Introduction
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of blood vessels and an abnormal increase in eosinophils. Although rare, its increasing prevalence and the emergence of advanced biologic therapies have put the China eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis market under the spotlight.
This report delves into the Chinese market dynamics for EGPA treatment, offering an in-depth, data-driven analysis, and highlighting growth opportunities, market segmentation, and strategic movements by key players.
Brief Overview of the Market
The EGPA market in China is gaining momentum owing to heightened disease awareness, better diagnostic protocols, and the launch of targeted biologics. As the country expands its healthcare access and infrastructure, rare disease treatment is becoming a priority, making China a key region in the global EGPA treatment market.
Global Relevance and Economic Impact
Globally, EGPA affects approximately 10–15 people per million annually. The economic burden is significant due to chronic management, immunosuppressive therapies, and hospitalization costs. As China represents one of the largest healthcare markets globally, the emergence of EGPA treatment options holds substantial importance in terms of pharmaceutical R&D investment and public health impact.
Key Statistics and Recent Developments
EGPA prevalence in China is estimated to be between 1.5–3 per million, though underdiagnosis may skew actual data.
In 2023, GSK’s Nucala (mepolizumab) was approved in China for EGPA, marking the first biologic treatment officially launched for the disease.
The Chinese rare disease drug approval framework (NRDL inclusion, expedited approvals) has supported faster market entry.
Increasing participation in global clinical trials by Chinese hospitals and research institutions has accelerated local treatment availability.
Market Segmentation
By Product Type
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., Azathioprine, Methotrexate)
- Biologics (e.g., Mepolizumab, Benralizumab)
- Others (supportive care and adjunct therapies)
Biologics are projected to dominate due to efficacy in controlling eosinophilic inflammation and reducing steroid dependency.
By Application/End-Use Industry
Hospitals
Specialty Clinics
Academic & Research Institutes
Online Pharmacies
Hospitals and specialty clinics lead the market in both urban and tier-2 Chinese cities due to access to trained specialists and diagnostic infrastructure.
By Region
While this report focuses on China, for comparison, we examine other regional dynamics:
North America: Early biologic adoption and high prevalence.
Europe: Comprehensive rare disease policies.
Asia-Pacific (excluding China): Moderate growth with unmet needs.
Latin America and MEA: Low access and awareness but increasing focus on specialty treatments.
Key Market Players
The top EGPA treatment companies active or entering the Chinese market include:
GlaxoSmithKline plc – Developer of Nucala, the first biologic for EGPA approved in China.
Teva Pharmaceuticals – Known for respiratory therapies; potential for market entry with benralizumab partnerships.
Novartis AG – Developing IL-5 inhibitors targeting eosinophilic disorders.
AstraZeneca – Benralizumab (Fasenra), approved globally, is under review for EGPA in multiple markets.
Pfizer Inc. – Active in autoimmune research; potential collaborator in China’s EGPA pipeline.
Sanofi – Focus on Dupixent (dupilumab), with potential in off-label eosinophilic indications.
China-based biopharma startups like BeiGene and Innovent Biologics are exploring IL-5 and IL-13 pathways.
Strategic Developments:
GSK formed partnerships with local hospitals for real-world studies post-Nucala launch.
Licensing deals are increasing between Western pharma and Chinese biotech firms.
Collaborations with academic institutions have accelerated clinical development.
Market Drivers
Growing Awareness & Diagnosis Rates – Medical education and national rare disease registries contribute to improved EGPA detection.
Biologic Therapies Launch – IL-5 inhibitors have revolutionized treatment by targeting underlying pathophysiology.
Government Support – Policies like Rare Disease Catalogue and NRDL pricing reforms aid drug accessibility.
Expanding Healthcare Access – Rural and semi-urban expansion of diagnostic labs and specialists improves disease management.
Emerging Technologies:
AI-based eosinophilic disease diagnosis.
Biomarker-driven personalized treatment plans.
Home delivery of biologics and tele-rheumatology.
Market Restraints
- High Treatment Costs – Biologics are often priced at a premium, with reimbursement gaps.
- Delayed Diagnosis – EGPA mimics other asthma or sinusitis-related conditions, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Regulatory Delays – Despite improvements, new drugs still face complex approval hurdles.
- Limited Clinical Data – EGPA being rare, long-term safety and efficacy data in Chinese populations is lacking.
Opportunities & Future Trends
Untapped Rural Markets – Increased diagnosis and mobile health initiatives can expand the reach of EGPA therapies.
Domestic Biologic Development – Chinese companies are investing in biosimilars and novel monoclonal antibodies.
Clinical Trials Expansion – China is becoming a hub for Phase II/III EGPA-related trials, boosting innovation and early access.
Digital Therapeutics – Integration of mobile apps for symptom tracking and treatment adherence.
Global EGPA market forecast estimates a CAGR of 6–8% over the next 5 years, with China representing one of the fastest-growing segments due to unmet needs and infrastructure upgrades.
Regional Insights: China Market Focus
Eastern China (Shanghai, Jiangsu): High concentration of tier-1 hospitals, clinical trials, and international pharma offices.
Southern China (Guangdong, Shenzhen): Strong biotech ecosystem and digital health integration.
Central & Western China: Emerging regions for diagnostic services expansion; government-supported rare disease centers are increasing.
China EGPA Market Forecast (2024–2030)
Market size in 2024: USD 22–25 million
Projected size by 2030: USD 60–70 million
CAGR: 14.2% (approx.)
Strategic Recommendations:
- For pharma companies: Invest in early diagnosis tools and pricing models to improve biologic adoption.
- For investors: Target biotech startups developing eosinophilic pathway drugs.
- For policymakers: Enhance insurance coverage for rare diseases to improve access and equity.
Target Audience
This market research report is intended for:
Pharmaceutical investors exploring rare disease portfolios.
Healthcare business strategists in immunology and biologics.
Product development teams seeking market entry for EGPA drugs.
Medical researchers and policymakers shaping rare disease infrastructure.
