Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Industry Trends & Outlook
The global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market reached US$ 11.96 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 30.42 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.2 % during the forecast period of 2025-2033.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted biopharmaceutical therapies that combine a monoclonal antibody, which specifically recognizes and binds to cancer cell antigens, with a potent cytotoxic drug, connected through a stable chemical linker. This design allows ADCs to deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, maximizing tumor cell kill while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
The primary drivers of the ADC market include the rising global incidence of cancer, increased investment and collaborations among pharmaceutical companies, and ongoing technological advancements in antibody engineering, linker chemistry, and cytotoxic payloads. The demand for more effective and less toxic cancer therapies also fuels market growth, as ADCs offer a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy by enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects.
There is a notable shift toward next-generation ADCs featuring improved linker technologies and novel payloads, as well as increased adoption of combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches, including the use of companion diagnostics for patient selection.
Significant opportunities exist in addressing unmet clinical needs for hard-to-treat cancers, expanding into emerging markets with improving healthcare infrastructure, and leveraging ongoing innovation in ADC technology. The robust pipeline of ADC candidates and the increasing number of product approvals indicate strong future growth potential and the possibility of expanding ADC applications beyond oncology to other therapeutic areas.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Executive Summary
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market Dynamics: Drivers
Rising prevalence of cancer
The rising prevalence of cancer is a major driver for the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the number of new cases increasing every year. In 2024, there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases globally, and this figure is projected to soar to over 35 million by 2050, a 77% increase, due to factors such as population growth, aging, and increased exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution.
As the number of cancer patients rises, so does the demand for innovative therapies like ADCs, which can provide better outcomes for patients with both common and hard-to-treat cancers. Furthermore, the increase in cancer incidence is not uniform across the globe; low- and middle-income countries are expected to experience the largest proportional rise in cases and mortality by 2050, further highlighting the need for scalable and effective treatment solutions such as ADCs.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market Dynamics: Restraints
High development and manufacturing costs
High development and manufacturing costs are a significant restraint for the global High development and manufacturing costs are a significant restraint for the global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) market. ADCs are among the most complex biologic drugs to produce, requiring precise conjugation of monoclonal antibodies with highly potent cytotoxic payloads under tightly controlled conditions.
Each step in the process, from synthesis and purification to formulation and fill-finish, must meet stringent quality and regulatory standards, which increases the technical and operational complexity of manufacturing. These complexities translate into substantial financial demands. The production of ADCs involves expensive raw materials, such as high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and requires advanced containment facilities to ensure safety for workers and the environment.
Additionally, highly skilled personnel are necessary to manage and operate the sophisticated manufacturing processes. These factors combine to create high barriers to entry for new manufacturers and limit competition in the space, particularly impacting smaller biopharmaceutical companies that may lack the necessary infrastructure or capital to produce ADCs in-house.
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Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market - Segment Analysis
The global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market is segmented based on product type, target type, technology type, application, end-user, and region.
Application:
The breast cancer application segment is expected to hold 39.3% of the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market in 2024
Breast cancer remains one of the most common and burdensome cancers globally, driving strong demand for innovative and effective therapies. The development and approval of ADCs specifically targeting HER2-positive breast cancer, such as Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), have revolutionized treatment, offering improved survival and quality of life for patients with advanced or metastatic disease.
These drugs use monoclonal antibodies to precisely target cancer cells expressing the HER2 protein, delivering cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue, which results in greater efficacy and fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
The strong clinical performance and global regulatory approvals of these ADCs have led to widespread adoption in oncology practice. Moreover, ongoing research and the introduction of next-generation ADCs targeting additional breast cancer subtypes (such as HER2-low and triple-negative breast cancer) continue to expand the eligible patient population and drive further market growth.
The breast cancer segment’s dominance in the ADC market is underpinned by high disease prevalence, product launches, approvals, and continuous innovation, making it a key driver of overall market expansion.
For instance, in January 2025, Roche received FDA approval for the first companion diagnostic test specifically designed to identify patients with HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer who may be eligible for treatment with Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), a HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Geographical Analysis
North America is expected to hold 44.3% of the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market in 2024
The North America antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market is driven by a combination of demographic, clinical, technological, and industry-specific factors that make it the global leader in this sector. One of the most significant drivers is the high and rising prevalence of cancer in the region. The United States alone is expected to see nearly two million new cancer cases and over 600,000 cancer deaths in 2025, which creates strong demand for advanced, targeted therapies like ADCs. The aging population further amplifies this need, as cancer risk increases with age and the senior demographic continues to grow.
Another key driver is North America’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and robust research capabilities. The region is home to world-class hospitals, research centers, and diagnostic facilities that support the rapid adoption and integration of complex biopharmaceuticals such as ADCs. This environment is further strengthened by the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Roche, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Seagen, and Gilead Sciences, which invest heavily in oncology research, clinical trials, and the development of new ADC products.
For instance, in June 2025, OBI Pharma, a clinical-stage oncology company, and TegMine Therapeutics, a US-based biotech specializing in antibodies targeting cancer-specific glycans and glycoproteins, entered into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Also, in August 2024, GSK received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the US FDA for its investigational B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), known as GSK5764227 (GSK’227), for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.
This designation is granted to drugs that show promising early clinical evidence of substantial improvement over existing therapies for serious or life-threatening conditions. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as a dominant force in the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market.
Asia Pacific is expected to hold 17.6% of the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market in 2024
The Asia-Pacific antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by several key factors. A major driver is the rising prevalence of cancer across the region, particularly in populous countries like China and India.
Asia accounts for nearly half of all new global cancer cases, and the burden is expected to increase further due to aging populations, urbanization, and lifestyle changes that contribute to higher cancer risk. This growing incidence creates strong demand for advanced, targeted therapies such as ADCs, which offer improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Another significant driver is the expanding geriatric population. The proportion of people aged 65 and older is rising rapidly in Asia-Pacific, and this demographic is more susceptible to cancer. As the elderly population grows, so does the need for innovative cancer treatments, further fueling ADC market expansion.
Increased investment in research and development (R&D) is also propelling the market. Pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms are channelling more resources into ADC research, clinical trials, and production, encouraged by the region’s large patient pool and unmet medical needs. Technological advancements, especially in linker and payload chemistry, are enhancing the precision and effectiveness of ADCs, making them more attractive for both clinicians and patients in the Asia-Pacific region.
For instance, in March 2025, V20 Therapeutics (GV20), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, formed a strategic research collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC), a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company.
Also, in January 2024, AstraZeneca launched Trastuzumab deruxtecan (brand name Enhertu) in India, specifically for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously received an anti-HER2 regimen.
Enhertu is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a type of targeted cancer therapy that links a monoclonal antibody (which homes in on cancer cells expressing the HER2 protein) to a chemotherapy drug, allowing for more precise delivery of treatment and potentially reducing side effects compared to standard chemotherapy. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as a dominant force in the global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) market include Pfizer, Inc., AstraZeneca, GSK plc, DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Gilead Sciences, Inc., ADC Therapeutics, Astellas Pharma Inc., ImmunoGen, Inc., ACROBiosystems, and RemeGen Co., Ltd., among others.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Key Developments
In May 2025, Astellas Pharma Inc., a major global pharmaceutical company, and Evopoint Biosciences, a biotechnology company, entered into an exclusive license agreement for a new cancer drug called XNW27011. This drug is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets a protein called CLDN18.2.
In February 2025, Summit Therapeutics announced a clinical trial collaboration with Pfizer to study the combination of ivonescimab, a novel, investigational PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, with several of Pfizer’s antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in multiple solid tumor types.
In January 2025, Boehringer Ingelheim, a major global pharmaceutical company, entered into a licensing agreement with Synaffix B.V., a Lonza company. Synaffix specializes in developing advanced technology platforms for creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a cutting-edge form of targeted cancer therapy.
In January 2024, Johnson & Johnson announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ambrx Biopharma, Inc. a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), for a total equity value of approximately $2.0 billion, or $1.9 billion net of estimated cash acquired in the US.
Global Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Market – Scope
Metrics | Details | |
CAGR | 11.2% | |
Market Size Available for Years | 2022-2033 | |
Estimation Forecast Period | 2025-2033 | |
Revenue Units | Value (US$ Bn) | |
Segments Covered | Product Type | Adcetris, Perjeta, Kadcyla, Enhertu, Padcev, Trodelvy, Polivy, Others |
Target Type | CD30 Antibodies, HER2 Antibodies, CD22 Antibodies, Others | |
Technology Type | Linker Technology, Payload Technology, Others | |
Application | Breast Cancer, Blood Cancer, Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovary Cancer, Others | |
End-User | Hospitals, Cancer Centres, Others | |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa | |
The global antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) market report delivers a detailed analysis with 84 key tables, more than 83 visually impactful figures, and 173 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.
