Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Overview

The Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market size was valued at USD 2345.53 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3424.04 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) drugs market has experienced significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and the widespread use of chemotherapy treatments. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately USD 3.6 billion, with projections indicating a rise to USD 5.1 billion by 2030 . This growth is driven by the development of more effective antiemetic drugs and the increasing awareness among healthcare providers about the importance of managing CINV to improve patient quality of life. The market encompasses various drug classes, including 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, NK1 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and others. These drugs are utilized across different chemotherapy regimens, ranging from highly emetogenic to low emetogenic therapies. The demand for these medications is further fueled by the aging population, which is more susceptible to cancer and its associated treatments.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: The primary driver of the CINV drugs market is the rising incidence of cancer globally, leading to increased chemotherapy treatments and a consequent need for effective antiemetic therapies.

Top Country/Region: North America holds the largest share of the CINV drugs market, accounting for over 45% in 2021, due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high cancer prevalence.

Top Segment: The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists segment dominates the market, attributed to their widespread use and effectiveness in preventing acute CINV episodes.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Trends

The CINV drugs market is witnessing several notable trends that are shaping its growth trajectory. One significant trend is the increasing adoption of combination therapies, particularly the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in conjunction with NK1 receptor antagonists, to enhance efficacy in preventing both acute and delayed CINV. This approach has been supported by clinical guidelines and has shown improved patient outcomes.

Another trend is the development and approval of novel antiemetic agents with longer half-lives, allowing for less frequent dosing and improved patient compliance. For instance, the introduction of drugs like netupitant-palonosetron combinations has provided healthcare providers with more effective tools to manage CINV. The market is also experiencing growth in the availability of generic versions of established antiemetic drugs, making treatments more accessible and affordable, especially in emerging economies. This has led to increased competition among manufacturers and a broader range of options for healthcare providers and patients. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, with healthcare providers focusing on improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Effective management of CINV is a critical component of this approach, leading to increased demand for advanced antiemetic therapies.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising Demand for Pharmaceuticals

The escalating global cancer burden has led to an increased demand for effective pharmaceutical interventions to manage chemotherapy-induced side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting. The World Health Organization reports that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. As chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, the need for supportive care medications like antiemetics has surged. This demand is further amplified by the growing awareness among healthcare providers about the importance of managing CINV to ensure patient adherence to chemotherapy regimens and improve overall treatment outcomes.

RESTRAINT

Demand for Refurbished Equipment

While the demand for antiemetic drugs is on the rise, the high cost associated with the development and procurement of advanced pharmaceutical formulations poses a significant restraint. Healthcare facilities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, often face budget constraints, leading them to opt for more affordable, sometimes less effective, alternatives. This financial limitation can hinder the widespread adoption of newer, more effective CINV drugs, thereby affecting market growth.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in Personalized Medicines

The advancement of personalized medicine offers substantial opportunities in the CINV drugs market. By tailoring antiemetic therapies based on individual patient profiles, including genetic makeup and specific chemotherapy regimens, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also opens avenues for pharmaceutical companies to develop targeted therapies, thereby expanding their product portfolios and market reach.

CHALLENGE

Rising Costs and Expenditures

The escalating costs associated with drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals present significant challenges for companies operating in the CINV drugs market. These financial burdens can lead to increased drug prices, potentially limiting patient access, especially in regions with limited healthcare funding. Moreover, the need to continuously invest in research and development to stay competitive adds to the financial strain, posing a challenge to sustained market growth.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Segmentation

The CINV drugs market is segmented based on the emetogenic potential of chemotherapy regimens and the type of antiemetic agents used.

By Type

Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: This segment includes chemotherapy treatments with a high likelihood of inducing nausea and vomiting. Patients undergoing such treatments often require a combination of antiemetic drugs, including 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, NK1 receptor antagonists, and corticosteroids, to effectively manage symptoms.
Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy regimens in this category have a moderate risk of causing CINV. Management typically involves the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, with or without corticosteroids, depending on patient-specific factors and treatment protocols.
Low Emetogenic Chemotherapy: These regimens have a lower risk of inducing nausea and vomiting. Patients may require minimal antiemetic intervention, often managed with single-agent therapies, depending on individual tolerance and response.
Other: This category encompasses chemotherapy treatments with minimal or unknown emetogenic potential, where antiemetic use is determined on a case-by-case basis.

By Application

5-HT3 Inhibitors: These agents, such as ondansetron and palonosetron, are commonly used to prevent acute CINV. They work by blocking serotonin receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, which are involved in the vomiting reflex.
NK1 Inhibitors: Drugs like aprepitant and netupitant fall into this category. They are effective in preventing both acute and delayed CINV by blocking the neurokinin-1 receptor, which plays a role in the vomiting pathway.
Other: This includes corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and other agents used in combination with primary antiemetics to enhance efficacy and manage refractory cases of CINV.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Regional Outlook

The CINV drugs market exhibits varying dynamics across different regions, influenced by factors such as healthcare infrastructure, cancer prevalence, and access to advanced treatments.

North America

North America, particularly the United States, dominates the CINV drugs market, accounting for over 45% of the global share in 2021 . This dominance is attributed to a high incidence of cancer, well-established healthcare systems, and the presence of leading pharmaceutical companies. The region also benefits from favorable reimbursement policies and a strong focus on research and development.

Europe

Europe holds the second-largest market share, driven by increasing cancer rates and a growing emphasis on improving patient quality of life. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront, with robust healthcare infrastructures and significant investments in oncology care. The adoption of advanced antiemetic therapies is supported by comprehensive clinical guidelines and reimbursement frameworks.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the CINV drugs market, fueled by rising cancer incidence, improving healthcare access, and increasing awareness about supportive cancer care. Countries such as China and India are witnessing significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, leading to greater availability and adoption of antiemetic therapies. The presence of generic drug manufacturers also contributes to market expansion by offering cost-effective treatment options.

Middle East & Africa

The CINV drugs market in the Middle East and Africa is gradually expanding, driven by improving healthcare systems and increasing cancer awareness. However, challenges such as limited access to advanced treatments and financial constraints hinder rapid growth. Efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and implement cancer control programs are expected to positively influence market development in the coming years.

List of Top Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market Companies

Merck: A leading pharmaceutical company known for its development of aprepitant, an NK1 receptor antagonist used in CINV management.
Eisai: Eisai has a strong presence in the CINV drugs market with products such as palonosetron, a second-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Palonosetron has demonstrated superior efficacy in preventing both acute and delayed CINV compared to first-generation agents. In 2023, Eisai expanded distribution of its antiemetic products across more than 40 countries, reflecting its global strategy in cancer supportive care.
Mundipharma: Known for its supportive oncology products, Mundipharma continues to expand its antiemetic portfolio across Europe and Asia. In 2023, it reported a 12% increase in prescriptions for its CINV drug offerings, reflecting strong uptake in hospital oncology units.
Qilu Pharma: A leading Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer, Qilu Pharma specializes in producing affordable generic antiemetic formulations. In 2024, Qilu launched a new palonosetron injection formulation approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration.
Teva: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is prominent in the production of generic and branded antiemetic drugs. In 2023, it reported the successful scale-up of its ondansetron tablet production in India, meeting increased demand across Southeast Asia.
Novartis: Novartis continues to invest in supportive oncology, including its proprietary combination antiemetic therapies. The company’s netupitant-palonosetron fixed-dose combination, approved in several regions, is widely used in clinical practice.
Heron Therapeutics: Specializing in oncology supportive care, Heron has developed extended-release formulations of antiemetics. Its SUSTOL® (granisetron extended-release) showed a 20% higher patient satisfaction score in a 2023 multicenter oncology survey.
Roche: Roche is involved in the oncology drug space and offers antiemetics as part of combination chemotherapy regimens. In 2024, Roche increased its funding in CINV-related clinical trials across five countries, focusing on drug resistance in antiemetic therapy.
Mylan: Now part of Viatris, Mylan produces affordable 5-HT3 inhibitors and other generics. In 2023, it distributed over 50 million doses of ondansetron worldwide, with a strong presence in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Tesaro: Tesaro, acquired by GlaxoSmithKline, developed rolapitant, an NK1 receptor antagonist. In 2024, new trials demonstrated rolapitant’s efficacy in combination regimens, improving delayed CINV outcomes in over 60% of patients.

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Share

Merck: Merck remains a market leader with a dominant share in the NK1 inhibitor segment. Its aprepitant product line reached over 2 million global prescriptions in 2023 alone, especially prevalent in North America and Europe.
Eisai: Eisai holds the highest share in the 5-HT3 inhibitor segment due to the widespread use of palonosetron. Over 75% of oncology hospitals in Japan and South Korea reported using Eisai's antiemetics in standard chemotherapy protocols.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The CINV drugs market is currently witnessing robust investment flows from both public and private sectors. Between 2022 and 2024, over USD 650 million has been allocated globally toward research and development in oncology supportive care, with a significant portion earmarked for antiemetic drug innovation. In 2023, pharmaceutical companies invested over USD 280 million in clinical trials aimed at evaluating combination antiemetic therapies. These trials are spread across the United States, Germany, China, and India. For instance, an international Phase III trial involving over 3,000 participants is assessing the long-term outcomes of combining netupitant and palonosetron with dexamethasone.

Venture capital activity in this space is also increasing. In 2024, three biotech firms specializing in antiemetic formulations raised over USD 95 million collectively. These companies are developing novel delivery mechanisms such as transdermal patches, oral dissolvable films, and extended-release injectables. Government health agencies are contributing via funding and reimbursement support. The U.S. FDA has fast-tracked several CINV-related drugs under the Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) pilot, allowing quicker market access. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved new antiemetic formulations under its PRIME (PRIority MEdicines) program, aiming to treat patients with fewer side effects.

In emerging markets like India, Brazil, and South Africa, public-private partnerships have enabled the scaling up of affordable antiemetic drug production. India’s “Pharma Vision 2025” initiative allocated USD 150 million toward the production of generic oncology supportive drugs, including CINV medications. Hospital investments in oncology care have resulted in higher purchasing of advanced antiemetic therapies. Data from 2023 shows a 22% year-on-year increase in hospital procurement budgets specifically for antiemetic drugs, particularly in urban tertiary-care centers across Asia and Latin America. Opportunities in the CINV market also include development of artificial intelligence platforms to predict CINV risk based on patient-specific data, potentially improving personalized medicine approaches and further optimizing antiemetic use.

New Product Development

Innovation in the CINV drugs market is accelerating, with pharmaceutical firms introducing new formulations, mechanisms of action, and delivery systems to improve treatment efficacy and patient adherence. In 2023, Heron Therapeutics launched ZYNRELEF™, a dual-acting formulation of bupivacaine and meloxicam, shown to reduce postoperative nausea. Although primarily an analgesic, its adoption prompted new research into cross-indicative benefits for CINV patients. Novartis introduced an oral dissolving film (ODF) version of palonosetron in early 2024. This version enables easier administration for patients with dysphagia, especially pediatric and elderly patients undergoing chemotherapy. Roche, in partnership with Japanese biotech startups, is developing a subcutaneous formulation of ondansetron. In its Phase I trial, the formulation achieved a 95% bioavailability rate, with onset of action within 20 minutes, 30% faster than current oral versions. Teva's new oral granisetron extended-release capsule completed Phase III trials in 2023. The product showed a 35% improvement in delayed CINV symptom control in patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy, especially in those with gastrointestinal cancers. In the pediatric segment, Eisai developed a palonosetron syrup formulation approved for children as young as six months. Pediatric oncology centers in Japan and Europe reported a 40% increase in compliance when switching to this formulation.

In addition, combination packs containing pre-dosed antiemetic cocktails are gaining traction. These pre-packaged solutions streamline prescribing practices and ensure adherence to recommended antiemetic protocols. Merck and Tesaro are currently developing these kits tailored for common chemotherapy regimens. Biotechnology companies are experimenting with long-acting injectables that maintain plasma levels for more than five days, potentially addressing both acute and delayed CINV with a single dose. These innovations, expected to enter clinical trials by late 2025, may reduce the need for complex multi-drug regimens.

Five Recent Developments

Heron Therapeutics launched a Phase III study on a long-acting injectable formulation of granisetron. The formulation demonstrated a 20% higher retention rate in plasma compared to existing options.
Eisai introduced a pediatric palonosetron syrup approved in the EU and Japan, expanding treatment options for children undergoing chemotherapy.
Novartis received EMA approval for its orally dissolving palonosetron film, which offers a faster onset and improved administration in outpatient settings.
Merck announced the expansion of its global aprepitant supply network with a new manufacturing plant in Singapore, increasing production by 30% to meet Asian market demand.
Teva Pharmaceuticals began large-scale production of its granisetron extended-release capsules following successful clinical trials that demonstrated a 25% reduction in CINV relapse compared to standard therapy.

Report Coverage of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Drugs Market

The comprehensive CINV drugs market report covers an in-depth analysis of the entire value chain, including manufacturing, distribution, application, and end-user trends. The study offers insights into key therapeutic categories, focusing on 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, NK1 receptor antagonists, and other supportive agents. The report evaluates multiple levels of market segmentation—by drug type, chemotherapy emetogenicity, application route, and patient demographics. It offers a granular assessment of regional trends across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, analyzing differences in drug availability, pricing, and treatment protocols.

It details competitive dynamics, profiling top companies and analyzing their strategic approaches such as mergers, licensing agreements, product development, and expansion plans. Quantitative data includes dosage statistics, unit volume distribution, treatment compliance rates, and patient outcome improvements. The scope of the report includes analysis of hospital procurement patterns, retail pharmacy sales, and telemedicine integration in oncology supportive care. The report also addresses the impact of health policy changes and drug pricing regulations on market access and growth.

A key focus of the report is innovation and clinical advancement. It examines trends in personalized medicine, long-acting formulations, pediatric use, and generic drug penetration. Additionally, it highlights investment flows, R&D pipeline status, and commercialization forecasts. The coverage extends to identifying critical market challenges, such as reimbursement gaps, resistance development, and treatment side effects, while also mapping future opportunities driven by AI-based diagnostics and patient-centric drug design. With over 3,000 data points, the report offers an exhaustive perspective on the current and future state of the global CINV drugs market.