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Market Dynamics

Driver: Rising Prevalence of Liver Fibrosis

Liver disease accounts for 2 million deaths annually, representing 4% of global mortality, with liver cancer contributing 600,000–900,000 deaths each year. The primary drivers of liver-related deaths include complications from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, with viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as leading causes. Rising metabolic risk factors and an aging population are expected to double the burden of advanced NAFLD by 2030. The rising prevalence of liver diseases and associated complications is driving demand for innovative treatments, positioning the liver fibrosis treatment market for significant growth.

This growing burden is pushing healthcare systems to invest in advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, including antifibrotic drugs and cell therapies. Additionally, the increasing awareness about liver diseases and the adoption of routine screening programs are contributing to earlier detection and treatment, further boosting the market. As liver fibrosis progresses and leads to more severe complications, such as cirrhosis and liver failure, there is a strong incentive for both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to develop and introduce innovative therapies. This demand, fueled by the rising prevalence of the disease, is shaping the growth trajectory of the liver fibrosis treatment market.

Restraint: High Cost of Treatment

The high cost of treatment is a key factor restraining the growth of the liver fibrosis treatment market. The economic burden associated with liver cirrhosis with treatment costs varying significantly based on the underlying cause of the disease. These costs can range from US$14 million to US$2 billion, depending on factors such as the disease's etiology, the stage of progression, and required medical interventions. These high expenses create a financial barrier, limiting access to treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As a result, the affordability of treatment options becomes a major challenge, impacting the overall market growth and preventing widespread adoption of advanced therapies. Additionally, the shortage of skilled professionals and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in developing economies poses a significant challenge to market expansion. Strict regulatory policies and limited public awareness are further anticipated to restrain market growth during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

Opportunity: Advancements in Research and Studies for Developing Novel Liver Fibrosis Treatment Therapies

Expanding pre-clinical and clinical studies and development by prominent stakeholders to establish innovative treatment options in the liver fibrosis regime are predicted to propel the worldwide liver fibrosis treatment's future growth. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration permitted Orphan Drug Designation to PTG-300, a subcutaneous injectable evolved by Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., in March 2018. The PTG-300 is presently in a medical study for the treatment of beta-thalassemia and can also be employed to cure liver fibrosis. Similarly, on March 14, 2024, the FDA approved Rezdiffra (resmetirom) for adults with noncirrhotic NASH and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, marking the first treatment targeting liver damage in these patients. Rezdiffra, a thyroid hormone receptor activator, reduces liver fat and showed significant improvement in liver inflammation and scarring in a 12-month trial. The approval includes a post-approval study to confirm its long-term benefits. These advancements create significant opportunities in the liver fibrosis treatment market by addressing unmet medical needs, improving patient outcomes, and attracting investment for future therapies.

Segmental Analysis

Drug Type Insights

Among all drug types, hepatotropic drugs holds the maximum share of about 45% in the base year 2024 in Liver Fibrosis Treatment Market. Hepatotropic drugs have become a key therapeutic approach in the treatment of liver fibrosis due to their ability to specifically target liver cells (hepatocytes), offering high effectiveness in managing liver diseases. These drugs play a pivotal role in enhancing the liver’s regenerative capacity, helping to slow down or even reverse fibrosis progression, and effectively treating underlying liver conditions such as cirrhosis and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Their mechanisms of action, which are tailored to the liver, enable more efficient reduction of liver damage compared to other drug classes.

The efficacy and safety of hepatotropic drugs have been demonstrated in numerous preclinical and clinical studies, which further solidify their dominant role in the market. These drugs help reduce liver damage and halt fibrosis progression, offering more targeted and effective treatment options than other drug types, which can be less specific and carry higher risks of side effects. The increasing prevalence of liver diseases, especially NASH, alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis, is another driving force behind the rising demand for hepatotropic therapies. Intercept Pharmaceuticals, with its drug Obeticholic Acid, is one of the major players addressing NASH, further validating the importance of hepatotropic drugs in this space.

Moreover, regulatory support for hepatotropic drugs has been a significant factor in their growth. Drugs like Belapectin have garnered Orphan Drug Designation or fast-track status from regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA, expediting their development and approval processes. This has led to an increase in clinical trials and research, bolstering the development of novel hepatotropic therapies. The adoption of these drugs in clinical practice has also been growing rapidly. 

Indication Insights

Taking the indications into account, the liver fibrosis treatment market is led by Hepatitis C which controls over 33% of the market share. Hepatitis C has been a major global health issue, affecting an estimated 71 million people worldwide with chronic infection. This high prevalence, coupled with increasing diagnoses, has resulted in a large patient pool in need of liver fibrosis treatments. The introduction of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized Hepatitis C care, with cure rates surpassing 90%. Medications like sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir have significantly reduced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, thus rapidly expanding the market share for Hepatitis C treatments. 

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious target to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030, driving global initiatives to increase access to treatment. The risk of long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, associated with chronic Hepatitis C infection, makes it a crucial target for liver fibrosis intervention. The strong regulatory approval history of Hepatitis C drugs, such as Gilead’s Epclusa and AbbVie’s Mavyret, and continued focus on developing highly effective treatments, ensures that the market for Hepatitis C treatment remains substantial and poised for growth. These advancements are key contributors to the increasing market share for liver fibrosis treatments.

Distribution Channel Insights

Hospital pharmacies hold the largest share of around 60% in the liver fibrosis treatment market due to their role in providing specialized treatments, including intravenous and injectable therapies, which require monitoring and are often administered in clinical settings. Hospitals are typically the first point of care for diagnosing and managing liver fibrosis, and they often have bulk purchasing agreements with pharmaceutical companies. However, online pharmacies are experiencing the highest growth rate (CAGR) due to increased patient demand for convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The growth of e-commerce and improvements in delivery systems have made it easier for patients to access treatments for liver fibrosis from the comfort of their homes, a trend further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

End User Insights

Based on end users, most liver fibrosis treatments have been done in hospitals and account for over 58% of the market share. The complexity of liver fibrosis, which often requires liver biopsies, imaging tests, and specialized pharmacological treatments, makes hospitals better equipped to manage these cases. With advanced infrastructure, including cutting-edge medical technologies and skilled healthcare professionals such as hepatologists and surgeons, hospitals can provide comprehensive care for patients with advanced liver fibrosis or complications like cirrhosis. Moreover, as novel antifibrotic therapies and biologics are introduced, hospitals remain the primary sites for administering and monitoring these treatments, particularly those requiring injectable medications or more intensive intervention. Hospitals are also typically the first to adopt these therapies due to their access to clinical trials and specialized resources. In many healthcare systems, specialty clinics refer severe or complex cases to hospitals, making them the central hub for liver disease management, including interventions such as liver transplants and advanced fibrosis assessments. 

However, specialty clinics, holding approximately 27% of the market share, are expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing shift toward outpatient care and the rise in private practices and specialized centers offering treatments. The "others" category, accounting 15% share includes outpatient centers, research institutes, and home care services, addressing niche needs like monitoring, palliative care, and clinical trials.

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 Regional Insights

North America dominates the liver fibrosis market accounting approximately 40% of the market share due to the presence of innovative drug molecules and significant technological advancements in treatment approaches within this region. Companies like Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Intercept Pharmaceuticals are at the forefront, developing therapies specifically for liver diseases such as NASH and fibrosis. Additionally, rising healthcare expenditure and the presence of key players such as Pfizer Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb further contribute to the market's growth rate in North America.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of liver disorders and the rapid development of healthcare infrastructure. Companies like Novartis AG and Galectin Therapeutics Inc. are expanding their focus on this region, where government initiatives and rising awareness also play a significant role in propelling the market. The innovative efforts by manufacturers such as Promethera Biosciences, which focus on advanced cell therapy solutions, underscore the potential for growth in this dynamic market. 

Key Players in Oral Vaccines Market 

• Gilead Sciences, Inc.
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Johnson and Johnson
• Novartis AG
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
• Pfizer Inc.
• FibroGen, Inc.
• Inventiva Pharma
• Pharmaxis Limited
• Other Prominent Players

Segments Covered in The Report 

By Drug Type 

• Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (Par)-Alpha Agonist
• Ace Inhibitors
• Hepatotropic Drug
• Others

By Indication

• Chronic Liver Diseases
• Hepatitis C
• Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• Others

By End User

• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

By Geography 

• North America
  • The USA
  • 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
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South    America