Report

Japan antibody therapeutics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2033, growing from USD 19.33 billion in FY2025 to USD 41.44 billion in FY2033. Japan market for antibody therapeutics has grown significantly because of recent developments in technology and the urgent need for effective therapeutic solutions. One of the main reasons for driving market expansion is the increasing frequency of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders, which has increased manufacturing operations.
For example, the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has granted approval to EPKINLY (epcoritamab), making it the first and only T-cell engaging bispecific antibody approved in Japan for the treatment of adult patients with certain relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) types. This includes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), and follicular lymphoma grade 3B (FL3B), after two or more prior lines of systemic therapy. Epcoritamab is co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie under their oncology collaboration.
Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Aging Population Driving Market Demand
Japan has one of the world's oldest populations, with more than 28% of its residents aged 65 and older. This demographic shift has led to a surge in age-related diseases, particularly cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions, which are major targets for antibody therapeutics. The rising burden of these diseases is increasing the demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies, as they offer targeted treatment with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. Additionally, the high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory diseases in Japan is further driving the adoption of antibody-based treatments. For instance, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved Roche's Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin) for the first-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in combination with chemotherapy. In December 2024, Roche presented five-year follow-up data from the phase III POLARIX study, reinforcing the potential of Polivy in combination with R-CHP to provide durable and lasting remissions in previously untreated DLBCL. This approval marked a significant advancement in the antibody therapeutics space, providing a new treatment option for a disease that accounts for 30-40% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in Japan. The increasing number of such approvals is expected to propel the growth of the antibody therapeutics market, as more patients gain access to life-saving biologics.
Rising Investments and Collaborations in Antibody Drug Development
Japan's pharmaceutical sector is witnessing substantial investments and strategic collaborations to advance antibody drug discovery and development. Leading pharmaceutical firms and biotech companies are expanding their biologics research and development (R&D) activities in Japan to leverage the country's expertise in biotechnology and precision medicine. With government support for biopharmaceutical innovations, the market for antibody therapeutics is experiencing rapid expansion. For instance, in August 2023, ImmunoGen, Inc. entered into an exclusive collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited to develop and commercialize ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) in Japan. ELAHERE is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting folate receptor alpha (FR?)-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, ImmunoGen received a USD 34 million upfront payment and is eligible for additional regulatory and commercial milestone payments, as well as double-digit royalties on future net sales in Japan. This collaboration underscores Takeda's commitment to bringing innovative oncology therapies to the Japanese market, addressing significant unmet medical needs.
Increasing Adoption of Subcutaneous Antibody Therapeutics for Patient Convenience
Among the different routes of administration, subcutaneous antibody therapies are gaining popularity in Japan due to greater patient convenience, reduced hospital visits, and lower healthcare costs. Intravenous (IV) infusion, the traditional method of delivering antibody drugs, often requires long hospital stays and high administration costs. However, the introduction of subcutaneous formulations has allowed patients to receive antibody-based treatments at home or in outpatient settings, improving compliance and accessibility. A major development in this segment occurred in January 2024, when Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceuticals received approval in Japan for DARZALEX SC (daratumumab), a subcutaneous formulation of its blockbuster multiple myeloma drug. This new version offers shorter administration time and improved patient comfort compared to the intravenous form. With such advancements, subcutaneous antibody therapies are expected to gain a larger market share in Japan, particularly for chronic conditions like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and hematological disorders. As more subcutaneous antibody drugs receive regulatory approvals, the segment will continue to expand, driving overall market growth.
Future Market Scenario (FY2026 - FY2033F)
Many factors claim the growth of Japan antibody therapeutics market. Technological and infrastructural advancements give better results after the diagnosis of the disease. For instance, Astellas has committed USD 256 million to expand its antibody and cell therapy operations in both Japan and the United States. The investment will support the company's future pipeline by building two multi-modality facilities in Japan and relocating a regenerative medicine plant in Massachusetts. The expansion, which includes sites in Toyama and Tsukuba (Japan) and Massachusetts (U.S.), will enhance both R&D and manufacturing capabilities to advance the development and commercialization of Astellas' portfolio. Opportunity also lies in the increasing number of viral infections that the Japan is facing today. Promising moves of the government that provide healthcare infrastructure, funds to carry on research and development on a large scale, and a reliable distribution channel that ensures the solution reaches everyone is testimonial.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Key players in the antibody therapeutics industry utilize strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launches to improve their services and competitiveness. Such efforts will propel significant growth in the market, allowing big-cap industry players to increase their presence and, therefore, find new opportunities in this market.
For instance, in order to improve and broaden the use of ADCs for patients with various cancer types, the partnership combines Merck KGaA's extensive oncology knowledge and clinical development skills with Daiichi Sankyo's demonstrated ADC expertise and DXd technology. With the exception of Japan, where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights, Daiichi Sankyo and Merck will jointly develop and market patritumab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan, and raludotatug deruxtecan globally.