Interferons Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Interferons Market Analysis

The Interferons Market size is estimated at USD 10.15 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 12.30 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The increasing prevalence of diseases such as hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, and cancers and the high target affinity and specificity of interferons are actively affecting the growth of the market.

Interferons, particularly interferon alpha, have been a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have largely supplanted interferons for hepatitis C, interferons remain an option, especially in certain clinical situations or where DAAs are unavailable. The ongoing need for hepatitis management, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates, supports sustained demand for interferon-based treatments. For instance, according to data published by the World Health Organization in April 2024, around 254 million individuals globally were affected by chronic hepatitis B in 2022, witnessing 1.2 million new infections each year. The disease led to roughly 1.1 million fatalities in 2022, predominantly from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Thus, the high burden of hepatitis B is expected to increase demand for the treatment, with interferons contributing to the market growth.

Further, the high burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) is expected to create an opportunity for interferon beta development, propelling market growth. For instance, according to data published by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation in 2024, the global prevalence of MS stood at an estimated 2.9 million in 2023, marking an increase from 2.8 million in 2020. As the prevalence of MS continues to rise, there is a continued demand for effective disease-modifying therapies, including interferons, to manage the condition and improve patient outcomes is likely to propel the market growth.

Market players drive growth through strategic initiatives, including product launches, clinical developments, securing approvals, and forming partnerships. For instance, in August 2023, iX Biopharma Ltd unveiled its latest development program, IXB-322. This innovative wafer, containing a low dose of interferon alpha (≤ 1000 IU), is designed for sublingual delivery. Its primary aim is to prevent and treat respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (“RSV”). This approach is being compared to treatment with PEG-IFNα alone. Thus, such trials lead to innovative launches to create more treatment options for MS market players, which are anticipated to propel market growth.

Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, such as the high prevalence of chronic diseases like hepatitis and cancer and product approvals, the market is anticipated to grow during the study period. However, the high research and development costs are likely to impede market growth.

Interferons Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, interferons are a class of proteins generated and released by the host cells against the presence of pathogenic microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and tumor cells. Interferon proteins belong to a class of glycoproteins, namely cytokines, and are generally considered the first line of defense against microbial infections.

The interferons market is segmented by product type, application, and geography. By product type, the market is segmented as interferon alpha, interferon beta, and interferon gamma. By application, the market is segmented as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, melanoma, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and renal cell carcinoma. By geography, the market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally.

The report offers market size and forecasts for the interferons market in value (USD) for the above segments.