Acute radiation syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness, is a collection of health effects that are caused by being exposed to high amounts of radiation within a short period of time. ARS occurs when the entire body or most of the body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation in a very short period of time (usually a matter of minutes). The symptoms of ARS, which appear shortly after the exposure to radiation, depend on the amount of radiation received. The higher the radiation dose, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. At high doses (over 1 Gray (Gy)), ARS symptoms include impaired blood clotting which leads to uncontrolled bleeding; diarrhea; vomiting; fatigue; and damage to the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.
The most extreme exposure can cause death within days. Common treatments for Acute Radiation Syndrome Market include medical management of symptoms such as infection, diarrhea, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance; antibiotics; growth factors to stimulate blood cell production; organ supportive care including ventilation and dialysis; hyperbaric oxygen therapy in select cases; and blood transfusions.
The Global Acute Radiation Syndrome Market is estimated to be valued at USD 5.2 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.3 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Acute Radiation Syndrome Treatment are Eli Lilly and Company, Cellerant Therapeutics, Inc., SIGA Technologies Inc.
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and growing awareness regarding the management of radiation injuries are contributing significantly to the growth of the acute radiation syndrome treatment market. Government spending on radiation management programs and initiatives owing to the expanding use of radiation technologies is also fueling market growth.
Geographically, North America dominated the acute radiation syndrome treatment market in 2020 due to major technological advancements in the region and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure. However, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing healthcare expenditure in emerging economies such as China and India.
Market drivers
The rapid technological advancements in the field of radiation therapies such as the development of precision radiation therapies are resulting in the increased use of radiation for diagnosis and treatment purposes. This is contributing to the higher risk of radiation exposure and radiation injuries, thereby driving the demand for effective acute radiation syndrome treatment drugs and therapies. Growing prevalence of radiation accidents due to increasing applications of radiation across various industries including nuclear power plants is another major factor propelling the market growth.
The current geopolitical tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world are impacting the growth of the acute radiation syndrome market. With increasing global instability and threats of nuclear warfare, many countries are now focusing more on strengthening their defenses against radiation attacks. This has boosted the demand for drugs, medical products and treatment options that can help individuals exposed to high doses of radiation.
However, the market is also facing some challenges. The economic sanctions imposed by major powers on select countries limit the scope for international cooperation in this domain. While countries aim to enhance their self-reliance, cross-border collaboration is needed to develop more effective countermeasures. Political issues can delay regulatory approvals of new therapies as well. Nonetheless, the rising nuclear ambitions of some nations in sensitive geographic zones have intensified the need to bolster emergency preparedness worldwide.
The acute radiation syndrome market witnesses highest revenues from North America currently. Availability of advanced healthcare facilities, large defense spending, presence of key industry players and rising investment in nuclear energy drive the North American market. Europe is another major revenue generator, supported by initiatives to modernize medical countermeasures across the EU and stockpiling of antidotes by NATO countries. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market for acute radiation syndrome globally. This is owing to increased defense nuclearization and the presence of high-risk territories in the Indo-Pacific. Growing healthcare expenditures and expanding research collaborations in major Asia Pacific economies will further accelerate the regional market in the coming years.
While North America leads the acute radiation syndrome market currently in terms of value, the Asia Pacific region presents extensive opportunities for future growth. This can be attributed to rising defense modernization projects, increasing healthcare access and burgeoning economies in countries like China, India and South Korea. With the evolution of geopolitical dynamics in Asia Pacific, more nations are prioritizing nuclear emergency preparedness. This will substantially increase the demand for advanced radiation accident products and services across the region over the long run.
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