The global Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) market size was valued at USD 2.60 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing new cases of autoimmune diseases, growing prevalence of SLE worldwide, awareness regarding significance of early diagnosis, and increasing research and development in treatments for SLE are some of the key factors influencing market growth. Emergence of innovative therapies related to severe autoimmune diseases, availability of drugs and treatments related to SLE and enhanced healthcare infrastructure in numerous countries has fueled growth of this market in recent years.
Nearly 200,000 individuals in the U.S. are estimated to have SLE. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, SLE is one of the most common lupus, and 7 out of 10 individuals with lupus have SLE. The causes of SLE are still under investigation and not determined, however, it is likely the result of environmental factors and genetics. However, any individual might be diagnosed with SLE; women in the age of 15 to 44 are at higher risk of developing SLE.
Increasing healthcare expenditure, particularly in developed countries, and rising collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and care providers are fostering the development of innovative therapies, thus propelling market growth. Moreover, the presence of regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approving new drugs and therapies more frequently is expected to influence growth of this market during forecast period.
The vast majority of individuals diagnosed with lupus are women, with over 90% of cases occurring in females. Lupus most often strikes during childbearing, typically between the ages of 15 and 45. Similarly, approximately 5 million people worldwide are believed to have lupus, which can cause inflammation and damage to various parts of the body.
Another key growth factor driving the SLE market is the development and approval of new, targeted therapies. Several biopharmaceutical companies are actively pursuing the development of new treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These efforts aim to improve patient outcomes by advancing various SLE research and management aspects. In March 2024, the FDA granted Seattle Children's Hospital an authorization to initiate the first clinical trial in the U.S. utilizing CAR-T cell therapy for children under 18 and old with SLE.
Increasing healthcare expenditure, especially in developed countries, bolsters the adoption of advanced therapies. As governments and private insurers allocate more resources toward treating autoimmune diseases, patients have greater access to new and effective medications. In addition, strategic collaborations and partnerships between pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers are fostering the development of innovative therapies. Growing awareness regarding the severity of SLE and the need for focused efforts to invent advanced therapies for it is expected to develop growth for this market during the forecast period. In May 2024, Exagen Inc., announced a campaign to raise awareness about lupus during Lupus Awareness Month.
The immunosuppressant segment dominated the global market and accounted for revenue share of 35.1% in 2023. The segment is primarily driven by effectiveness of drug in managing the disease's symptoms. Immunosuppressive drugs are the often prescribed for treating lupus, including methotrexate and azathioprine, which are widely used for their ability to effectively reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. The growing use, increasing rate of diagnosis resulting from rising awareness and growth in prevalence of SLE are expected to fuel growth of this segment during forecast period.
The biologics segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. One of the key factors driving the segment growth is the increasing awareness and understanding of the disease's underlying biology. Therapies such as belimumab and anifrolumab have shown high efficacy in treating patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The growing demand for personalized medicine and the need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects are driving the adoption of biologics. In addition, the expansion of indications for existing biologics and the emergence of new biologic agents in the pipeline are expected to fuel market growth.
The oral route of administration segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. Growth of this segment is attributed to its convenience, ease of administration, and high patient compliance. Oral medications such as antimalarial hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids have been the cornerstone of systemic lupus erythematosus treatment as they offer a convenient and non-invasive treatment option, allowing patients to manage their disease in the comfort of their own homes. In addition, oral medications are often less expensive than biologics and other injectable treatments, making them a more accessible option for patients.
The subcutaneous segment is expected to experience the fastest CAGR of 8.8% over the forecast period. Subcutaneous administration offers improved patient convenience, reduced administration costs, and enhanced treatment adherence.
The hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2023. The growth of this segment is attributed to its widespread presence and specialized care offerings. Hospital pharmacies are often equipped with advanced pharmacy information systems and offer various medications, including biologics and immunosuppressant. In addition, hospital pharmacies have trained professionals who provide patient education, counseling, and support as and when needed. Moreover, several health insurance plans cover hospital pharmacy costs, making medications more affordable.
Online pharmacy is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing e-commerce sector, the rising demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services, and the adoption of digital technologies are the primary factors that drive the growth of this segment.
North America dominated the global systemic lupus erythematosus market and accounted for the largest share of 39.4% in 2023. The region's dominance is attributed to the high prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus, robust healthcare infrastructure, and awareness about autoimmune disease. The region's large pharmaceutical industry, coupled with the presence of key players such as GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly and Company, and AstraZeneca, has driven innovation and investment in the development of new therapies, solidifying North America's position as a leader in the systemic lupus erythematosus market. Furthermore, the well-established regulatory frameworks that streamline the approval and availability of new therapies further contribute to the region's growth. In December 2023, the FDA approved a phase 1 trial of CNTY-101 in patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus.
The U.S. systemic lupus erythematosus market dominated the regional market in 2023. The U.S. benefits from an advanced healthcare system with widespread access to specialized medical care, leading to high diagnosis rates and effective management of SLE. Strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment such as the FDA and the Lupus Foundation of America, facilitate the swift approval of new treatments, propelling the region’s growth.
Europe held a significant share in the systemic lupus erythematosus market in 2023. The robust presence of well-developed healthcare infrastructure, increasing prevalence of SLE, and wide healthcare coverage are the key factors driving the region’s growth. The region is home to numerous research institutions and pharmaceutical companies that contribute to developing and available innovative SLE treatments.
Asia Pacific systemic lupus erythematosus market is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.0% in 2023. Increasing SLE disease, awareness, and healthcare expenditure are the key factors expected to drive the region’s growth. SLE is more common among Asian populations, and China and India, being the most populous countries, naturally have a higher number of patients diagnosed with this autoimmune condition.
Some of the key companies in the systemic lupus erythematosus market include Novartis AG, GSK plc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and others. To address the growing competition, the major market participants are adopting strategies such as enhanced focus on research and development, innovation-based new product launches, collaborations, and acquisitions of other organizations operating in similar businesses.
GSK plc, a global pharmaceuticals and biotechnology company, offers a diverse range of products across three different categories, including vaccines, specialty, and general medicines. One of its key offerings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment is Benlysta (belimumab), first approved in 2011, a significant medication for adults and pediatric patients with SLE.
The following are the leading companies in the systemic lupus erythematosus market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2024 |
USD 2.79 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2030 |
USD 4.26 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2023 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2024 to 2030 |
Report Coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments Covered |
Drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, MEA |
Country scope |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE |
Key companies profiled |
Novartis AG; GSK plc.; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd; Pfizer Inc.; Sanofi; Lycera (Celgene); Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; ImmuPharma PLC; Merck KgaA; AstraZeneca; UCB S.A. |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global systemic lupus erythematosus market report based on drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region:
Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Biologics
Saphnelo (Anifrolumab)
Benlysta (Belimumab)
Phase 3 Pipeline Products
TNF Inhibitors
NSAID’s
Corticosteroids
Antimalarials
Immunosuppressants
Other Drug Classes
Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Oral
Intravenous
Subcutaneous
Other Route of Administration
Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Hospital Pharmacy
Retail Pharmacy
Online Pharmacy
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Denmark
Sweden
Norway
Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
South Korea
Thailand
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Kuwait
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