Hepatology Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Treatment Type (Antiviral Drugs, Vaccines, Immunosuppressants, Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy, Corticosteroids, Immunoglobulins), By Disease Type (Hepatitis, Liver Cancer, Genetic Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases, Others) Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Hepatology Market, valued at USD 12.18 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 8.60% to reach USD 19.98 Billion by 2030. The global hepatology market encompasses the study, prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas, including conditions such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This market's expansion is primarily driven by the escalating global prevalence of liver disorders, heightened public awareness regarding liver health, and continuous advancements in diagnostic methodologies. According to the World Health Organization's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, an estimated 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B and 50 million with chronic hepatitis C in 2022, highlighting a substantial patient demographic driving demand.

Furthermore, an aging global population and consistent investments in pharmaceutical research and development also contribute significantly to market growth. However, a notable challenge impeding market expansion is the high cost associated with advanced treatments and the stringent regulatory approval processes for novel therapies. For example, the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2024 projected 41,630 new cases of liver cancer in the United States, underscoring the persistent burden of these diseases and the ongoing need for accessible, innovative solutions.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing prevalence of liver diseases is a primary driver expanding the global hepatology market. Conditions like Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease are rising significantly, fueled by evolving dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. This widespread increase in patient populations directly generates greater demand for diagnostic tools, monitoring, and therapeutic interventions. According to "Worldwide burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021" published on ResearchGate, in November 2024, an estimated 1.27 billion people were affected by NAFLD in 2021, highlighting this condition's immense burden on global health systems. This expanding patient base necessitates ongoing medical attention, solidifying market growth as the industry addresses this public health challenge.

Complementing the rising disease burden, innovations in therapeutic development significantly propel the hepatology market. Research and development efforts are yielding novel drug candidates and advanced treatment modalities, offering improved outcomes for various liver ailments. The introduction of targeted therapies and cell-based treatments provides clinicians with more effective options, enhancing patient care. A notable example is the U. S. Food and Drug Administration's accelerated approval of resmetirom (Rezdiffra™) in March 2024, as the first treatment for noncirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with moderate to advanced liver scarring, as reported by Biotech Connection Singapore in June 2024. These advancements create new revenue streams for pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms and stimulate further investment. The overall need for advanced care is also reflected in procedural volumes; according to preliminary data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, in January 2025, liver transplants in the United States totaled 11,458 in 2024, demonstrating the critical role of specialized interventions within the broader hepatology landscape.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost associated with advanced treatments presents a notable challenge for the global hepatology market. These substantial expenses frequently lead to restricted patient access, particularly in healthcare systems with stringent reimbursement policies or where individuals incur a significant proportion of out-of-pocket costs. The considerable financial strain placed on patients, healthcare providers, and payers can delay or prevent the widespread adoption of essential, innovative therapies, irrespective of their proven clinical efficacy. According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, the mean annual healthcare costs per person were approximately $110,403 for patients diagnosed with cirrhosis, a severe liver condition, compared to $28,340 for those without cirrhosis. This notable difference in expenditure highlights how the economic burden of managing advanced liver diseases directly impedes the expansion and penetration of the global hepatology market. Healthcare systems face ongoing difficulties in absorbing these escalating costs for an increasing patient demographic, thereby limiting the volume of treated patients and the overall market uptake of novel treatment modalities.

Key Market Trends

The global hepatology market is significantly influenced by strategic consolidations and continuous innovation in diagnostic capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships and Mergers for Pipeline Enhancement represent a crucial trend, as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seek to strengthen their portfolios and accelerate the development of novel liver disease treatments. These collaborations enable firms to share risks, leverage diverse expertise, and gain access to promising drug candidates, thereby expanding their market reach and competitive advantage. According to IQVIA, biopharma merger and acquisition activity in 2023 experienced a 79% increase in aggregate deal value compared to 2022, reaching approximately $152 billion, indicating robust investment in pipeline expansion across the biopharmaceutical sector. A prime example of this trend is Ipsen's acquisition of Albireo, which directly enhances its rare disease pipeline with treatments specifically targeting pediatric liver diseases. Such strategic moves are vital for bringing advanced therapies to patients more efficiently, fostering innovation, and driving market growth.

Advancements in Molecular and Non-Invasive Diagnostics for Liver Diseases also constitute a significant market trend, addressing the critical need for earlier and more accurate disease detection. These diagnostic innovations offer less burdensome alternatives to traditional invasive procedures like liver biopsy, improving patient compliance and enabling broader screening efforts. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation, an industrial association, allocated nearly $2,000,000 in 2023 to 148 researchers, substantially funding hepatology research that includes the development of advanced diagnostic methods. For instance, a notable development highlighted at AASLD 2024 was an artificial intelligence tool capable of identifying undiagnosed early-stage Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, showcasing how technological integration is refining diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. These advancements lead to timely interventions, better patient outcomes, and consequently, expand the market for diagnostic tools and associated therapies.

Segmental Insights

The Global Hepatology Market identifies antiviral drugs as a prominent and rapidly expanding segment. This growth is primarily fueled by the substantial global burden of chronic viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, which necessitates widespread and effective treatment solutions. Significant advancements in pharmaceutical research, notably the development of highly efficacious direct-acting antiviral agents, have revolutionized patient outcomes by offering high cure rates and improved treatment tolerability. Furthermore, global public health initiatives, including those supported by organizations like the World Health Organization, coupled with enhanced diagnostic screening programs, contribute to earlier disease detection and increased demand for these innovative antiviral therapies.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global hepatology market due to its robust ecosystem for medical research and development, fostering innovation in therapies and diagnostics. The region benefits from a high prevalence of liver diseases, including viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, creating substantial demand for advanced treatments. This is further supported by sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, comprehensive diagnostic systems, and favorable reimbursement policies. Additionally, the strong presence of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment from bodies like the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for novel drug approvals, drives significant market growth and the rapid adoption of new therapies.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Novo Nordisk announced an agreement to acquire Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion, aiming to strengthen its presence in the liver disease market. The acquisition includes an upfront payment of $4.7 billion and a contingent value right of $500 million, payable upon U.S. regulatory approval of Akero’s lead product candidate, efruxifermin (EFX). EFX, a fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog, is currently in late-stage Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), including patients with pre-cirrhotic and compensated cirrhosis due to MASH.

• In November 2024, Viking Therapeutics presented final results from its Phase 2b VOYAGE study of VK2809, a novel liver-selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, for patients with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The study successfully achieved its primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating statistically significant reductions in liver fat content at 12 weeks, which was the primary endpoint. Furthermore, participants treated with VK2809 showed resolution of MASH without worsening of fibrosis, with rates ranging from 63% to 75% compared to 29% for placebo. The compound also exhibited encouraging safety and tolerability over 52 weeks of treatment.

• In August 2024, Gilead Sciences received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Livdelzi (seladelpar) for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This new product launch provides an important option for adults with PBC who have an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or cannot tolerate it. The approval of Livdelzi, an oral peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR delta) agonist, was primarily based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 RESPONSE study, which demonstrated significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and improvements in pruritus. Livdelzi expands Gilead's liver disease portfolio, adding to its existing hepatitis treatments.

• In March 2024, 89bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on liver and cardiometabolic diseases, initiated its Phase 3 ENLIGHTEN program evaluating pegozafermin in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) patients with fibrosis. The program includes the ENLIGHTEN-Fibrosis trial, enrolling non-cirrhotic MASH patients, and plans for a second trial, ENLIGHTEN-Cirrhosis, for patients with compensated cirrhosis. Pegozafermin, a long-acting glycopegylated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue, had previously received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for NASH with fibrosis, supported by positive Phase 2b trial data.

Key Market Players

• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
• Bristol- Myers Squibb Company
• AbbVie Inc.
• Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
• F. Hoffmann- La Roche AG
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Viatris Inc.
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Hepatology Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Hepatology Market, By Treatment Type:

o   Antiviral Drugs

o   Vaccines

o   Immunosuppressants

o   Targeted Therapy

o   Chemotherapy

o   Corticosteroids

o   Immunoglobulins

• Hepatology Market, By Disease Type:

o   Hepatitis

o   Liver Cancer

o   Genetic Disorders

o   Autoimmune Diseases

o   Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases

o   Others

• Hepatology Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Hepatology Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Hepatology Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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