23 Jul, 2026
According to Straits Research, the global anti-VEGF therapeutics market size was valued at $14.80 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $15.09 billion in 2026 to $18.13 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 2.32% during the forecast period 2026–2034.
VEGF, also called vascular endothelial growth factor, is produced naturally by the human body and is responsible for maintaining and developing new blood vessels. It produces aberrant blood vessels under abnormal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, blood vessel obstruction, or age-related macular degeneration, which can bleed, leak, and ultimately result in scar formation and vision loss. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments or anti-VEGF medications impede the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This class of pharmaceuticals is used to treat cancer and ophthalmic conditions, including diabetic retinopathies, age-related macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion, among others.
Rising Incidence of Diseases and the Growing Geriatric PopulationDrives the Global Market
Retinal vein occlusion, Macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration are expected to expand the market. AMD is an eye disease that gradually impairs the central vision of the elderly. According to the WHO, approximately 196 million people worldwide suffer from AMD, including more than 10.4 million moderate to severe vision impairment cases. In addition, as the elderly population increases, the incidence of ocular disorders is anticipated to increase. In addition, according to data from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the global geriatric population (aged 60 and older) was approximately 703 million in 2019. In 2016, 6% of the population was 65 or older; by 2019, this proportion will increase to 9%. Therefore, the increase in the elderly population is anticipated to increase the incidence of AMD. Thus, the increasing incidence of AMD drives market expansion over the forecast period.
Increasing Adoption of Treatment Due to Therapeutic Advancements Creates Tremendous Opportunities
The prevalence of longer-acting VEGF drugs and treatments is increasing among market participants for these diseases. Anti-VEGF products with a short duration of action, such as Lucentis (Ranibizumab), are required once a month, resulting in an annual cost of USD 24,000 per patient. In addition, the annual cost of Eylea ranges from USD 22,200 to USD 13,875. However, the exorbitant price of these products reduces their market share. For instance, the 2019 introduction of brolucizumab by Novartis has increased competition between existing medications. Beovu (brolucizumab) was introduced as a VEGF medication with a longer half-life. The additional doses are given every 8 to 12 weeks after the initial three loading doses per month. The annual cost of the product is USD 7,400 for 12-week regimens and USD 11,100 for 8-week regimens.
In addition, companies are developing a variety of formulations and drug-delivery technologies that could expand the use of these therapies. For instance, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. is developing the port delivery system for the phase 3 clinical trial of RG6321 (Ranibizumab). A refillable eye implant that continuously delivers ranibizumab in a specialized formulation for several months. These factors provide opportunities for market expansion.
North America is the most significant global anti-VEGF therapeutics market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 0.2% during the forecast period. The growth of the anti-VEGF therapeutics market in North America can be attributed to several factors, including the high disease burden and the increase in favorable government initiatives. Regionally, research funding is substantial. In addition, technological advances in the pharmaceutical industry may stimulate market growth. For instance, in May 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. announced the topline phase 3 clinical trial results for formulation advancement of ranibizumab with the Port Delivery System. The business may have a competitive advantage due to technological advancements and new delivery methods. Furthermore, an article suggests that the direct healthcare costs of visual impairment due to AMD in the WHO subregion, which includes the United States, Canada, and Cuba, totaled USD 98 billion. It is anticipated that the presence of prominent products such as Avastin, Eylea, and Lucentis, among others, will increase access to treatment in the region.
Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 0.4% over the forecast period. Anti-VEGF therapeutics market in the region is anticipated to be driven by the increasing prevalence of ophthalmic diseases and the increasing investments in the development of treatment options. According to reports, the prevalence and incidence of indications like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathies are high in the region, supporting market growth. It is estimated that there are 34 million AMD patients in Europe, of which 22 million reside in EU-5 countries. In addition, it is anticipated that this number will increase by 25% by 2050. Approximately 25% of the diabetic population, or approximately 4 million patients, have Diabetic Eye Disease (DED). In Europe, healthcare is universal, with coverage for all approved purposes. In contrast, reimbursement for off-label drug use varies across Europe based on legislation authorizing such use. While some nations discourage and deny coverage for unapproved drug use, others, such as France, with its Temporary Recommendation for Use (RTU), and Italy, legally permit and reimburse unapproved drug use.
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