India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Outlook to 2028

India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Overview

• The India Erythropoietin Drugs market is valued at USD 205 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This market is driven by a rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer treatments, and anemia management across India. With increasing awareness of healthcare access in both urban and rural regions, coupled with expanding demand for affordable biosimilars, the market has seen steady growth.
• Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore dominate the market due to their well-established healthcare infrastructure and access to advanced treatment options. These cities are home to numerous specialty hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies that have fostered an environment conducive to the growth of erythropoietin drug usage.
• The PMBJP initiative aims to make affordable medicines accessible to the general public, including erythropoietin biosimilars. The government has opened over 13,745 Janaushadhi Kendra stores across India, providing access to low-cost generics. In 2024, the availability of erythropoietin drugs at reduced prices through these stores improved affordability for patients suffering from chronic anemia and kidney diseases.

India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Segmentation

By Drug Type: The market is segmented by drug type into Epoetin Alpha, Darbepoetin Alpha, Epoetin Beta, and Others (including biosimilars). Epoetin Alpha holds the dominant market share due to its widespread use in treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and cancer. It has been widely accepted in the Indian healthcare system, largely because of its clinical effectiveness and relative affordability.

By Indication: The market in India is segmented by indications such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Cancer, HIV-associated anemia, Surgical Procedures, and Others. Chronic Kidney Disease remains the largest segment by indication, holding a market share. The high prevalence of CKD in India, driven by rising diabetes rates and hypertension, contributes to the dominance of this segment. The demand for erythropoietin drugs in CKD patients undergoing dialysis continues to fuel market growth in this category.

India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Competitive Landscape

The market is primarily driven by domestic and international pharmaceutical companies, making it a competitive landscape with a few key players leading the market. Companies like Biocon, Cipla, and Sun Pharma are prominent due to their extensive distribution networks, large product portfolios, and focus on biosimilars.

India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The rise in CKD cases in India is a growth driver for the market. According to the Indian Society of Nephrology, nearly 3.6 million people in India suffer from CKD, and many require dialysis or kidney transplants, where erythropoietin drugs play a crucial role in managing anemia. As India's healthcare system becomes more capable of diagnosing and treating CKD, the demand for erythropoietin drugs is expected to increase.
• Anemia Burden Among Cancer Patients: Cancer treatments often cause anemia, necessitating the use of erythropoietin drugs. India's cancer cases are projected to rise, reaching around1.57 million by 2025, up from1.5 million in 2023, with over 60% of patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced anemia. Erythropoietin drugs are a standard part of managing this side effect, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The increasing number of cancer patients has escalated the demand for erythropoietin drugs across hospitals and cancer care centers.
• Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure: Indias healthcare infrastructure has been expanding, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, due to government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat. In 2024, over 150,000 health and wellness centers were functional across India. These centers play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating anemia and chronic diseases that require erythropoietin. The expansion of healthcare facilities is enabling greater access to erythropoietin drugs, leading to increased market growth.

Market Challenges

• Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Indias pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly for cold-chain drugs like erythropoietin, faces logistical challenges. A lack of adequate cold storage and inefficient transportation networks result in drug wastage and compromised efficacy. According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, nearly 25% of biopharmaceuticals in India are at risk due to improper storage conditions during transportation. This inefficiency impacts drug availability, especially in rural regions.
• Regulatory Hurdles: The approval process for biosimilar erythropoietin drugs in India is stringent, requiring extensive clinical trials and rigorous regulatory scrutiny. These hurdles delay the entry of new erythropoietin products into the market. Additionally, compliance with international manufacturing standards poses a challenge for many Indian pharmaceutical companies, slowing down drug production and market expansion. Regulatory delays also affect pricing, further restricting access to affordable erythropoietin drugs.

India Erythropoietin Drugs Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the India Erythropoietin Drugs industry is expected to experience growth, driven by an increasing prevalence of CKD and cancer, greater adoption of biosimilars, and government healthcare initiatives aimed at improving access to essential medications. Additionally, ongoing research and development into novel delivery systems, such as oral erythropoietin formulations, will likely contribute to expanding the market further.

Future Market Opportunities

• Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development: In the next five years, the market is expected to see increased integration of AI and machine learning for drug discovery and personalized treatment protocols. Indian pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting AI technologies to optimize production processes, reduce development time, and enhance drug efficacy. The Department of Biotechnology is already funding several AI-driven projects aimed at improving biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• 2. Expansion of Erythropoietin in Emerging Markets Indian companies are expected to expand their erythropoietin drug exports to emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Latin America, where the prevalence of chronic diseases like CKD and cancer is rising. By 2028, Indian companies are projected to be key suppliers of biosimilar erythropoietin in these regions, driven by cost-effective production and increasing demand for affordable healthcare solutions.