Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Drug Class;
Anti-angiogenic Drugs, Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs, and Targeted Therapy Drugs.By Treatment Type;
First-Line Treatment, Second-Line Treatment, and Third-Line Treatment and Beyond.By Route of Administration;
Intravenous, Oral, and Subcutaneous.By Distribution Channels;
Hospitals Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market was valued at USD 14,473.57 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 19,069.32 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.0%.
Colorectal cancer, a malignancy affecting the colon or rectum, remains a significant global health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. It ranks as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, making its treatment a critical area of focus within the pharmaceutical industry. The global colorectal cancer drugs market encompasses a diverse array of therapeutic approaches aimed at combating this disease, ranging from chemotherapy and targeted therapy to immunotherapy and emerging innovative treatments.
The global colorectal cancer drugs market is witnessing notable growth driven by several factors, including rising incidence rates, advancements in drug development technologies, and increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals. With aging populations and lifestyle changes contributing to the prevalence of colorectal cancer, there's a growing demand for effective treatments that offer improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Key players in the pharmaceutical industry are actively engaged in research and development activities to bring novel therapies to market, addressing the diverse needs of patients at various stages of colorectal cancer. These efforts encompass the development of targeted therapies that aim to inhibit specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth, as well as immunotherapies designed to harness the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Moreover, the market landscape is characterized by strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions aimed at expanding product portfolios and enhancing market presence. Additionally, regulatory agencies play a crucial role in overseeing the safety and efficacy of colorectal cancer drugs, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality treatments that meet stringent regulatory standards.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Recent Developments
- Roche is evaluating the combination of targeted therapy (Cotellic) with immuno-oncologic agents for the treatment of CRC. These developments are likely to foster new developments and growth in the market.
- In January 2023, Akeda of Japan entered into a partnership with Hong Kong-based Hutchmed, to get commercial rights for colorectal cancer drug fruquintinib outside of China.
Segment Analysis
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market is segmented by drug class, with key categories including Anti-angiogenic Drugs, Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs, and Targeted Therapy Drugs. Anti-angiogenic drugs, like bevacizumab, are used to block the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors, effectively slowing down cancer growth, particularly in metastatic colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy drugs, such as oxaliplatin and fluorouracil, are a mainstay for treating colorectal cancer, especially in its advanced stages, by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs are gaining momentum, particularly for cancers with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), by utilizing the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Targeted therapy drugs, such as cetuximab and panitumumab, focus on specific cancer cell pathways, offering more personalized and precise treatment options based on the molecular characteristics of the tumor.
The market is also segmented by treatment type, which includes First-Line Treatment, Second-Line Treatment, and Third-Line Treatment and Beyond. First-line treatment is aimed at newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients and typically combines chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to provide the most effective initial response. Second-line treatments are used when the cancer progresses after first-line therapy and may involve alternative drug combinations or more aggressive therapies. These treatments are vital for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to prolong survival and manage the disease. Third-line treatment and beyond refers to therapies administered when the cancer has become resistant to earlier treatments. These include newer or experimental drugs, often involving more specialized therapies, aimed at improving quality of life and providing palliative care for advanced stages of the disease.
In terms of route of administration, the market is segmented into Intravenous, Oral, and Subcutaneous administration methods. Intravenous administration is the most common method for delivering chemotherapy and biologics, as it ensures fast delivery and allows for higher concentrations of drugs to directly enter the bloodstream. Oral administration provides convenience, especially for long-term treatments, with oral chemotherapy drugs like capecitabine allowing patients to manage treatment at home. Subcutaneous administration is a growing trend, especially for targeted therapies and biologics, as it offers quicker administration and can be done outside of hospital settings, improving patient comfort and adherence. Lastly, the market is segmented by distribution channels, including Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Others. Hospital pharmacies dominate the market due to the critical nature of colorectal cancer treatments and the need for specialized medications. However, retail pharmacies are increasingly significant as patients seek convenience and access to supportive therapies and follow-up treatments. The Others category includes alternative channels such as online pharmacies or specialized clinics, contributing to the overall market accessibility. These segments highlight the diverse approaches to treatment, distribution, and patient care, emphasizing the tailored strategies used to manage colorectal cancer across different stages and patient needs.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Segment Analysis
In this report, the global colorectal cancer drugs market has been segmented by Drug Class, Treatment Type, Route of Administration, Distribution Channels, and Geography.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, Segmentation by Drug Class
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market has been segmented by Drug Class into Anti-angiogenic Drugs, Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs, and Targeted Therapy Drugs.
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market is segmented by drug class, with key categories including Anti-angiogenic Drugs, Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs, and Targeted Therapy Drugs, each playing a vital role in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Anti-angiogenic drugs focus on inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors, thereby limiting their growth and spread. These drugs, such as bevacizumab, are commonly used in combination with chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, offering significant improvements in survival rates by preventing tumor vascularization.
Chemotherapy drugs remain a cornerstone of colorectal cancer treatment, especially in advanced stages of the disease. These drugs, like fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin, work by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered either as neoadjuvant therapy before surgery to shrink tumors or as adjuvant therapy after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Despite the advent of more targeted therapies, chemotherapy continues to be an essential treatment option for colorectal cancer due to its effectiveness in managing the disease across different stages.
Immunotherapy drugs represent a newer approach to colorectal cancer treatment, utilizing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown promise, particularly in cancers with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). These drugs work by blocking the proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells, thus boosting the body’s immune response. Targeted therapy drugs focus on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Drugs like cetuximab and panitumumab target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is often overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells. The growing availability of these therapies offers more personalized and effective treatment options, allowing for a tailored approach based on genetic and molecular characteristics of the cancer. This segmentation reflects the diverse range of therapeutic approaches available to address colorectal cancer, providing patients with multiple options for managing the disease.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, Segmentation by Treatment Type
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market has been segmented by Treatment Type into First-Line Treatment, Second-Line Treatment, and Third-Line Treatment and Beyond.
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market is segmented by treatment type, which includes First-Line Treatment, Second-Line Treatment, and Third-Line Treatment and Beyond, each corresponding to the stage of cancer progression and the patient’s response to earlier treatments. First-line treatment refers to the initial course of therapy offered to patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer's genetic makeup and stage. Common first-line drugs include oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and bevacizumab, which are used to shrink tumors and prevent the spread of cancer, improving the patient’s prognosis when the disease is diagnosed in its early or locally advanced stages.
Second-line treatment is administered when the cancer does not respond adequately to first-line therapy or recurs after an initial remission. This treatment often involves a different combination of chemotherapy drugs, additional targeted therapies, or immunotherapy options. For example, patients who progress after first-line therapy may be treated with drugs like irinotecan or regorafenib, which can target cancer cells through different mechanisms. Second-line treatments are crucial for managing metastatic colorectal cancer, as they offer patients another chance to control the disease and extend survival, especially when first-line treatments prove ineffective or cause intolerable side effects.
Third-line treatment and beyond refers to therapies used when colorectal cancer has progressed after second-line treatment. These therapies often focus on maintaining quality of life and may include newer or experimental drugs, as well as palliative care options. At this stage, the cancer may have become resistant to many treatments, and doctors may turn to more personalized approaches, such as immunotherapies (e.g., nivolumab) or clinical trial drugs targeting specific molecular pathways. These treatments aim to manage symptoms and control the disease for as long as possible. The segmentation highlights the evolving treatment landscape for colorectal cancer, offering patients a range of options as their condition progresses through different stages of therapy.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, Segmentation by Route of Administration
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market has been segmented by Route of Administration into Intravenous, Oral, and Subcutaneous.
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market is segmented by route of administration, which includes Intravenous (IV), Oral, and Subcutaneous methods. Intravenous administration is the most common route for delivering colorectal cancer drugs, particularly chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as it ensures rapid and direct delivery of the drug into the bloodstream, allowing for high bioavailability. Drugs like oxaliplatin and bevacizumab are typically administered intravenously, allowing healthcare providers to closely monitor patients during treatment and manage potential side effects. IV administration is often preferred for aggressive therapies where high drug concentrations are needed to combat advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer.
Oral administration offers significant convenience and ease of use, which has made it an increasingly popular option for certain cancer treatments, especially for patients undergoing long-term therapy or those who require continuous treatment. Oral chemotherapy drugs, such as capecitabine and tegafur, are commonly used in the management of colorectal cancer and provide patients with the flexibility of self-administration at home. This route of administration allows for outpatient treatment, reducing hospital visits and providing greater patient comfort, although it may be limited by factors like gastrointestinal side effects or the need for more frequent dosing.
Subcutaneous administration is another emerging route, particularly for targeted therapies and biologics. Drugs such as trastuzumab and certain immunotherapies can be administered subcutaneously, which allows for faster administration compared to intravenous methods and can be done in a clinical setting or at home, improving patient compliance. Subcutaneous administration is advantageous for patients who may have difficulty with IV access or prefer less invasive options. This method provides a more convenient alternative while still delivering effective treatment, especially for those in need of ongoing cancer management. Each of these routes of administration offers distinct benefits, and their choice depends on factors like the drug's formulation, patient preference, and disease stage, ultimately enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of colorectal cancer treatments.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channels
The Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market has been segmented by Distribution Channels into Hospitals Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Others.
Hospitals pharmacies serve as critical hubs within the healthcare system, playing a central role in the management and treatment of colorectal cancer patients. These pharmacies are typically located within hospital premises and are integral components of multidisciplinary oncology teams. Hospitals pharmacies offer a wide range of colorectal cancer drugs, including chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, immunomodulators, and supportive care medications. They are equipped with specialized facilities and trained personnel to handle complex treatment regimens, prepare intravenous medications, and provide patient counseling and education. Additionally, hospitals pharmacies collaborate closely with oncologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal medication management, dosing adjustments, and monitoring of treatment-related side effects. Patients receiving inpatient care for colorectal cancer often receive their medications directly from hospitals pharmacies, while outpatient services may involve medication dispensing, infusion therapy, and follow-up consultations.
Retail Pharmacies: Retail pharmacies represent another key distribution channel for colorectal cancer drugs, offering convenient access to medications for patients outside hospital settings. These pharmacies are typically located in community settings, including standalone stores, grocery stores, and healthcare clinics. Retail pharmacies stock a variety of colorectal cancer drugs, including oral medications, supportive care products, and over-the-counter remedies. They play a vital role in facilitating outpatient treatment and maintenance therapy for colorectal cancer patients, providing prescription dispensing services, medication counseling, and refill management. Retail pharmacies also serve as points of contact for patients seeking information on drug interactions, dosage instructions, and adherence support. Moreover, they may offer additional services such as medication synchronization, home delivery, and specialty pharmacy services tailored to the unique needs of colorectal cancer patients.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
The colorectal cancer drugs market in 2023 witnessed North America emerge as the largest region. Meanwhile, the Middle East is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the global colorectal cancer drugs market during the forecast period. Regions covered in the market report include Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Countries featured in the colorectal cancer drugs market report encompass Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the UK, the USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain. This market segment comprises sales of avastin, bevacizumab, and camptosar. The market values represent factory gate values, encompassing sales by manufacturers to downstream entities or end customers, inclusive of associated services.
Market value denotes revenues acquired by enterprises from goods and/or services sold within the specified market and geography. Revenue generation within a designated geography constitutes consumption values, regardless of production location. Notably, it excludes revenues from resales along the supply chain or incorporation into other products.
The colorectal cancer drugs market research report, part of The Business Research Company's series, furnishes comprehensive statistics on market size, regional distribution, competitors' market shares, detailed segments, trends, and opportunities. It provides invaluable insights to thrive in the colorectal cancer drugs industry, offering a thorough analysis of both current and future industry landscapes.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Incidence and Prevalence
- Advancements in Drug Development
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Growing Emphasis on Personalized Medicine- Personalized medicine in colorectal cancer involves the use of biomarker testing, such as genetic mutations or protein expression profiles, to identify patients who are likely to respond to specific therapies. By analyzing these biomarkers, healthcare providers can customize treatment plans that maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, advancements in technologies like next-generation sequencing have made genomic profiling more accessible, enabling clinicians to identify actionable mutations and select targeted therapies accordingly.
Ongoing research efforts focus on developing novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies that exploit the unique molecular characteristics of individual tumors. The growing adoption of personalized medicine in the colorectal cancer drugs market represents a paradigm shift towards more precise and effective treatments, offering hope for improved survival rates and better patient care. As personalized medicine continues to evolve, it is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of colorectal cancer treatment strategies, driving innovation and advancements in precision oncology.
Restraints
- High Cost of Treatment
- Side Effects and Toxicity
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Limited Biomarker Identification- Biomarkers are crucial indicators that can help in diagnosing, prognosticating, and monitoring the progression of colorectal cancer. However, the identification of reliable biomarkers specific to colorectal cancer remains a challenge. This limitation hampers the development of targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual patients. Without accurate biomarkers, it becomes difficult for healthcare providers to predict treatment responses, leading to a trial-and-error approach in patient management. Moreover, the lack of robust biomarkers impedes the efficient conduct of clinical trials, hindering the validation of potential new drugs and treatment strategies.
The absence of validated biomarkers complicates the selection of appropriate patients for clinical trials, potentially resulting in suboptimal outcomes and delays in drug development. Consequently, the limited availability of biomarkers not only restricts the advancement of precision medicine but also contributes to the overall challenges in improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of colorectal cancer. Addressing this restraint necessitates concerted efforts in research and development to identify and validate novel biomarkers that can guide more effective and personalized treatment approaches in colorectal cancer management.
Opportunities
- Early Detection and Screening Technologies
- Investment in Research and Development
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Precision Oncology Platforms- These platforms leverage advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing and molecular profiling to analyze tumor DNA, RNA, and protein expression patterns, enabling clinicians to identify specific genetic mutations driving colorectal cancer progression. By elucidating the molecular underpinnings of each patient's cancer, precision oncology platforms empower healthcare providers to make more informed treatment decisions, selecting therapies that are likely to be most effective and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
These platforms facilitate the development of novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies, as they provide invaluable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving colorectal cancer development and progression. Furthermore, precision oncology platforms support the concept of personalized medicine, aligning treatment strategies with the unique characteristics of each patient's tumor. As a result, they hold immense promise for improving patient outcomes, enhancing treatment efficacy, and ultimately transforming the landscape of colorectal cancer care.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market include:
- Pfizer Inc.
- Merck & Co. Inc.
- AbbVie Inc.
- Bayer AG
- Novartis AG
- Sanofi SA
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
- AstraZeneca plc
- Abbott Laboratories
- GlaxoSmithKline plc
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Drug Class
- Market Snapshot, By Treatment Type
- Market Snapshot, By Route of Administration
- Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channels
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing Incidence and Prevalence
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Advancements in Drug Development
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Growing Emphasis on Personalized Medicine
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- Restraints
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High Cost of Treatment
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Side Effects and Toxicity
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Limited Biomarker Identification
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- Opportunities
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Early Detection and Screening Technologies
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Investment in Research and Development
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Precision Oncology Platforms
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, ByDrug Class, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Anti-angiogenic Drugs
- Chemotherapy Drugs
- Immunotherapy Drugs
- Targeted Therapy Drugs
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, By Treatment Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- First-Line Treatment
- Second-Line Treatment
- Third-Line Treatment and Beyond
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, By Route of Administration, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Intravenous
- Oral
- Subcutaneous
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, By Distribution Channels, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Hospitals Pharmacies
- Retail Pharmacies
- Others
- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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North America
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United States
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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Nordic
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Benelux
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Rest of Europe
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Asia Pacific
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Japan
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China
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India
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Australia & New Zealand
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South Korea
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ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
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Rest of Asia Pacific
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Middle East & Africa
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GCC
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Israel
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South Africa
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Rest of Middle East & Africa
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Rest of Latin America
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- Global Colorectal Cancer Drugs Market, ByDrug Class, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Pfizer Inc.
- Merck & Co. Inc.
- AbbVie Inc.
- Bayer AG
- Novartis AG
- Sanofi SA
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
- AstraZeneca plc
- Abbott Laboratories
- GlaxoSmithKline plc
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market