Schedule a Meeting
Download Brochure
Table of Content
February 2025
The global PEGylated proteins market size is calculated at USD 1.63 billion in 2024, grew to USD 1.82 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 4.95 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 11.74% between 2025 and 2034. The discovery of novel biologicals, technological advancements, and rising incidences of chronic disorders drive the market.
Unlock Infinite Advantages: Subscribe to Annual Membership
PEGylation is a process of attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer molecules to biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. PEGylated proteins result from the biochemical modification process for therapeutic purposes or genetic modification of cells. The strategy used to prepare PEGylated proteins depends on the nature of the protein and its therapeutic applications. PEGylation of proteins alters the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs, such as improved drug solubility, reduced dosage frequency, reduced toxicity, extended circulating life, increased drug stability, and enhanced protection from proteolytic degradation. PEGylated drugs are used to treat diseases like anemia, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, and cancer.
The growth of the market is driven by several factors. The rising incidences and prevalence of chronic disorders necessitate researchers to develop novel therapeutics. The growing research and development activities lead to structural and chemical modifications of drugs. The growing need for safer and more effective drugs also increases the demand for PEGylated proteins. Technological advancements govern the entire process of PEGylation by introducing novel techniques. Favorable regulatory frameworks support the development and approval of PEGylated proteins.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can prove to be beneficial for the PEGylation process. AI can determine the complex tertiary structures of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids and identify the site of PEGylation. It can help researchers suggest appropriate strategies for protein PEGylation based on the nature of protein and its therapeutic application. It can also revolutionize the entire PEGylation technique by introducing automation, thereby enhancing process efficiency and accuracy. It can overcome significant challenges in the conventional process, including the purification process. Moreover, AI and ML can predict the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties of large protein molecules.
Demand for Safe and Effective Drugs
The major growth factor of the PEGylated proteins market is the growing demand for safe and effective drugs. The quest for enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic proteins while minimizing potential side effects has led to a remarkable innovation. Conventional therapeutics face significant challenges regarding stability, solubility, efficacy, degradation, etc. PEGylation offers numerous benefits, such as reduced immunogenicity and antigenicity, as well as slowed degradation and elimination. It can influence the binding affinity of the therapeutic moiety to the cell receptors and can alter their absorption and distribution pattern. PEGylated proteins are expanding clinical pipelines for many biotech companies. Developing molecules with enhanced safety and efficacy allows companies to stay competitive and strengthen their position in the therapeutics market. Several regulatory agencies also emphasize the development of drugs with suitable pharmacokinetic and therapeutic potential.
Purification Issues
The major challenge of the market is the purification issues of PEGylated proteins. The purification of PEGylated proteins is challenging as the difference in physicochemical properties between target molecules and product-related impurities is small. This leads to impurities in proteins, restricting market growth.
Biotechnological Advancements
The future of the PEGylated proteins market is promising, driven by biotechnological advancements. Several researchers are investigating novel and more effective methodologies for protein PEGylation owing to technological advancements. This leads to a more economical and efficient process, increasing the accessibility of PEGylation. Numerous pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies are investing heavily in the PEGylation process to develop more effective drugs. Apart from the companies, government organizations also provide funding for biotech R&D. In 2023, the biotech sector reported an investment of more than 228 million euros across 42 deals globally, an increase of 37% from 2022. Additionally, the growing demand for personalized medicines also creates ample opportunities for market players in the future. PEGylation can help researchers provide tailored modifications based on the patient’s condition.
By products & services, the consumables segment held a dominant presence in the PEGylated proteins market in 2024 and is predicted to witness significant growth in the market over the forecast period. Consumables are essential for conducting experiments related to PEGylation processes. Several companies sell reagents, fluids, and kits to refill their requirements. Consumables act as building blocks to covalently attach or modify protein surfaces. They help researchers perform multiple research to develop novel therapeutics. The demand for continuous research and the affordability of consumables augment the segment’s growth. New product launches due to the growing demand for PEGylated products also increase the use of consumables.
By protein type, the colony-stimulating factors segment led the global PEGylated proteins market in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. Colony-stimulating factors (CSF) are proteins that stimulate the production of blood cells. Some common examples of CSF include granulocyte CSF, granulocyte-macrophage CSF, and promegapoietin. PEGylation of CSF offers numerous advantages, including a longer half-life, improved patient compliance, and greater safety. Since it has a longer half-life, the number of injections decreases, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. It is widely used for primary or secondary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in chemotherapy. It has also been found to reduce cytopenia in breast cancer patients. The expanded applications of PEGylated CSF and its superior benefits fuel the segment’s growth.
By application, the cancer segment held the largest share of the PEGylated proteins market in 2024 and is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. The rising incidences of cancer and the growing need for targeted therapy for treating cancer potentiate the segment’s growth. It is estimated that around 35.3 million new cancer cases will be reported in 2050 globally, with around 18.5 million cancer deaths. Out of the total 38 FDA-approved PEGylated therapeutics, hematology and oncology were the major therapeutic interventions. Conventional anti-cancer drugs cause toxicity to the normal cells as well. Hence, the demand for PEGylated proteins increases to overcome certain difficulties caused by conventional therapeutics.
By end-user, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment registered its dominance over the global market in 2024. The segmental growth is attributed to suitable infrastructure, capital investments, and the presence of skilled professionals. The availability of state-of-the-art research and development facilities in companies enables researchers to develop novel therapeutics. Major pharma and biotech companies invest heavily in biotech R&D. In 2023, Merck reported $30.5 billion in R&D funding. PEGylated proteins also expand the company’s drug development pipeline. The increasing number of pharma and biotech startups also promotes the segment’s growth.
North America dominated the global PEGylated proteins market share by 35% in 2024. The presence of key players and the rising incidences and prevalence of chronic disorders drive the market. Key players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, and Creative BioMart hold a major share of the market in North America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 129 million people in the U.S. have at least one chronic disorder, necessitating the development of PEGylated therapeutics. Favorable regulatory frameworks also support the market. The U.S. and Canadian government provides funding for conducting pharmaceutical & biotechnology research. The increasing number of pharma and biotech companies also contribute to market growth. There are about 5,000 pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and 3,000 in Canada.
Asia-Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing PEGylated proteins market in the coming years. The increasing investments and favorable government support drive the market. Government policies such as “Made in China” and “Make in India” support the indigenous development and manufacturing of PEGylated proteins in Asia-Pacific. The burgeoning biotech sector and increasing collaborations and mergers & acquisitions also contribute to the market. Collaborations with major players enable companies to produce novel PEGylated therapeutics with the company’s expertise. Moreover, the growing research and development activities and the rising adoption of advanced technologies propel the market. Government and private research institutions conduct seminars, workshops, and symposiums to create awareness and train professionals regarding PEGylation.
Dror Bashan, President and CEO of Protalix BioTherapeutics, commented that the initiation of phase 1 clinical trials for PRX-115 highlights their commitment to build and strengthen their pipeline. The company aims to deliver medicines to patients with high, unmet needs and hence continue the enrollment and dosing of patients in that trial.
By Product & Services
By Protein Type
By Application
By End-User
By Region
February 2025
February 2025
February 2025
February 2025
Annual Access, Limitless Research! Unlock all market research reports with our annual subscription. Stay on top of market trends and crucial insights year-round!
2500+
Client Queries in 20235000+
Insights Published60+
Consulting Projects Per Year40+
Analysts