin alfa) and Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa).
• Johnson & Johnson: In collaboration with Amgen, they market Procrit (epoetin alfa).
• Roche: A significant competitor with its long-acting ESA, Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta).
• Pfizer: With its biosimilar, Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx), Pfizer is an increasingly important player in the ESA market.

Intravenous (IV) Iron Therapies:

IV iron therapies are crucial for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond to oral iron supplements. The leading companies and their products in this space across the anemia drugs market are:

• Vifor Pharma (a CSL company): A global leader in IV iron therapy, Vifor Pharma's portfolio includes the widely used Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose).
• Daiichi Sankyo: In partnership with Vifor Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo co-commercializes Injectafer in the United States.
• AMAG Pharmaceuticals: Known for Feraheme (ferumoxytol), another prominent IV iron formulation.
• American Regent (a subsidiary of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals): A key provider of IV iron products, including Venofer (iron sucrose).
• Pharmacosmos: A Danish pharmaceutical company that developed and markets Monoferric (iron isomaltoside 1000).

Oral Anemia Therapies:

Oral iron supplements are a first-line treatment for many patients with iron deficiency anemia. In addition, a new class of oral drugs, hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors, is emerging in the anemia drugs market.

• Akebia Therapeutics: The developer of Vafseo (vadadustat), an oral HIF-PH inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2024 for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with CKD on dialysis.
• GSK (GlaxoSmithKline): The company behind Jesduvroq (daprodustat), another oral HIF-PH inhibitor.

Current Product Pipeline (Pending with FDA, Under Clinical Trials)

The pipeline for new anemia drugs market is robust, with several promising candidates in late-stage development and a number of recent FDA approvals that are shaping the future of anemia treatment.

Recent FDA Approvals (2024-2025):

• Vafseo (vadadustat) - Akebia Therapeutics: Approved by the FDA in March 2024 for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with CKD who have been on dialysis for at least three months.
• Imetelstat (Rytelo) - Geron Corporation: Approved in June 2024 for the treatment of adults with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with transfusion-dependent anemia.
• Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics: A groundbreaking CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy approved for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older. Its commercial launch and patient uptake have been progressing in 2024.
• Lyfgenia (lovotibeglogene autotemcel) - bluebird bio: A gene therapy approved for the treatment of SCD in patients 12 years and older.

9 Promising Drugs in Late-Stage Clinical Trials and Under FDA Review in Anemia Drugs Market

• Mitapivat - Agios Pharmaceuticals: An oral pyruvate kinase activator being studied for the treatment of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Top-line results from the Phase 3 RISE UP study in SCD are expected in late 2025. A supplemental New Drug Application for thalassemia has a PDUFA goal date of September 7, 2025.
• Elritercept (KER-050) - Keros Therapeutics: A novel therapy for anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelofibrosis. It received Fast Track designation from the FDA in March 2024. A Phase 3 trial (RENEW) is currently enrolling patients.
• Bitopertin - Disc Medicine: An oral glycine transporter 1 inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare blood disorder. The company is targeting an NDA submission in the second half of 2025 under the accelerated approval pathway  in the anemia drugs market.
• Roxadustat - FibroGen: An oral HIF-PH inhibitor being evaluated for chemotherapy-induced anemia. It is already approved in other regions for anemia in CKD patients.
• Etavopivat - Novo Nordisk: An oral pyruvate kinase activator in development for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Data from the Phase 2 HIBISCUS trial were presented in 2024.
• Reni-cel (EDIT-301) - Editas Medicine: A CRISPR/Cas12a-based gene-editing therapy for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Updated data from the Phase 1/2/3 RUBY trial were reported in December 2024.
• BEAM-101 - Beam Therapeutics: A base-editing therapy in a Phase 1/2 trial for sickle cell disease, with new data presented in December 2024.
• Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate (FPC) - Rockwell Medical: Being developed for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in the home infusion setting.
• Leucovorin - GSK: The FDA is reviewing an expanded approval for leucovorin to treat patients with cerebral folate deficiency, a condition that can cause developmental delays.

Segmental Analysis 

Deficiency Anemia's Uncontested Lead Shapes Market Opportunities

Deficiency-based anemia, especially iron deficiency, firmly holds the largest share of the anemia drugs market. The sheer scale of the condition is staggering. It affects 2 billion people globally, creating a massive and steady demand for treatments. Moreover, iron deficiency is the root cause in about half of all anemia cases. A condition's prevalence makes it the most critical sub-segment for pharmaceutical companies. The market is further propelled by high incidence rates in key demographics. For instance, the condition is found in 37% of pregnant women and 30% of all women of reproductive age worldwide.

A substantial therapeutic focus on obstetrics and gynecology, which captured over 29.8% of the global share in anemia drugs market, directly mirrors the high rates in women. In places like India, the prevalence is even greater, affecting 57% of women and 67.1% of children. As a result, the iron deficiency anemia category claimed a significant 45.22% of the total treatment market in 2024. Its dominant position is driven by widely available supplements and therapies that target the nearly 40% of young children affected.

• Government and healthcare initiatives frequently aim to reduce iron deficiency, stimulating drug demand.
• Diagnosis and treatment of anemia in women of reproductive age remains a primary focus for growth.
• Nutritional awareness campaigns indirectly boost the market by encouraging screening and subsequent treatment.

Oral Iron Therapy's Dominance Drives Revenue and Patient Choice

Oral iron therapy is the clear leader and top revenue generator in the anemia drugs market. Its position is secured by convenience and cost-effectiveness. In 2024, the segment captured a commanding 41.9% market share. It functions as the preferred first-line treatment for most mild to moderate cases. The dominance is further supported by widespread use of affordable options like ferrous sulfate. Consequently, the broader ferrous salts category is expected to maintain its lead into 2025. A 2022 study confirmed patients often prefer oral pills over injections, highlighting ease of use.

Commercial success is also evident in recent company results. For example, Shield Therapeutics saw a 95% jump in prescriptions for its oral drug ACCRUFeR in 2024. That growth produced $29.3 million in revenue. Likewise, a $15 million sales deal in 2025 for Solvotrin's Active Iron supplement shows strong commercial interest. While a 2024 study noted some patient preference for intravenous therapy's simplicity, the accessibility of oral treatments ensures their continued leadership in the broader anemia drugs market.

• Current innovations are focused on creating oral drugs with improved absorption and fewer side effects.
• Over-the-counter availability of many oral supplements expands market reach beyond prescriptions.
• Patient adherence challenges with oral therapies are now driving research into more user-friendly formulations.

Hospitals Emerge as the Epicenter for Anemia Drug Consumption

The hospital setting serves as the largest channel for the consumption of anemia drugs. Its position in the anemia drugs market is cemented by its role in treating acute and severe conditions. In 2024, hospitals were the leading end-user segment with a 38.7% share. In addition, hospital pharmacies alone accounted for an impressive 52.23% of market revenue. Such dominance is fueled by the high volume of treatments administered there, especially parenteral therapies. Parenteral iron, used in hospitals for rapid correction, held a 61.32% market share in 2024, showing its critical inpatient role.

A key driver of consumption across the global anemia drugs market is the management of postoperative anemia. The condition affects up to 90% of patients after certain major surgeries. In these scenarios, intravenous iron is the preferred method for quick replenishment. Hospitals are also primary sites for administering Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents for anemia linked to kidney disease and chemotherapy. Together, these uses account for 40% of inpatient ESA administration. With six different IV iron formulations available, hospitals are well-equipped to manage complex cases and maintain their central role in the market.

• Patient Blood Management programs are increasingly standardizing hospital-based anemia treatment protocols.
• The ongoing treatment of anemia in patients with chronic diseases is a major consumption driver.
• Emergency departments and surgical wards are key points of high-volume anemia drug administration.

Regional Analysis 

North America's Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure Fortifies Its Market Leadership Position

North America leads the global anemia drugs market, a position solidified by its robust research ecosystem and high healthcare expenditure. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health allocated funds for over 500 active research projects related to anemia in 2024. The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research approved 3 novel drugs with anemia indications in the first half of 2024. Furthermore, more than 1,200 clinical trials investigating anemia treatments were actively recruiting patients in the U.S. as of January 2025. Canada’s health agency also issued 2 new licenses for biosimilar epoetin drugs in 2024, expanding treatment options.

• US Anemia Drugs Market is the Epicenter of Demand, Consumption, and Patient Population 

The country’s patient population and treatment capacity are substantial. In 2024, U.S. dialysis centers administered over 25 million doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The average wholesale price for a new oral HIF-PHI inhibitor launched in the U.S. in 2024 was set at 950 dollars for a 30-day supply. Approximately 15,000 U.S. hematology-oncology specialists were actively prescribing anemia therapies in 2024. In Canada, provincial health plans covered the cost of high-dose intravenous iron for an additional 20,000 patients in 2024. Over 10 million units of prescription oral iron supplements were dispensed in North America in 2024. Finally, at least 5 major U.S. medical centers established dedicated gene therapy programs for sickle cell anemia in 2025.

Asia Pacific Emerges As A Dynamic And Rapidly Growing Anemia Market

The Asia Pacific region is a critical growth engine for the anemia drugs market. In 2024, China's National Medical Products Administration accepted 8 new drug applications for anemia therapies. Japan’s regulatory agency approved 2 new formulations of intravenous iron in the same year, enhancing patient options. Moreover, India's leading pharmaceutical companies increased their production capacity for iron sucrose injections by 5 million vials in 2025 to meet domestic and export demand. The number of active clinical trials for anemia in China surpassed 400 in early 2025.

Investment and public health initiatives are also key drivers behind the anemia drugs market growth. Venture capital firms invested over 300 million dollars into biotech startups in India and China focused on blood disorders in 2024. A national nutritional program in India aimed to distribute iron supplements to 100 million children and adolescents in 2025. South Korea saw the launch of 3 new iron-fortified food products by major manufacturers in 2024. In Japan, over 5,000 healthcare facilities are now equipped to administer advanced biologic anemia drugs. The Australian government added a new anemia drug to its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2024, subsidizing it for 50,000 patients. There were 15 active industry-academic collaborations in the region in 2025 focused on anemia research.

Europe's Unified Regulatory Framework Accelerates Novel Anemia Drug Access And Adoption

Europe's mature and integrated healthcare systems foster a strong environment for the anemia drugs market. In 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted marketing authorization for 4 new anemia-related therapeutic products. Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices recorded the registration of 6 new clinical trials for rare anemias in the first quarter of 2025. The UK's National Health Service negotiated new pricing agreements for 3 major branded anemia drugs in 2024, securing broader patient access.

The region's infrastructure supports widespread treatment. Over 8,000 specialized renal care centers across the European Union provided ESA therapies in 2024. In France, national health insurance reimbursed over 2 million prescriptions for oral anemia drugs last year. Biosimilar adoption is also high; at least 10 different epoetin biosimilars were available across the EU-27 nations as of 2025. Over 1,000 hematologists attended a major European hematology conference in 2024 where new anemia treatment guidelines were presented. A pan-European patient registry for myelodysplastic syndromes enrolled its 10,000th patient in 2025. Italy's national health service funded 25 new research grants for blood disorders in 2024. Finally, over 500,000 patients in the region are being treated with a long-acting ESA.

Strategic Investments and Acquisitions Fuel Anemia Drugs Market Innovation and Growth

1. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Acquires Alpine Immune Sciences (April 2024): Vertex acquired Alpine for approximately 4.9 billion dollars in cash, gaining access to its protein engineering platform relevant for developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, some of which are linked to anemia.
2. Johnson & Johnson Acquires Ambrx Biopharma (January 2024): J&J completed its acquisition of Ambrx for 2.0 billion dollars, strengthening its oncology portfolio, which includes supportive care drugs often used to manage anemia in cancer patients.
3. Sanofi Acquires Inhibrx, Inc. (March 2024): Sanofi completed its acquisition of Inhibrx for approximately 1.7 billion dollars, adding a potential new treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition that can have hematologic complications.
4. Gilead Sciences Acquires CymaBay Therapeutics (March 2024): Gilead acquired CymaBay for 4.3 billion dollars, primarily for its liver disease candidate, but expanding its portfolio in areas often comorbid with anemia.
5. Novo Nordisk Foundation Invests in Hemab Therapeutics (February 2024): Hemab Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech focused on bleeding and thrombotic disorders, secured 135 million dollars in Series B financing, with Novo Holdings (a Novo Nordisk Foundation entity) participating, to advance its pipeline.
6. Orna Therapeutics Secures Funding (October 2024): Orna Therapeutics, a company with a platform relevant to genetic blood disorders, secured 221 million dollars in a Series B financing round, co-led by Merck.
7. bluebird bio Raises Funds via Public Offering (January 2024): The gene therapy company, with approved treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, raised 150 million dollars in a public stock offering to support its commercialization efforts.
8. CRISPR Therapeutics Strategic Investment (January 2024): Following the landmark approval of its sickle cell disease gene therapy, CRISPR Therapeutics announced a strategic investment of 200 million dollars from a healthcare-focused fund to expand its gene-editing platform.
9. Disc Medicine Public Offering (January 2024): Disc Medicine, a clinical-stage company developing treatments for serious hematologic diseases, raised approximately 152 million dollars through a public offering to fund its pipeline, which includes candidates for anemia-related disorders.
10. Astellas Acquires Propella Therapeutics (February 2024): Astellas acquired Propella for approximately 175 million dollars, gaining access to its pipeline, including an androgen receptor degrader relevant to certain cancers that can cause anemia.

Top Companies in the Anemia Drugs Market

• Amgen Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Biocon Ltd.
• Bluebird bio, Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• Bayer AG
• GlycoMimetics, Inc.
• Regen Biopharma Inc.
• Acceleron Pharma
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Novartis AG
• Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.
• Other Prominent players

Market Segmentation Overview

By Type 

• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Plastic Anemia
• Iron-Deficiency Anemia

By Therapy Type

• Oral Iron Therapy
• Red Blood Cell Transfusion
• Parental Iron Therapy
• Other Therapy Types

By End-User

• Clinic
• Hospitals
• Home healthcare

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Western Europe
    • The UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Poland
    • Russia
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South America