Cell Therapy Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global market for cell therapy is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 12,563.23 million by 2027, up from US$ 7,260.50 million in 2019. This growth trajectory indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027.

Several factors contribute to this market expansion, including the rising incidence of chronic diseases, an increasing acceptance of regenerative medicine, and a growing number of approvals for therapies based on cells. Nevertheless, the high costs associated with the manufacturing of cell therapies pose a significant challenge to market growth.

Cell therapy involves the introduction of live, intact cells into a patient?s body through injection, implantation, or grafting. This innovative approach focuses on replacing malfunctioning cells with healthy ones. Stem cells are predominantly utilized in these advanced therapies due to their unique ability to differentiate into specific cell types necessary for the repair of damaged or defective tissues. Furthermore, cell therapy plays a crucial role in the advancement of regenerative medicine.

The biotechnology industry in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, bolstered by substantial investments and strategic collaborations between private and public entities. For example, in December 2019, Astellas Pharma Inc. from Japan announced its acquisition of Audentes Therapeutics Inc., a gene therapy firm, for US$ 3 billion. Additionally, in November 2019, Fujifilm invested approximately US$ 120 million (JPY 13 billion) in gene therapy as part of its contract development and manufacturing operations. The Japan Pharmaceutical Medical Device Agency has also approved two gene therapy products under the Sakigake designation, which is akin to the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation and the EMA's Priority Medicine (PRIME) designation, with expectations to approve at least one therapy annually.

Such strategic initiatives by local companies in Asian nations are anticipated to boost the demand for cell therapies in the near future. Since the approval of Gendicine for treating head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma by replacing defective copies of the p53 tumor suppressor gene with normal versions, China has broadened the applications of cell therapy and enhanced its production capabilities. Growing awareness regarding cell therapy is facilitating its adoption across the Asia Pacific region. For instance, in 2018, Taiwan ranked ninth globally in terms of regulatory approvals for clinical applications of cell therapy. In January 2020, Taiwan introduced six autologous cell therapy treatments, including two for cancer, two for skin cell transplantation, and two for bone and cartilage regeneration. Currently, four hospitals in Taiwan are licensed to administer cell therapies, with an additional 26 hospitals having applied for such licenses.

Moreover, research in regenerative medicine, encompassing cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering, is rapidly advancing in various Asia Pacific countries. The increasing elderly population, enhancements in healthcare services, a growing need for transplants, and the rise of personalized medicine in nations like Japan, China, India, and South Korea are expected to drive demand for cell therapies in the coming years. This trend is likely to present numerous growth opportunities for market participants throughout the forecast period.

In terms of therapy type, the cell therapy market is divided into two segments: allogeneic and autologous therapies. In 2019, the allogeneic segment held a larger market share, primarily due to the availability of a significant number of approved products for clinical use. For instance, Alofisel, developed by TiGenix (now part of Takeda), became the first allogeneic stem cell-based therapy approved for use in Europe in 2018.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has led to widespread disruptions in supply chains, consumer markets, and the global economy. As the healthcare sector prioritizes the treatment of COVID-19 patients, the demand for cell therapy has seen a decline worldwide.

Key secondary sources utilized in the preparation of the report on the cell therapy market include the International Society of American College of Cardiology (ACC), World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Comisi?n Federal para la Protecci?n contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).