Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Size and Share - Outlook Report, Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis (2024-2032)

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Outlook

• CDC's May  2024 report states that sickle cell disease impacts around 100,000 people in the United States. The increasing prevalence of sickle cell disease is expected to fuel market demand in the coming years. 
• In December  2023, the FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia as the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease in patients 12 years and older. The rising development of such innovative treatments is poised to boost the market growth.
• The strong regulatory support from health authorities and ongoing research and development efforts are likely to elevate the market value. 

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Overview

Treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) aims to address symptoms such as anemia, pain, and organ damage. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood condition characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S that creates stiff, sickle-shaped red blood cells, resulting in obstruction and decreased oxygen supply to tissues. Mutations in the HBB gene result in deformed red blood cells, leading to aggregation and obstruction in blood vessels. 

Managing sickle cell disease requires a comprehensive strategy that includes medication, blood transfusions, pain relief, and possible cures such as bone marrow transplants and new gene therapies. Patients frequently experience multiple hospital stays and need ongoing care to address the symptoms and complications linked to the illness.

In complicated cases of sickle cell disease, bone marrow or stem cell transplants may be needed for potential treatments. New possibilities are presented by emerging treatments such as gene therapies, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab. Several factors such as the rising patient population, significant investment from pharmaceutical companies, and an increasing focus on targeted therapies are likely to positively influence the market dynamics in the coming years.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease Drives Market Growth

The increasing occurrence of sickle cell disease is fueling expansion in the market. Developed countries such as the United States and Europe also experience substantial occurrences because of migration and diversity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s May  2024 report states that sickle cell disease impacts around 100,000 people in the United States, out of which over 90% are non-Hispanic Black/African Americans and 3%-9% are Hispanics/Latinos. Life expectancy for those with sickle cell disease in the US is 20 years less than average. The need for innovative therapies and long-term care is growing due to the rising impact of the disease on children and adolescents, which is expected to lead to an increased demand for effective treatments.

Advancements in Gene Therapy and Technology are Likely to Boost Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Demand

Advancements in gene therapy and gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionizing the treatment of sickle cell disease. In December  2023, the FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia as the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease in patients 12 years and older. Casgevy also marks the first FDA-approved treatment utilizing novel genome editing technology. These treatments provide the potential for a permanent cure by altering or substituting the faulty hemoglobin gene. LentiGlobin and CRISPR-based treatments offer hope for patients with sickle cell disease with promising outcomes. With gene therapy becoming more available, the market is forecasted to expand quickly.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows:

Shift Toward Curative Therapies

The market for treating sickle cell disease is moving towards curative methods such as stem cell transplantation instead of focusing on managing symptoms. Research is also exploring bone marrow and stem cell transplants as potential cures, despite obstacles such as limited donor availability. These developments are expected to drive market growth in the forecast period. 

Increased Research on Hemoglobin Modifiers

There is a growing focus on studying hemoglobin modifiers such as voxelotor to change abnormal hemoglobin and decrease the deformation of red blood cells. More research is being done to create enhanced next-generation modifiers with better effectiveness and reduced side effects, broadening treatment choices for those with sickle cell disease. Focusing on modifying hemoglobin provides a less invasive option that is anticipated to make a big impact on the market for treating sickle cell disease, as opposed to gene and cell therapies.

Rising Interest in Combination Therapies

Combination treatments are being widely used in managing sickle cell disease to tackle its intricate characteristics. These treatments, including hydroxyurea, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab, focus on various facets of the illness to decrease vaso-occlusive episodes and lessen organ harm. Pharmaceutical companies are prioritizing clinical trials to investigate the synergistic impacts of these combinations, which is likely to aid in market growth.

Growing Demand for Pain Management Solutions

Effective pain control is essential in managing sickle cell disease as frequent crises result in intense pain. Recent treatments are focused on decreasing the frequency of pain, while non-drug methods like cognitive behavioral therapy are becoming more popular. These ground-breaking treatments are anticipated to have a positive impact on enhancing the clinical outcomes of patients with sickle cell disease.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Treatment 

• Pharmacotherapy 
• Blood Transfusions 
• Bone Marrow/ Stem Cell Transplantation 
• Other Supportive Therapies 

Market Breakup by Disease Type

• Sickle Cell Anaemia 
• Sickle Hemoglobin-C Disease 
• Sickle Beta-Thalassemia  
• Others 

Market Breakup by End User

• Hospitals 
• Specialty Clinics 
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers 
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States 
• EU-4 and the United Kingdom
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • United Kingdom
• Japan 
• India  

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Share

Market Segmentation Based on the Treatment to Witness Growth

Based on the treatment, the market is divided into pharmacotherapy, blood transfusions, bone marrow/ stem cell transplantation, and other supportive therapies. Out of these, pharmacotherapy is expected to dominate the market because of its effectiveness, widespread availability, and cost-effectiveness. Medications such as hydroxyurea have been utilized for many years to treat symptoms of sickle cell disease. The management of sickle cell disease still heavily relies on medication, as other more invasive treatments such as bone marrow transplantation have limitations.

Market Share Based on Disease Type

Based on the disease type, the market is segmented into sickle cell anaemia, sickle hemoglobin-C disease, sickle beta-thalassemia, and others. Sickle cell anemia is the most prevalent and serious type of sickle cell disease, impacting many patients. Individuals with this disease deal with serious complications like painful crises and organ damage, leading to the need for extensive medical care.

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Analysis by Region

Based on region, the market report covers the United States, EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), United Kingdom, Japan, and India.

The United States is expected to dominate the market powered by government initiatives such as the National Sickle Cell Disease Program and newborn screening, which have enhanced the ability to diagnose and provide treatment at an early stage. Further, the market growth in the region is propelled by high healthcare spending and support from advocacy groups. 

EU-4 and the United Kingdom are also poised to have a significant market share. Newborn screening and extensive healthcare services support individuals with sickle cell disease in the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom's NHS provides specialized medical services, as gene therapy research advances.

Additionally, the markets in Japan and India are rapidly expanding. Japan puts more emphasis on studying different genetic disorders and allocates substantial resources into researching gene therapy, while India deals with a high burden of sickle cell disease and works to enhance screening and access to treatment. The rise in strategic collaborations along with significant research funding is predicted to boost the development of India's sickle cell disease market in the forecast period.

Leading Players in the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market

The key features of the market report include patent analysis, grant analysis, funding, and investment analysis, clinical trials analysis, and strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Novartis AG

Novartis AG is a Swiss pharmaceutical corporation that focuses on healthcare, producing prescription and generic drugs, as well as eye care products. Their products treat various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory illnesses. In April  2024, the FDA approved Novartis' Adakveo to reduce pain events in individuals with sickle cell disease. This medication helps decrease the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in adults and children over 16 years old.

Bluebird Bio, Inc.

Bluebird Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts. In December  2023, the company received FDA approval for LYFGENIA (lovo-cel) to treat sickle cell disease in patients aged 12 and older with a history of vaso-occlusive events. LYFGENIA is a one-time gene therapy designed to address the root cause of the disease and resolve vaso-occlusive events.

Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.

Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. develops treatments for rare diseases. In February  2024, they obtained approval from Puerto Rico's Health Dept. for Endari® (L-glutamine oral powder) to treat sickle cell disease. This achievement is a key step in Emmaus' goal to enhance the quality of life for sickle cell disease patients globally.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is one of the early adopters of rational drug design. In December  2023, Vertex partnered with CRISPR Therapeutics to gain FDA approval for CASGEVY™, a cell therapy for sickle cell disease. This treatment targets patients over 12 suffering from recurrent crises.

Other players in the market are Pfizer Inc, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Sangamo Therapeutics Inc, AbbVie Inc, Charles River Laboratories, and AstraZeneca plc. 

Key Questions Answered in the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Market Report

• What was the sickle cell disease treatment market value in 2023? 
• What is the sickle cell disease treatment market forecast outlook for 2024-2032? 
• What are the regional markets covered in the EMR report?
• What is the market segmentation based on the treatment? 
• What is the market segmentation based on the disease type? 
• What is the market breakup based on end user?
• What are the major factors aiding the sickle cell disease treatment market demand? 
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years? 
• What are the major drivers, opportunities, and restraints in the market?  
• What are the major trends influencing the market?  
• Which regional market is expected to dominate the market share in the forecast period?  
• Which country is likely to experience elevated growth during the forecast period?  
• Who are the key players involved in the sickle cell disease treatment market? 
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market? 
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?