Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market By Disease Type (Dry AMD, Wet AMD); By Drug Class (Anti-VEGF Agents, Complement Inhibitors, Gene Therapy, Others); By Route of Administration (Intravitreal, Oral, Subretinal, Others); By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Age-Related Macular Degeneration ( AMD ) Market will witness a robust CAGR of 6.8% , valued at approximately $9.4 billion in 2024 , expected to appreciate and reach nearly $14.0 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that primarily affects the elderly, leading to central vision loss due to damage in the macula—the central part of the retina. The condition is becoming increasingly prevalent as global life expectancy rises. With a rapidly aging population and greater diagnostic awareness, AMD has emerged as a major area of concern in ophthalmology. Technological innovations, such as biologic therapeutics, anti-VEGF agents, retinal implants, and home-based diagnostic tools, are accelerating both detection and treatment options in 2024.

 

The global burden of vision impairment is shifting dramatically, with AMD contributing significantly to irreversible visual decline in high-income countries, note ophthalmic research experts. As the prevalence of AMD rises, healthcare systems are being compelled to enhance diagnostic access and subsidize long-term treatment regimens.

 

Several macroeconomic and sector-specific forces are shaping the AMD landscape:

• Demographic Shifts: Over 1.5 billion people will be aged 65 or older by 2050, directly contributing to AMD incidence.

• Innovation in Therapeutics: Anti-VEGF therapies have transformed the wet AMD treatment paradigm, with biosimilars and gene therapies on the horizon.

• Healthcare Access and Reimbursement: Payer policies and reimbursement frameworks in Europe and North America play a crucial role in therapy access and adoption.

• Digital Health Integration: Tele-retinal imaging and AI-based fundus interpretation are improving early detection and patient engagement.

• Public Health and Regulatory Focus: National vision care programs and patient registries are enhancing surveillance and longitudinal data capture.

 

Key stakeholders in this market include:

• Biopharmaceutical manufacturers (developing biologics, biosimilars, and gene therapies)

• Ophthalmology clinics and hospitals (frontline treatment and diagnostic hubs)

• Diagnostic equipment providers (OCT, fundus imaging, and AI systems)

• Government agencies and non-profits (implementing screening programs and funding awareness)

• Private insurers and public health authorities (reimbursement and care model innovators)

• Venture capital and private equity investors (funding next- gen therapy developers)

As AMD continues to impose clinical and economic burdens, strategic focus is shifting towards integrated care delivery, disease-modifying therapies, and preventive diagnostics. This report offers a comprehensive, forward-looking view of how the AMD market will evolve between 2024 and 2030.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The age-related macular degeneration market is segmented comprehensively to reflect the evolving landscape of disease types, therapeutic modalities, patient settings, and regional adoption patterns. The segmentation approach for this report is as follows:

By Disease Type

• Dry AMD

• Wet AMD

Dry AMD currently accounts for the largest share of diagnosed cases globally, constituting around 80–85% of all AMD cases . However, due to the absence of approved disease-modifying treatments, the market value remains significantly lower than that of Wet AMD , which drives the majority of therapeutic revenues through anti-VEGF regimens.

While dry AMD is more prevalent, wet AMD dominates pharmaceutical sales due to ongoing therapy needs, making it the most monetizable segment through 2030.

 

By Drug Class

• Anti-VEGF Agents

• Complement Inhibitors

• Gene Therapy Candidates

• Others (e.g., antioxidants, corticosteroids, lifestyle drugs)

Anti-VEGF agents are the cornerstone of wet AMD management and are expected to maintain dominance in 2024. Notably, biosimilars are beginning to disrupt branded monopolies, offering cost-effective alternatives. The complement inhibitor class is gaining traction for dry AMD, with pipeline candidates targeting geographic atrophy and inflammation-driven progression.

The fastest-growing segment by 2030 is expected to be complement inhibitors, owing to multiple Phase III trials entering commercialization and regulatory pathways across the U.S., EU, and Japan.

 

By Route of Administration

• Intravitreal

• Oral

• Subretinal

• Others

Intravitreal injection remains the gold standard for delivering anti-VEGF agents, but oral and subretinal delivery platforms are emerging, particularly in gene and cell therapy modalities. These methods aim to reduce injection burden and improve patient compliance.

 

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Retail Pharmacies

• Online Pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies held the dominant share in 2024 due to the need for administered biologics and specialized handling. However, online pharmacies are growing rapidly, especially in developed markets, facilitated by prescription digitization and chronic refill demand.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

Each of these regions presents distinct regulatory, clinical, and infrastructural dynamics. While North America leads in terms of revenue and innovation, Asia Pacific is expected to experience the fastest CAGR through 2030 , driven by a swelling elderly population and increasing public-private vision care initiatives.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) market is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by the convergence of biologics innovation, AI-enabled diagnostics, gene therapy pipelines, and payer-driven value models. 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in AMD innovation, with several paradigm-shifting trends unfolding across the clinical and commercial spectrum.

1. Advanced Biologics and Biosimilars Entering Mainstream

Anti-VEGF therapies such as aflibercept and ranibizumab have long dominated the wet AMD treatment space. However, the expiration of exclusivity patents has opened the doors for biosimilars , which are reshaping the pricing and access dynamics globally. Leading manufacturers are diversifying their portfolios with long-acting formulations, reduced injection frequency, and refillable ocular implant systems.

“Next-gen anti-VEGF biologics with 12– 16 week durability windows are dramatically reducing the injection burden, leading to better adherence and cost containment,” says a retinal specialist at a Boston-based eye institute.

 

2. AI and Home-Based Diagnostics Reshaping Monitoring Models

The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in AMD diagnostics is accelerating. AI-powered platforms for optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation are enabling earlier disease detection and precise monitoring of progression. Home-based tools, including tele-ophthalmology apps and self-operated vision monitoring devices , are being trialed in high-risk elderly cohorts to minimize travel and enable real-time alerts.

Smart home-based AMD monitoring is becoming a reality, not a vision—reducing clinic visits and detecting fluid accumulation before symptoms emerge.

 

3. Gene and Cell Therapy Pioneers Advancing Phase II/III Trials

Biopharma R&D is now focusing on gene therapy candidates for wet AMD and complement cascade inhibitors for dry AMD (especially geographic atrophy). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based delivery systems are being engineered to provide a single-dose, potentially lifelong therapeutic effect . Meanwhile, cell-based regeneration using retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is gaining traction in Japan, South Korea, and select EU centers .

If successful, these therapies could end the recurrent injection era and set a new benchmark in AMD management.

 

4. Industry Collaboration & Licensing Deals

There’s been a marked uptick in strategic alliances , co-development deals , and tech licensing agreements between biotech firms and established pharma. These deals aim to de-risk pipeline progression, gain early market access, and co-commercialize high-value molecules. Noteworthy partnerships include tie-ups between ophthalmic biotech startups and global giants to accelerate clinical-stage programs.

 

5. Imaging and AI Equipment Integration

Leading ophthalmic imaging vendors are embedding AI analytics into diagnostic hardware , allowing autonomous disease classification and predictive modeling . OCT angiography is being paired with real-time fluid analysis tools, enhancing diagnostic yield and decision-making efficiency for clinicians.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) market is a highly competitive and innovation-driven landscape, dominated by global pharmaceutical giants, niche ophthalmology specialists, and emerging biotech startups . Companies are fiercely competing across multiple fronts—therapy efficacy, injection frequency, market access, biosimilar pricing, and pipeline depth.

Below is a benchmarking overview of key players in 2024:

1. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

A dominant force in the wet AMD space, Regeneron continues to lead with its flagship anti-VEGF therapy, supported by a strong lifecycle management strategy. Its extended-dosing formulations and real-world effectiveness data have reinforced physician loyalty. The company has also invested in home-based vision monitoring and digital support platforms, expanding its footprint beyond therapeutics.

 

2. Roche Holding AG

Roche , via its Genentech division, remains a top-tier competitor with robust biologic assets and a growing biosimilar defense strategy. The company has entered 2024 with next-gen delivery platforms and co-formulation trials aiming to simplify administration protocols. Additionally, it’s actively exploring AI-integrated diagnostics as adjuncts to its treatment offering.

 

3. Novartis AG

Novartis is advancing in both wet and dry AMD domains through its ophthalmology franchise. It’s leveraging internal development and licensing deals to enhance its pipeline diversity. The firm is investing heavily in complement inhibition therapy for geographic atrophy, and collaborating with AI firms for predictive disease progression tools.

 

4. Apellis Pharmaceuticals

An emerging disruptor in the dry AMD segment, Apellis has made significant progress in commercializing complement system inhibitors targeting geographic atrophy. With novel targets and differentiated delivery routes, it’s attracting both investor confidence and early adoption interest among retinal specialists.

 

5. Bayer AG

Bayer has established itself as a European AMD leader, particularly through co-marketing and development partnerships in the anti-VEGF space. The company is actively investing in slow-release depot systems and has recently expanded into the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology market via regional alliances.

 

6. Iveric Bio (An Astellas Company)

Recently acquired by Astellas, Iveric Bio is at the forefront of R&D for dry AMD treatments. Its proprietary complement factor inhibitors are in advanced clinical stages and show promise in reducing the rate of geographic atrophy progression. Its acquisition signals increasing consolidation in the AMD innovation chain.

 

7. Outlook Therapeutics

Focusing specifically on ophthalmic biosimilars, Outlook Therapeutics is working toward regulatory approvals for bevacizumab ophthalmic formulations. Its strategy is aimed at increasing affordability and access, particularly in emerging markets and underfunded healthcare systems.

These companies vary widely in strategy: while larger incumbents dominate on scale and global reach, smaller innovators are pushing boundaries in dry AMD and regenerative approaches. The competitive outlook for 2025–2030 will likely hinge on gene therapy approvals , durable formulations , and cost-effective biosimilar penetration .

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) market exhibits distinct regional variations in disease prevalence, reimbursement models, clinical infrastructure, and treatment access. While North America and Europe currently lead in terms of revenue and innovation, Asia Pacific and parts of Latin America and the Middle East are emerging as high-potential growth territories driven by demographic shifts and expanding ophthalmic care networks.

North America

North America, particularly the United States , dominates the global AMD market due to:

• Early adoption of biologics and biosimilars

• Strong ophthalmology referral networks

• High per capita healthcare expenditure

• Robust Medicare and private payer coverage for anti-VEGF injections

The U.S. also has an advanced diagnostic landscape, with AI-assisted imaging , OCT devices , and retinal gene therapy centers concentrated in academic hubs.

“In the U.S., frequency and access are no longer the main challenge—it’s about optimizing outcomes and reducing clinic burden,” notes a senior ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins.

Canada mirrors these trends, though access disparities persist between urban and remote populations.

 

Europe

Europe is a mature AMD market with considerable variation by country:

• Germany , France , and the UK have strong biosimilar integration and public reimbursement for AMD therapies.

• Scandinavian countries lead in integrating AI-based home diagnostics into public health frameworks.

• Eastern Europe , while improving, still faces gaps in biologic access and imaging infrastructure.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is actively reviewing advanced therapies, including gene-based solutions, giving Europe an edge in regulatory receptiveness.

 

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is poised to record the fastest growth rate through 2030. Key growth drivers include:

• Rapidly aging populations in China , Japan , and South Korea

• Expanding healthcare infrastructure and government vision health campaigns

• Rising adoption of AI and mobile screening in rural and semi-urban areas

 

Japan is a leader in regenerative medicine applications, having approved several cell-based AMD treatments. China is investing heavily in AI diagnostics and low-cost biosimilars to scale nationwide AMD management.

In China, community vision clinics with AI screening software are being deployed in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, signaling a mass decentralization of AMD diagnostics.

 

Latin America, Middle East & Africa (LAMEA)

These regions are in the nascent stages of AMD market development, but show promising indicators:

• Brazil and Mexico have active public-private programs for retinal disease awareness and imaging access.

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in specialized ophthalmic hospitals and bringing in advanced therapies through partnerships with European suppliers.

• Africa remains largely underserved, with AMD diagnosis rates far below global averages, although pilot programs in South Africa are making headway.

White Space Opportunity : Rural India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and inland Latin America lack consistent access to retinal specialists or OCT imaging. These are long-term penetration markets for portable diagnostics and biosimilar therapeutics.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The demand and utilization of AMD therapies and diagnostics are deeply influenced by the type of end user, each of which plays a distinct role in the treatment journey. End-user preferences often shape procurement patterns, therapeutic adoption rates, and integration of digital tools. The key end users in the age-related macular degeneration market include:

1. Hospitals and Specialized Ophthalmology Centers

Large hospitals and vision-focused centers are the primary treatment hubs for wet AMD. These facilities typically have advanced imaging infrastructure such as OCT , OCT-Angiography , and fluorescein angiography , and are authorized for intravitreal biologic administration. Hospitals also serve as principal nodes for clinical trials and early adoption of novel therapies , such as gene and cell therapies.

These centers often run multidisciplinary vision care programs, involving retinal surgeons, low-vision specialists, and rehabilitation services—creating a comprehensive AMD care ecosystem.

 

2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

While less common in AMD management than cataract surgery, ASCs are beginning to participate in the delivery of longer-acting biologic injections and investigational therapies in select countries like the U.S., Japan, and Germany. Their lower cost and higher throughput make them suitable for routine monitoring and follow-up diagnostics in stable AMD cases.

 

3. Retail Clinics and Optometry Chains

In mature markets like the U.S., optometry chains such as Vision Source and Specsavers have begun offering initial AMD screenings , especially for dry AMD. Though they do not treat advanced disease, their role in referral generation and public education is growing.

The optometry channel is becoming an educational and diagnostic front line, particularly for catching early-stage dry AMD in patients with no symptoms.

 

4. Research Institutions and Academic Hospitals

Leading academic hospitals are crucial for R&D in gene therapies , complement inhibitors , and regenerative cell implants . These centers drive early-stage adoption and often publish real-world data (RWD) that guides national treatment protocols.

 

Use Case Scenario: South Korean Tertiary Hospital

A tertiary care hospital in Seoul initiated a hybrid AMD management program integrating home-based AI vision tracking tools with hospital-administered anti-VEGF therapy. Elderly patients diagnosed with wet AMD were provided with smartphone-enabled retinal self-assessment kits. If anomalies were detected—such as increased distortion or brightness variation—an automated alert triggered an in-person OCT exam at the hospital.

The result: unnecessary injections were reduced by 28%, while disease progression was caught earlier in 19% of cases. Hospital burden decreased, and patients reported higher satisfaction with personalized, proactive care.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• FDA Approval of Pegcetacoplan ( Syfovre ) for Geographic Atrophy (2023) Apellis Pharmaceuticals secured FDA approval for pegcetacoplan , the first-ever treatment targeting geographic atrophy due to dry AMD.

• Iveric Bio’s Zimura Gains Breakthrough Therapy Designation (2023) The U.S. FDA granted breakthrough therapy status to Zimura , a complement C5 inhibitor, for geographic atrophy treatment.

• Roche Launched Vabysmo ® With Dual-Action Mechanism (2022–2023) Roche introduced a new biologic, Vabysmo , offering VEGF and Ang-2 inhibition for wet AMD, promising fewer injections.

• Samsung Medical Center Rolls Out AI-Based AMD Screening Tool (2024) South Korea’s Samsung Medical Center deployed a national AI-enabled screening initiative for early AMD detection via fundus imaging.

• Astellas Completes $5.9B Acquisition of Iveric Bio (2023) Astellas finalized its acquisition to deepen its retinal disease portfolio, especially in the dry AMD segment.

 

Opportunities

• Unmet Need in Dry AMD Treatments Geographic atrophy remains one of the few irreversible and largely untreated eye conditions—paving the way for massive demand for approved therapies and regenerative options.

• Integration of AI in Diagnostics and Remote Monitoring AI-enabled OCT interpretation, tele-screening, and self-monitoring apps offer cost-saving solutions for overloaded healthcare systems and rural outreach.

• Growth of Biosimilars in Emerging Markets With biologics driving high treatment costs, biosimilar expansion across Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe presents a scalable affordability solution .

 

Restraints

• High Cost of Biologic and Gene Therapies Even with biosimilar entry, long-term anti-VEGF treatment costs and single-dose gene therapies remain a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in underfunded systems.

• Complex Regulatory Pathways for Novel Therapies Gene and cell therapies for AMD face extended approval timelines due to safety concerns and post-marketing surveillance demands, delaying market entry.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 9.4 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 14.0 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Disease Type, By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel, By Geography
By Disease Type	Dry AMD, Wet AMD
By Drug Class	Anti-VEGF Agents, Complement Inhibitors, Gene Therapy, Others
By Route of Administration	Intravitreal, Oral, Subretinal, Others
By Distribution Channel	Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, UAE, etc.
Market Drivers	- Aging Population - Innovation in Biologics & AI Diagnostics - Expanding Reimbursement Models
Customization Option	Available upon request