February 2025
The Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market is projected to experience steady growth from 2024 to 2034, driven by increasing prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, advancements in treatment options, and rising healthcare awareness. Europe holds 31% of the global market in 2024, with Germany contributing a notable share within the region.
The market is expected to benefit from innovative drug formulations, a growing aging population, and government initiatives to improve anemia management. Expansion in intravenous (IV) iron therapies and increased adoption of oral supplements will further shape market dynamics, with steady CAGR growth anticipated over the forecast period.
Iron deficiency anemia is when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells (RBCs) due to a lack of iron. It is mainly caused by an imbalance between iron uptake and utilization. Other causes include blood loss due to severe disorders, heavy periods, injuries, frequent blood donations, pregnancy, genetic defects, and administration of some medications. There are generally three stages of iron deficiency anemia. The first stage is when the body takes less iron than needed. The second stage is when the bone marrow makes RBCs, while in the third stage, hemoglobin levels are below the normal range. The treatment regimen for iron deficiency anemia includes iron supplements with vitamin C, diet, or RBC transfusion.
The rising prevalence of iron deficiency anemia necessitates its treatment, boosting the market. As anemia is caused by severe chronic disorders and heavy bleeding, the rising incidences of such disorders also potentiate the need for iron therapy. The growing research and development activities to develop novel iron therapies or other treatments augment the market. Technological advancements drive the latest innovations in iron deficiency anemia treatment. Moreover, the increasing investments and favorable government policies promote market growth.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can play a vital role in the market. These advanced technologies drive the latest innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. However, AI is still in its infancy for iron deficiency anemia. AI and ML can analyze vast amounts of patient data and help in screening iron deficiency anemia cases. AI can also aid in effective diagnosis by analyzing patient medical reports, enhancing accuracy and precision. AI and ML can predict the anemia outcomes of iron deficiency in a large population, enabling healthcare professionals to prevent it at an early stage. They can reduce manual errors and can also detect anemia that is otherwise difficult to diagnose by humans. Additionally, they can suggest personalized treatment for patients and help to overcome potential side effects of conventional therapy.
Growing Research and Development Activities
The major growth factor of the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market is the growing research and development activities. Numerous German researchers conduct research to identify the prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia in Germany. The prevalence rate of anemia is 10.9% in males and 39.5% in females, both adolescents and young adults. The ongoing research also focuses on developing novel treatment regimens for iron deficiency anemia. Researchers compare their developed drugs or supplements with potential iron sources to compare their safety and efficacy. Novel drug delivery systems are developed to improve the distribution of iron in the body. These research and development activities in Germany are supported by increasing investments, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions. The growing research and development activities lead to an increasing number of clinical trials.
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Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The major challenge of the market is the potential of iron supplements to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Oral iron supplements mainly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and nausea. This restricts the use of oral iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia patients, hindering market growth.
Increasing Awareness
The future of the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market is promising, driven by the increasing awareness. The rising prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia, especially in pregnant women, increases the awareness of its treatment. A nationwide analysis of anemia prevalence in Germany in 2023 revealed an anemia rate of 23.7% in more than 6 million pregnant women. Favorable government initiatives and international guidelines create awareness among the general public for its early diagnosis and treatment. Several government and private organizations and research institutions organize seminars, workshops, and symposiums to promote early diagnosis and treatment of anemia in Germany. These campaigns raise awareness about nutrition best practices and prevention of anemia and vitamin deficiencies. The rising adoption of smartphones and the increasing use of social media further potentiates awareness of iron deficiency anemia treatment.
By therapy type, the parenteral iron therapy segment dominated the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. Parenteral iron therapy is administered through the intravenous (i.v.) route. It overcomes several challenges of conventional oral therapy, such as gastrointestinal side effects. It results in a rapid onset of action and eliminates first-pass metabolism, i.e., degradation by the intestinal route. Several studies have proved that i.v. Iron infusion increases hemoglobin levels more rapidly than oral therapy. Parenteral therapy is widely preferred in patients with moderate-to-severe iron deficiency anemia. Thus, i.v. Iron is more effective and better tolerated than oral iron.
By therapy type, the oral iron therapy segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. Oral iron therapy is easy to administer, increasing patient medication adherence. It eliminates the need for skilled professionals to administer drugs. It can be taken by people of all age groups and is relatively cost-effective. The availability of different types of tablets, such as sustained and immediate release, can enable healthcare professionals to modify the treatment.
By age group, the adults segment led the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. Adults, such as pregnant women and adolescents, are more prone to develop iron deficiency anemia. According to Statistisches Bundesamt, a total of 692,989 children were born in 2023 in Germany. The increased risk of chronic disorders such as chronic kidney disorders and blood disorders causes anemia. Additionally, the increasing risk of heavy menstrual bleeding and trauma cases potentiates the segment’s growth. In 2023, 31,217 people were seriously injured, leading to trauma in Germany.
By age group, the pediatric segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Many children suffer from malabsorption issues of the digestive system due to poor diet. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, as well as insufficient hemoglobin or RBC production, are major causes of iron deficiency anemia in children. It is estimated that around 6.6% of infants in Germany have a low weight at birth. Favorable government policies and increasing awareness augment the segment’s growth.
By end-user, the hospitals segment held the largest share of the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. The increasing number of hospitalizations due to the rising prevalence of severe chronic disorders promotes the segment’s growth. The segmental growth is also attributed to the presence of trained professionals and suitable infrastructure. Hospitals provide access to multidisciplinary expertise due to the presence of multiple departments. They are also part of numerous clinical trials, benefiting patients to access various novel treatments before market approval. Favorable reimbursement policies also govern the segment’s growth.
By end-user, the home healthcare segment is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. The rising geriatric population and technological advancements are the major factors increasing the demand for home healthcare. Several healthcare professionals suggest anemia-friendly exercises and nutritional requirements to maintain iron balance in the body. Foods like moringa leaves, beetroot, sesame seeds, dates and raisins, and dark green leafy vegetables are rich sources of iron.
Several factors positively impact the growth of the Germany iron deficiency anemia therapy market. One such factor is the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders such as trauma and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 12.27% of the total population of Germany, i.e., approximately 1 million people, were diagnosed with CKD in 2023. The growing research and development activities and technological advancements help German researchers to develop novel and advanced iron therapy or drug delivery systems. Researchers are investigating the role of cell and gene therapies for iron deficiency anemia. In June 2024, the German Federal Government handed the strategy paper for a “National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapies” to serve as a basis for policymaking to give Germany a leading role in the field of cell and gene therapies in Europe. Thus, favorable government initiatives and increasing investments augment the market.
Carlo Volpi, CEO of PharmaNutra, commented that the company is excited to launch its Sucrosomal Iron in Germany with a strong and important partner, Fresenius Kabi. He added that Fresenius is known for its intense scientific research and is an essential aspect that will enable the company to exploit the enormous potential of their patented technology.
In April 2024, the prevalence of anemia, peripartum hemorrhage, and comorbidities were analyzed in patients who underwent ex-utero intrapartum (EXIT) treatment. The study concluded that anemia management and blood conservation strategies are essential to reduce the need for RBC transfusion undergoing EXIT treatment.
By Therapy Type
By Age Group
By End-User
February 2025