Report Overview

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market size was estimated at USD 226.15 million in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% reaching a value of USD 370.33 million by 2031. Prominent drivers of the market include the rising prevalence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, and growing adoption of personalized medicine. With over 21,000 RCC cases reported in Japan in 2019, the country is witnessing a steady increase in kidney cancer incidence, driven by an aging population and lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking. A recent international genomic study revealed that nearly 70% of Japanese kidney cancer patients carry a specific DNA mutation rarely observed in other populations, highlighting the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. The development and approval of innovative drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are enhancing treatment outcomes and expanding the range of effective options, particularly for advanced-stage RCC. Additionally, the rising use of combination therapies and Japan's supportive healthcare infrastructure and spending on cancer care are further propelling market growth. As research continues to explore new treatment avenues and genetic insights, the demand for advanced and personalized kidney cancer therapies in Japan is expected to increase significantly over the forecast period.

Kidney Cancer Drugs – Overview

Kidney cancer drugs are pharmaceutical treatments used to manage and treat cancers originating in the kidneys, primarily renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These drugs include targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors, which work by disrupting cancer cell growth or boosting the immune system to attack tumors. In some cases, cytokine therapies or chemotherapy may also be used. The goal of these treatments is to slow disease progression, reduce tumor size, and improve survival rates, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages of kidney cancer.

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market

Growth Drivers

Rising RCC Incidence and Early Diagnosis

The rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and growing emphasis on early diagnosis are key factors driving the growth of the Japan kidney cancer drugs market. Japan has seen a consistent increase in kidney cancer cases, largely due to an aging population and the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and hypertension. A major international genomic study published in Nature found that around 70% of Japanese kidney cancer patients possess a specific genetic mutation rarely observed elsewhere, highlighting the urgent need for region-specific and effective treatments. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes by enabling timely and targeted therapeutic interventions. With more cases being detected at an earlier stage, there is rising demand for advanced therapies that offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Pharmaceutical companies are actively investing in the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies to meet this need. These innovations, along with Japan’s evolving diagnostic capabilities, are supporting more personalized treatment approaches and strengthening the country's response to the increasing RCC burden. As a result, the combination of rising RCC incidence and advancements in early detection is significantly boosting the growth of the Japan kidney cancer drugs market.

Challenges

High Treatment Cost and Side Effects

A significant challenge for the growth of Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market is the high cost associated with advanced treatment options. While innovations like targeted therapies and immunotherapies have greatly enhanced patient outcomes, their development involves intensive R&D, complex manufacturing processes, and stringent regulatory requirements—all of which contribute to elevated pricing. These high costs can strain patients, healthcare providers, and insurers alike. Although Japan’s universal health insurance system strives to improve access to cancer care, the financial burden of newer kidney cancer drugs can still lead to restricted coverage and reimbursement, limiting availability for some patients. This cost barrier may result in unequal access to effective treatments, potentially impacting outcomes for those unable to afford them. To address this issue, collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders is essential to develop cost-effective strategies that ensure broader, more equitable access to life-saving therapies.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could significantly impact the growth of Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market. Disruptions in global supply chains may lead to shortages or delays in the import of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients essential for manufacturing advanced cancer therapies. Additionally, strained international relations can hinder collaborative research and development efforts, particularly in the area of immunotherapies and precision medicine. Economic sanctions or trade restrictions may also elevate production costs, thereby affecting drug affordability and access. As a result, patients could face limited availability of innovative treatments, potentially compromising care quality and slowing the market’s overall growth trajectory.

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market                                                 

Segmental Coverage

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market – By Drug Type

Based on drug type, Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market is divided into Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, Cytokine Therapy, and other drug types segments. The targeted therapy segment holds the largest share of Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market by drug type, due to a shift towards more precise and effective treatment methods, reflecting advances in the understanding of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biology. Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular pathways and genetic mutations associated with cancer progression, offering greater efficacy and fewer side effects than conventional treatments. Key drugs in this segment include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sunitinib, sorafenib, and cabozantinib, as well as VEGF inhibitors like bevacizumab, which hinder tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market – By Cancer Type

On the basis of cancer type, Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market is divided into Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma, and other Rare Subtypes segments.

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market – By Route of Administration

Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market by route of administration is bifurcated into Oral and Intravenous segments.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market include Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, Janssen Pharmaceuticals K.K., Novartis Pharma K.K., Sun Pharma Japan Limited, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, AbbVie GK, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, and Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025 - the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan, in collaboration with PeptiDream Inc., announced that it had successfully completed a first-in-human clinical trial of 64Cu-PD-32766, a novel radiopharmaceutical targeting clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This PET imaging agent, which binds to Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CA9)—a protein expressed in ~95% of ccRCC cases—demonstrated a 95% PET-positive rate, high lesion-specific accumulation, rapid blood clearance, and no serious side effects.

Scope of the Report

By Drug Type

• Targeted Therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Cytokine Therapy

• Others

By Cancer Type

• Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

• Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

• Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

• Other Rare Subtypes

By Route of Administration

• Oral

• Intravenous

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Product Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Drivers
         1. Rising RCC Incidence & Early Diagnosis
         2. Booming R&D & Targeted Therapy Pipeline
         3. Strong Healthcare Infrastructure & Reimbursement Support
      2. Restraints
         1. High Treatment Cost
         2. Limited Pipeline Differentiation
      3. Opportunities
         1. Expanding Immunotherapy Combos
         2. Personalized Medicine & Biomarker Usage
      4. Challenges
         1. Generic Competition & Patent Expiry
         2. Regulatory Uncertainties
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market: Marketing Strategies
5. Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market: Pricing Analysis
6. Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2031
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Drug Type
         1. Targeted Therapy
         2. Immunotherapy
         3. Cytokine Therapy
         4. Others
      2. By Cancer Type
         1. Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
         2. Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
         3. Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
         4. Other Rare Subtypes
      3. By Route of Administration
         1. Oral
         2. Intravenous
7. Competitive Landscape
   1. List of Key Players and Their Offerings
   2. Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share Analysis, 2024
      1. Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating Parameters
   3. Key Strategic Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
8. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market
9. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive Landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, Strategic Outlook, SWOT Analysis)
   1. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
   2. Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
   3. Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd
   4. Janssen Pharmaceuticals K.K.
   5. Novartis Pharma K.K.
   6. Sun Pharma Japan Limited
   7. Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation
   8. AbbVie GK
   9. Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
   10. Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
   11. Other Prominent Players
10. Key Strategic Recommendations
11. Research Methodology
    1. Qualitative Research
       1. Primary & Secondary Research
    2. Quantitative Research
    3.  Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1.  Secondary Research
       2.  Primary Research
    4.  Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents, By Region
    5.  Assumptions & Limitations

*Financial information of non-listed companies can be provided as per availability.

**The segmentation and the companies are subject to modifications based on in-depth secondary research for the final deliverable.

List of Figures

Figure 1       Japan Retail Pharmacy Segmentation                     

Figure 2       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Value Chain Analysis            

Figure 3       Company Market Share Analysis, 2024                  

Figure 4       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2031                    

Figure 5       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Drug Type, By Value, 2019–2031                       

Figure 6       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Cancer Type, By Value, 2019–2031                                               

Figure 7       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Route of Administration, By Value, 2019–2031

Figure 8       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Drug Type, By Value, 2019–2031

Figure 9       Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Cancer Type, By Value, 2019–2031

Figure 10     Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Route of Administration, By Value, 2019–2031

List of Tables

Table 1         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2031

Table 2         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Drug Type, By Value, 2019–2031                       

Table 3         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Cancer Type, By Value, 2019–2031                                               

Table 4         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Route of Administration, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 5         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Drug Type, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 6         Japan Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Share, By Route of Administration, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 7         Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Company Overview

Table 8         Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Financial Overview

Table 9         Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Company Overview

Table 10       Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Financial Overview

Table 11       Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd Company Overview

Table 12       Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd Financial Overview

Table 13       Janssen Pharmaceuticals K.K. Company Overview

Table 14       Janssen Pharmaceuticals K.K. Financial Overview

Table 15       Novartis Pharma K.K. Company Overview

Table 16       Novartis Pharma K.K. Financial Overview

Table 17       Sun Pharma Japan Limited Company Overview

Table 18       Sun Pharma Japan Limited Financial Overview

Table 19       Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation Company Overview

Table 20       Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation Financial Overview

Table 21       AbbVie GK Company Overview

Table 22       AbbVie GK Financial Overview

Table 23       Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Company Overview

Table 24       Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Financial Overview

Table 25       Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Company Overview

Table 26       Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Financial Overview