Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Drug Class (Androgen Receptor Inhibitors, Microtubule Inhibitors, Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Antagonist, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral and Parenteral), By Therapy (Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) therapeutics market size was valued at USD 16.46 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 21.04 billion in 2025 to USD 87.19 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.5% during the forecast period. North America dominated the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market with a market share of 53.77% in 2024.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is an advanced stage of prostate cancer where the cancer no longer completely responds to hormone treatment and spreads to nearby lymph nodes, bones, the bladder, rectum, liver, lungs, and the brain. This type of cancer is highly aggressive and represents a significant clinical challenge, necessitating advanced treatment options. Complications associated with these diseases increase the demand for advanced therapeutics and eventually drive the market growth.

The metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market is projected to witness a steady growth trajectory due to the rising prevalence of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and increasing demand for treatment for castration resistance prostate cancer.

• For instance, according to the data published by the World Cancer Research Fund, in 2022, around 1,467,854 new cancer cases were registered worldwide. Such a high incidence of prostate cancer increases the demand for adequate treatment and thus drives the growth of the market.

Additionally, the presence of key players such as Astellas Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., and others with extensive research and development activities, regulatory approvals, and product launches to expand therapeutics for metastatic castration resistance prostate cancer is expected to bolster the market's growth.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Robust Drug Pipelines Resulting in New Product Launches to Lead to Market Growth

The metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) represents the advanced stage of the disease, where cancer progresses despite androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This stage of prostate cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality, creating an urgent demand for effective treatment options.

Thus, many pharmaceutical companies are developing novel therapies, including next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, and others for the treatment of mCRPC. Such factors drive the growth of the market.

• For instance, in July, Merck & Co., Inc., and Orion Corporation collaborated to co-develop and co-commercialization opevesostat (MK-5684/ODM-208), an investigational CYP11A1 inhibitor, used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Such factors are projected to propel the global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market growth significantly.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Resistance to Hormonal Therapy to Limit the Market Expansion

Resistance to hormonal therapy is one of the key factors that limit the adoption in the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market. Hormone therapy, primarily androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), aims to reduce testosterone levels, which prostate cancer cells depend on for growth. However, over time, prostate cancer cells adapt and become resistant to these treatments. Mutations in the androgen receptor or associated pathways can diminish the effectiveness of hormone therapy. This resistance often necessitates alternative treatment approaches. Moreover, many researchers are investigating the mechanisms behind treatment-resistant prostate tumors to develop more effective therapies.

• For example, in December 2023, researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are exploring metabolic changes and patterns in cancer cells to develop new treatment strategies. Their study revealed that there are two types of cells in the prostate: basal and luminal cells. Regardless of whether the cancer originates in a basal or luminal cell, it typically adopts characteristics of luminal cells as it progresses. However, over time and in response to treatment, some tumors may become less luminal.


• Tumors that are predominantly luminal are more responsive to hormone therapy, while those that are less luminal become more resistant and harder to treat. This resistance in cancer cells complicates drug adoption and constrains the adoption of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Adverse Effects Associated with the Therapy Challenge the Market Growth

The market faces significant challenges, mainly due to the adverse side effects associated with the drugs used to treat mCRPC.

• For instance, as per the U.S FDA label, the common side effects of treatments such as ZYTIGA, abiraterone, and enzalutamide are joint swelling, hypokalemia, edema, muscle discomfort, hot flush, diarrhea, urinary tract, infection, cough, hypertension, arrhythmia, urinary frequency, nocturia, and others.

These adverse effects can significantly diminish a patient's quality of life and may lead to the discontinuation of treatment.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emergence of Radiotheranostics to Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunity

Combining diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy for personalized treatment is a growing trend in the market. The theranostics approach offers specific biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from targeted radiopharmaceuticals, enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. By precisely targeting cancer cells, theranostics improves survival rates and quality of life for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Leading companies are increasingly investing in research to develop radiotheranostic products for prostate cancer.

• For example, in November 2023, Clarity Pharmaceuticals completed the first stage of cohort 3 in its Phase I/IIa SECuRE trial. This trial evaluated 64Cu/67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), reflecting a broader shift toward personalized medicine in oncology and emphasizing individualized treatment strategies.

METASTATIC CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER THERAPEUTICS MARKET TRENDS

Development of New Combination Therapies is a Notable Market Trend

In recent years, numerous research and development initiatives have been undertaken to establish effective therapeutic strategies for managing metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). One of the prominent shifts is the development of combination therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and combat ADT resistance in cancer cells. Many leading companies are focusing on the development of combination therapies, such as pairing poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors with ADT and androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) to reduce resistance and offer effective treatment significantly.

• In October 2024, Pfizer Inc. announced positive topline results from the TALAPRO-2 study, which evaluated TALZENNA (talazoparib), an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with XTANDI (enzalutamide), for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There was a significant and clinically enhanced improvement in overall survival for all participants with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations in mCRPC when compared to treatment with XTANDI alone.

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COVID-19 IMPACT

The COVID-19 had a slightly positive impact on the metastatic castration-resistance prostate cancer therapeutics market. This was primarily attributed to the ongoing research & development initiatives. Additionally, with the help of telemedicine, continued care was offered to prostate cancer patients, leading to the adoption of drugs and treatment. Such scenarios propel the growth of the market during the pandemic. Furthermore, with increasing approvals and launches, rising clinical studies are expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Drug Class

Increasing Prevalence and Rising Approvals of Androgen Receptor Inhibitors Contributed to the Segment's Growth in the Market

Based on drug class, the global market is segmented into gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists, microtubule inhibitors, androgen receptor inhibitors, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and others.

The androgen receptor inhibitors segment held a dominant global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market share. This is driven by the growing prevalence of prostate cancer and the rising demand for androgen receptor inhibitors to block androgen receptors and prevent testosterone from fueling cancer growth.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist segment is expected to grow with significant CAGR during the forecast period. GnRH agonist is one of the most prominent treatments for prostate cancer, which is effective in suppressing testosterone levels. Moreover, increasing collaboration for the commercialization of GnRH agonists by key players is propelling the segment's growth.

• For instance, in June 2022, Accord BioPharma collaborated with EVERSANA to support the launch of CAMCEVI (leuprolide) 42mg injection emulsion in the U.S. This injectable treatment is designed for advanced prostate cancer in adult patients.

On the other hand, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist is projected to grow during the forecast period. Increasing regulatory approvals and launches are the prominent factors augmenting the segment's growth.

• For instance, in December 2020, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. announced the approval of ORGOVYX by the U.S. FDA. It is the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist for men with advanced prostate cancer. Such approvals are expected to bolster the segment's growth.

The microtubule inhibitor and other segments comprising poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor and CYP17 inhibitor are also predicted to grow during the forecast period. The rising shift of patients and caregivers toward personalized and targeted therapy is expected to bolster the segment's growth during 2025-2032.

By Route of Administration

Better Patient Compliance and New Product Launches Led the Oral Segment Growth

Based on the route of administration, the market is categorized into oral and parenteral.

The oral segment held a significant portion of the market in 2024. The segment's growth is driven by the ease of administration, improved patient adherence, and better patient engagement for the treatment. Furthermore, key industry players are actively working on the introduction of new oral medications, which is driving the expansion of this segment.

• For example, in December 2020, Myovant Sciences GmbH partnered with Pfizer Inc. to develop and market relugolix, a once-daily oral GnRH receptor antagonist, in the U.S. and Canada.

The parenteral segment held a comparatively lower share of the market owing to its invasive nature, higher costs, and inconvenience of frequent clinic visits for injections or infusions. Additionally, increasing clinical trials to launch new parenteral formulations will propel the segment's growth in the market.

• For instance, in April 2024,  the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) initiated enrollment for a groundbreaking Phase 1 multi-center clinical trial evaluating Actinium-225, a radioactive isotope developed by POINT Biopharma, as a treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. This experimental therapy was administered intravenously to 50 patients suffering from metastatic castration resistance (mCRPC). Such studies aimed to propel the growth of the parenteral segment in the market.

By Therapy

Launch Of Generic Hormonal Therapy And Growing Adoption Of Androgen Deprivation Therapy Leads The Segment's Growth

Based on therapy, the market is segmented into chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Hormonal therapy is expected to hold a majority portion of the market, with the growth of the segment augmented by the widespread adoption of androgen deprivation therapy for treating both early and advanced stages of prostate cancer. Additionally, the generic launch of the drugs in hormonal treatment is expected to increase the adoption and bolster the segment's growth.

• For instance, in January 2021, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. received approval for an additional strength of 500mg of Abiraterone Acetate Tablets from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Abiraterone Acetate tablets are the generic version of Zytiga used for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Such approvals emphasized the easy access and efficient sales of the hormonal therapy for the mCRPC treatment.

The targeted therapy held a substantial share of the market. The growing demand for targeted treatments to reduce mutation in the prostate cancer gene, leading to an increasing shift of patients and healthcare providers toward precise therapy options, is expected to boost segment growth during the forecast period. Also, there is an expanding number of research and development activities by the key players to launch novel treatments, which bolsters the segment's growth.

• For instance, in May 202, Bayer AG announced the initiation of Phase I, the first-in-human clinical study with  225Ac-PSMA-Trillium, a next-generation targeted alpha therapy to evaluate its safety and efficacy in patients with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

The immunotherapy segment is expected to grow during the projected timeframe. This is driven by innovative approaches that leverage the immune system to fight cancer. Sipuleucel-T (Provenge), developed by Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, remains the only FDA-approved vaccine designed to stimulate a patient's immune system to target and destroy prostate cancer cells.

The chemotherapy segment held a comparatively lower share of the market due to its non-specific mechanism of action and significant side effects over other therapies.

By Distribution Channels

Shift of Patient Toward Hospital Settings Boosted the Growth of Hospital Pharmacies Segment in 2024

Based on distribution channels, the global market is categorized into drug stores & retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

The hospital pharmacies segment held a substantial share of the market in 2024 due to the presence of advanced healthcare facilities and skilled professionals, which has caused a shift of focus for patients in these settings. Also, the medications for the treatment of major diseases, as prescribed by doctors, are anticipated to enhance distribution through hospital pharmacy channels.

The drug stores & retail pharmacies are expected to grow during the forecast period. Owing to their widespread presence, they ensure that patients can obtain prescriptions conveniently, often with personalized care from pharmacists.

On the other hand, online pharmacy segments are also expected to grow considerably in the market during the forecast period. The increasing penetration of the internet and the customer's preference to buy medicines online is boosting the segment's growth during the forecasted timeframe.

METASTATIC CASTRATION-RESISTANCE PROSTATE CANCER THERAPEUTICS MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

By geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

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The North America market size for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics was valued at USD 8.85 billion in 2024. The rising prevalence of prostate cancer and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure with robust reimbursement policies for expanding the adoption of cancer treatment to boost market growth in the region.

• In March 2025, Novartis Canada applauded Alberta's decision to publicly fund Pluvicto, a radioligand therapy for patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This decision enhances the access to this groundbreaking treatment across Canada, thus bolstering the market growth in the region.

In North America, the U.S. holds a dominant share. The company has robust expenditure on research and development, as well as collaboration activities for the development and launch of innovative therapeutic products promoting the country's growth.

• In September 2024, Tolmar, Inc. collaborated with Pharma GmbH, in which Tolmar promoted Rubraca (rucaparib) in the U.S. for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Europe

Europe is expected to hold the second-largest share of the market. The rising prevalence of prostate cancer and increasing campaigns for early diagnosis of prostate cancer is expected to propel the market growth in the region.

• For instance, in February 2025, Scientists in Cambridge developed a new 'super test' for prostate cancer. This test identifies the presence or absence of cancerous cells as a sign of early and late-stage cancer. Such disease diagnosis accelerated personalized treatment for patients who have prostate cancer, thus leading to the growth of the market in the region.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of around 13.6%. The rising prevalence of prostate cancer in adult males in the area is one of the significant factors for the growth of the market in the region. Also, the rising funding initiatives in the region for expanding prostate cancer research are expected to propel market growth.

• For instance, in November 2024, Australian Prostate Cancer (APC) announced that the Fore Group raised around USD 60,000 for APC to support critical prostate cancer research projects.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa

The markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are poised for significant growth during 2025-2032. The rising prevalence of the disease, increasing shift of key players to expand their footprint in the region, and rising government initiatives supporting prostate cancer care are summing up the growth of the area during the forecasted timeframe.

• For example, in July 2024, The Burjeel Cancer Institute launched a cancer care center in Abu Dhabi, which offers advanced treatments such as targeted therapy and precision medicine and is anticipated to boost regional market expansion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Pfizer Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. Accounted for Major Market Share Owing to Diversified and Robust Product Portfolio

Pfizer Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. are a few prominent players in the metastatic castration-resistance prostate cancer therapeutics market, significantly impacting the global landscape. Their strong product portfolios, bolstered by regulatory approvals and new product launches, help sustain their market leadership. Furthermore, strategic initiatives such as collaborations and product approvals enhance their standing in the industry.

Other notable companies in this sector include Astellas Pharma Inc., AbbVie Inc., and AstraZeneca, among others. These firms employ a variety of strategies to boost their market share, including the introduction of new products, forming joint ventures and partnerships, and expanding into new markets.

LIST OF KEY METASTATIC CASTRATION-RESISTANCE PROSTATE CANCER THERAPEUTICS COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)


• Sanofi (France)


• Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Switzerland)


• Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (Myovant Sciences GmbH) (Japan)


• AbbVie Inc. (U.S.)


• AstraZeneca (U.K.)


• Tolmar, Inc. (U.S.)


• Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC. (U.S.)


• Bayer AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• August 2023- Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved AKEEGA (a combination of niraparib and abiraterone acetate for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).


• June 2023- AstraZeneca revealed that Lynparza (olaparib), in combination with abiraterone and prednisone or prednisolone, has been approved in the U.S. for treating adult patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA mutations.


• April 2023- Lantheus Holdings Inc. and POINT Biopharma Global Inc. announced that the U.S. FDA has awarded fast-track designation for their treatment 177Lu-PNT2002, intended for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment (mCRPC).


• February 2023- Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. participated at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium to showcase an update on Phase 3 MAGNITUDE study of niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate for mCRPC


• December 2022- Novartis AG announced that the European Commission (EC) had approved Pluvicto (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan) for use in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a targeted radioligand therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).


• April 2022- Myovant Sciences GmbH announced that the European Commission (EC) had approved the marketing authorization and application for ORGOVYX for the treatment of advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market analysis provides market size & forecast by all the segments included in the report. The global metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics market report comprises details on the market dynamics and market trends expected to drive the market in the forecast period. It offers information on the prevalence of cancer in key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, and details on partnerships, mergers & acquisitions. The report covers a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share and profiles of key players and the impact of COVID-19 on the market.

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