Global Albumin Market Grows at a Staggering CAGR of 6.0%

Introduction

The global albumin market is experiencing consistent expansion, driven by its extensive uses in the pharmaceutical, clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, and life sciences industries.  Albumin, a hydrophilic protein sourced from human plasma or recombinant origins, is essential for sustaining oncotic pressure and facilitating the movement of critical chemicals such as hormones and fatty acids.  The extensive clinical application in critical care, therapy of hypoalbuminemia, and medication delivery perpetuates global demand.  The market is expanding, particularly in emerging economies with enhanced healthcare infrastructure and increased access to plasma-derived medicines.  The rising incidence of liver illness, nephrotic syndrome, and burns, along with an increase in surgical operations, is driving demand.

Market Dynamics

Advancements in plant-based biotechnology drive market growth

A primary catalyst for the albumin market is the advocacy for scalable, plant-based production techniques that diminish reliance on plasma-derived sources, especially in nations with substantial import dependence for essential biologics such as albumin.

• For example, in April 2025, Healthgen Biotechnology, a biotechnology company based in China, obtained regulatory approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its rice-derived recombinant human albumin injection.  The injectable, designed to address hypoalbuminemia, is manufactured via a patented plant-based platform that facilitates large-scale production; 25 kilos of rice may yield albumin equivalent to five litres of human plasma.

As nations such as China increase their investment in recombinant biologics, the demand for scalable, animal-free sources of albumin is anticipated to grow.

Nanogold-albumin conjugates in targeted oncology nanomedicine create tremendous opportunities

Incorporating albumin-based nanocarriers in precision oncology, especially via nanogold–albumin conjugate advancements, represents a burgeoning prospect.  Researchers are redefining albumin from a passive excipient to a crucial functional substance in advancing cancer treatments and next-generation nanomedicine platforms to enhance efficacy and safety.

• For instance, in March 2025, a significant review paper in Nanoscale examined groundbreaking advancements in this field, including nanosystems, such as supramolecular albumin-coated gold nanoparticles and albumin-templated ultra-small gold nanoclusters.  These conjugates are designed for optimal medication administration and diagnostic imaging.  Their adjustable surface chemistry, extended circulation time, and minimal immunogenicity render them optimal for delivering various therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutics and nucleic acids, while facilitating real-time imaging.

With the growing clinical interest in albumin-functionalized nanocarriers, this breakthrough presents a significant opportunity for biotechnology corporations, diagnostic developers, and pharmaceutical companies to invest in albumin as a fundamental platform material.

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the global albumin market, bolstered by a strong biopharmaceutical sector and extensive clinical demand for albumin-based treatments.  The region significantly utilises albumin in hospital environments for volume resuscitation, shock management, and surgical assistance, particularly in trauma and critical care units.  Moreover, sophisticated research infrastructure and biotechnology innovation centres have broadened the use of albumin beyond its conventional uses.  The integration of this technology in drug delivery systems, plasma fractionation, and novel diagnostics signifies the region's transition towards high-value therapeutic solutions.  Regulatory clarity, robust reimbursement structures, and steady clinical adoption bolster North America's preeminence in the albumin sector.

Key Highlights

• The global albumin market size was valued at USD 5.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.56 billion in 2025 to USD 8.91 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
• By Product Type, the market is segmented into Human Serum Albumin (HSA), Recombinant Albumin, and Bovine Serum Albumin. Human Serum Albumin leads the market due to its unmatched clinical safety, widespread use in acute care, and strong demand across therapeutic and biotechnological applications.
• By Application, the market includes drug delivery and vaccine stabilisation, therapeutics, diagnostics, and research. Drug delivery and vaccine stabilisation represent the most dynamic segment, supported by albumin’s long half-life, binding capacity, and ability to enhance therapeutic efficacy in biologics and nanomedicine.
• By Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online platforms. Hospital pharmacies dominate the segment as primary dispensers of albumin-based therapies, ensuring strict compliance with purity standards and centralised supply chain management.
• By End-User, the market is categorised into hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions. Hospitals and clinics held the largest share in 2024, reflecting albumin’s critical role in emergency interventions, surgical recovery, and personalized treatment regimens.
• Based on region, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America leads the global market due to strong healthcare infrastructure, consistent demand in intensive care units, and early adoption of recombinant and advanced albumin therapies.

Competitive Players

1. CSL Behring
2. Grifols S.A.
3. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
4. Octapharma AG
5. Merck KGaA
6. Baxter International Inc.
7. Kedrion Biopharma Inc.
8. HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
9. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
10. Albumedix Ltd. (a part of Sartorius AG)
11. Recombinant Technologies Inc.
12. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
13. InVitria (a division of Ventria Bioscience)

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, InVitria achieved a major milestone: Exbumin®, its plant-based recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA), received regulatory approval as an excipient in injectable therapeutics by both the FDA and EMA. Manufactured in a cGMP, ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Kansas, Exbumin provides a chemically defined, animal- and blood-free alternative to plasma-derived albumin. Its ultra-low endotoxin levels and proven stability in vaccine and gene therapy formulations make it a critical enabler of scalable, safe biologics manufacturing.
• In May 2025, CSL Behring significantly strengthened its position in the global albumin market by expanding its biotechnology manufacturing facility in Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia. Backed by an AU$230 million investment and recognised with the 2025 ISPE Facility of the Year Award in the Pharma 4.0 category, the site is designed to process over 10 million litres of plasma annually.
• In May 2025, Orion Corporation entered a strategic partnership with Shilpa Biocare, gaining exclusive distribution, marketing, and sales rights across Europe for Shilpa’s recombinant human albumin, produced via a non-human expression system. The collaboration includes milestone-based payments tied to regulatory and commercial progress. This deal enhances albumin availability in regulated hospital markets and supports the adoption of scalable, virus-free manufacturing of albumin for therapeutic applications.

Segmentation

1. By Product Type
   1. Human Serum Albumin (HSA)
   2. Recombinant Albumin
   3. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
2. By Application
   1. Drug Delivery
   2. Vaccine Stabilisation
   3. Therapeutic Use (Liver Disease, Burns, Trauma)
   4. Diagnostic Applications
   5. Cell Culture Media and Biotechnology
3. By Distribution Channel
   1. Hospital Pharmacies
   2. Retail Pharmacies
   3. Online Pharmacies
   4. Direct Sales (Manufacturers to Hospitals)
4. By End-User
   1. Hospitals
   2. Clinics
   3. Research and Academic Institutes
   4. Biopharmaceutical Companies
   5. Diagnostic Laboratories