Marine-based Drug Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034
The global marine-based drug market is estimated to be worth USD 4,177.9 million in 2024. By 2034, sales are projected to reflect the value of USD 9,275.9 million. A CAGR of 8.3% is forecasted for the forthcoming decade.
| Attributes |
Key Insights |
| Estimated Global Marine-based Drug Market Size (2024E) |
USD 4,177.9 million |
| Projected Marine Drug Market Value (2034F) |
USD 9,275.9 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
8.3% |
- Rising demand for new and efficient drugs and marine biodiversity with pharmacological properties are likely to raise the value of the marine-based drug market.
- Marine-based drugs are finding application in different therapeutics: cancer, infectious diseases, neurological, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Market growth is accelerated by technological advances in the discovery of drugs from marine organisms, such as genomics, met genomics, and high-throughput screening methods. All these increase the pace of identification, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds, hence making drug development more efficient.
- New diseases are challenges for the available drug resources as a result of population growth and changing environmental conditions around the world.
- Pharmaceutical companies are developing vigorous and safe drugs in response to the increasing needs of the population.
- Growing change in focus towards sustainability has led to a spur in the demand for marine drugs through environment-friendly alternatives. This has opened up huge avenues for market participants who could develop new and sustainable solutions for marine drugs.
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2019 to 2023 Global Marine-based Drug Market Growth Outlook Vs. 2024 to 2034
The global marine-based drug sales multiplied at a CAGR of 7.7% in the historical period.
- From 2019 to 2023, there was a remarkable surge in marine-based drug discovery activities, with some drug formulations at different phases of development being identified.
- Investments in screening marine animals for therapeutic compounds, likely to help against neurological disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions, have been made by companies and academic institutions worldwide.
- In the face of mounting environmental concerns and conservation problems, much greater attention has been given by the stakeholders in the marine-based drug industry to questions of sustainable procedures and responsible bioprospecting.
- Collaborative projects promoted innovation and expedited the search for new drugs by facilitating information exchange, resource pooling, and technology transfer.
- Compounds produced from marine sources have found uses outside the pharmaceutical industry in fields such as materials research, agriculture, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
Restraining Factors in the Marine-based Drug Market
- The time and money required to obtain adequate numbers of marine species for research and development can limit the scalability of marine-based drug discovery initiatives.
- The complexity and diversity of marine ecosystems make it challenging to locate and separate bioactive substances with potential therapeutic use.
- In spite of the vast number of diverse ranges of bioactive chemicals produced by marine organisms, not all of these compounds possess pharmacologically appropriate characteristics to be developed into medication.
- Maritime resources must be used sustainably, so as to preserve biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems.
- Overexploitation of marine creatures for drug development can result in habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and environmental deterioration, which raises ethical and conservation concerns.
Country-wise Insights
The table below explains the marine-based drug market size of the top five countries for 2034. Among them, the United States is anticipated to remain at the forefront by reaching a valuation of USD 1,864.46 million. The United Kingdom is expected to reach around USD 667.87 million by 2034, less than China's USD 723.52 million.
| Countries |
Market Value (2034) |
| United States |
USD 1,864.46 million |
| United Kingdom |
USD 667.87 million |
| China |
USD 723.52 million |
| India |
USD 519.45 million |
| Japan |
USD 398.86 million |
The table below shows the estimated growth rates of the leading countries. The United States, Japan, and India are set to record high CAGRs of 7.3%, 6.9%, and 6.9%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries |
CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
| United States |
7.3% |
| United Kingdom |
5.2% |
| China |
5.7% |
| India |
6.9% |
| Japan |
6.9% |
Growing Focus on Health and Wellness Driving Demand in China
China's marine-based drug market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. Several factors are expected to drive the growth of the marine-based drug industry in China.
- Growing economic power of China and continued investments in marine biotechnology and pharmaceutical research drive demand for marine-based drugs in the country.
- Ability of organizations to adapt to changing regulations and the pursuit of high standards in the development of drugs have been the two major factors responsible for market growth in China.
Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Driving Demand in the United States
Over the forecast period, demand for marine-based drugs in the United States is anticipated to book a CAGR of 7.3%, driven by factors such as:
there is a high prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders in the United States. It is, therefore, expected that drugs of a marine nature would attract increasing applications in the treatment of these conditions, leading to growing demand for new therapies based on marine organisms.
The marine pharmaceuticals sector is bound to grow because of the ongoing research and development, a friendly regulatory environment, and unmet medical needs in the United States.
Growing Interest in Natural and Sustainable Therapies Boosting Sales in Germany
Germany is expected to contribute a 10.4% share in the global marine drug market in 2024, on the back of drivers like:
- One of the major factors driving demand for marine-based drugs in Germany is that there is a growing consumer preference for sustainable and natural healthcare.
- Major emphasis by Germany is on scientific research and development in the field of marine biotechnology.
Growing Investment in Research and Development Activities Fueling Sales in Japan
Japan’s marine-based drug market is expected to reach a valuation of around USD 398.86 million by 2034. Over the forecast period, sales of marine-based drugs in Japan are projected to soar at a steady CAGR of 6.9%, driven by factors like:
- Leading academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and government agencies are actively involved in marine bioprospecting & drug discovery initiatives in Japan, which has a strong research infrastructure.
India’s Well-established Regulatory Framework Spurring Growth
India's marine-based drug market is set to register a CAGR of 6.9% throughout the forecast period due to factors like:
- Indian drug development regulatory framework is well established and lays down clear directions for all businesses with respect to the study, development, and marketing of marine-based drugs.
- Increasing demand for novel therapeutic solutions due to an aging population and the rising incidence of chronic diseases is fueling the market growth.
Category-wise Insights
The below section shows the algae segment dominating by source. The segment is predicted to reach USD 2,782.8 million by 2034. Based on form, the solid segment is anticipated to reach a market valuation of USD 3,710.3 million by 2034.
| Category |
Market Value (2034) |
| Algae (Source) |
USD 2,782.8 million |
| Prescription-based (Sales Channel) |
USD 3,617.6 million |
| Solid (Form) |
USD 3,710.3 million |
The table below shows the estimated growth rates of the leading segments. Based on the source, the algae segment is expected to surge at a 5.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. By form, the solid segment is set to rise at a CAGR of 4.7% through 2034.
| Category |
CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
| Algae (Source) |
5.6% |
| Prescription Based (Sales Channel) |
7.1% |
| Solid (Form) |
4.7% |
Algae Segment to Dominate the Market by Source Category Through 2034
By source, the algae marine-based drugs segment is anticipated to thrive at a significant CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Key factors pushing the segment are:
- Compounds produced from algae have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, making them useful in the management and treatment of inflammatory diseases, diseases linked to oxidative stress, and age-related ailments.
- Biotechnology advancements are expected to improve the extraction and manufacturing of bioactive substances from algae. Techniques like metabolic engineering and genetic engineering maximize the generation of desired substances and boost their yield, making the procedure more effective and profitable.
- Marine pharmaceuticals made from algae have a promising future. There are several opportunities to find new bioactive substances, improve production techniques, and form partnerships.
Solid Form Remains a Popular Form in the Marine-based Drug Market
Based on form, the solid segment is expected to surge at a CAGR of 4.7% through 2034.
- Solid forms, like tablets, capsules, and powders, have notable advantages over other methods of drug delivery. These different advantages include a prolonged shelf life, easier storage and transportation, and faster and more predictable absorption.
- Increasing adoption of personalized treatment will support the demand for solid forms of marine drugs.
- Absolute dose control over a drug is offered with solid dosage forms, which makes them the ideal choice for personalized medication.
Competitive Landscape
Pfizer Inc., TerSera Therapeutics LLC., Janssen Products, LP, Eisai Inc., Biotium, PharmaMar, and Zeltia ZEL.MC are key marine-based drug manufacturers listed in the report. Leading marine drug manufacturers are constantly developing new products to meet consumer demand.
They are also using strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, distribution agreements, collaborations, advertisements, and celebrity endorsements to gain a competitive edge in the market.
For instance
- In 2024, PharmaMar announced the start of a clinical trial involving its new marine-derived chemical PM54, in the field of solid tumors.
- In 2023, Pfizer partnered up with Ginkgo Bioworks to conduct research and discover new RNA-based drug candidates.
Key Companies Profiled
- Pfizer Inc.
- TerSera Therapeutics LLC.
- Janssen Products, LP
- Eisai Inc.
- Biotium
- PharmaMar
- Zeltia ZEL.MC
Key Coverage of Marine-based Drug Market Report
- Adjacent Study on Marine Pharmaceutical Market
- Marine Natural Product Market Revenue & Trends
- Marine-derived Pharmaceutical Market Size, Current Insights, and Demographic Trends
- North America Marine-based Drug Market
- Competitive Analysis of Marine Pharmaceutical and Marine Derived Drug Market
- Marine Natural Products Trends
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the marine-based drug market?
The market is set to reach USD 4,177.9 million in 2024.
What is the forecast for the marine-based drug market?
Demand for marine-based drugs is slated to expand at an 8.3% CAGR through 2034.
What is the outlook for the marine-based drug market?
The market is expected to reach USD 9,275.9 million by 2034.
Who are the key players in the marine-based drug market?
Pfizer Inc., TerSera Therapeutics LLC., Janssen Products, and LP are the key players.
Which region would lead the marine-based drug market?
The United States is expected to account for 26.3% of market share in 2034.
