Press Release

The Japan pet cancer therapeutics market revenue surpassed US$ 15.3 million in 2024 and is predicted to attain around US$ 29.1 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.34% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The recent surge in the pet cancer therapeutics market reflects a growing emphasis on pet health and cancer treatments. This trend is largely driven by increasing pet ownership and significant advancements in veterinary oncology. Many households now view their dogs and cats as integral family members, which has led to a strong demand for effective oncological treatments. As pet owners become more invested in their pets' health, the need for specialized cancer care is becoming increasingly apparent.

In 2024, the Japan Pet Food Association reported a remarkable 7,200,000 registered dogs and 9,140,000 cats in the country. These statistics highlight Japan's enduring affection for companion animals and the growing population of pets in need of medical attention. As more households welcome pets, veterinary clinics are responding by expanding their oncology-specific services to meet the rising demand for comprehensive cancer care.

Japan Pet Cancer Therapeutics Market Key Takeaways

• The Japan pet cancer therapeutics market is anticipated to achieve a valuation of US$ 29.1 million by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.34% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.
• In terms of therapy types, chemotherapy remains the most widely utilized treatment option for pet cancer in Japan. This preference is largely attributed to its robust efficacy profile, the ready availability of established treatment protocols, and the familiarity that veterinarians have developed over decades of clinical practice.
• When examining the route of administration, the oral method stands out as the most favored approach in Japan's pet cancer therapeutics market, commanding over 68.3% of the market share. This preference is primarily due to the convenience it offers both veterinarians and pet owners.
• Looking at the market by species, dogs account for a substantial share of the pet cancer therapeutics market in Japan, representing over 54.3% of the total market share. This predominance can be attributed to several factors, including the larger population of dogs compared to other companion animals and higher rates of cancer diagnoses among canines.
• In terms of application, lymphoma holds a prominent position in Japan’s pet cancer therapeutics market, with over 44.3% market share. This prevalence is largely due to the relatively high incidence rate of lymphoma among pets and the existence of well-established protocols for its management.

Market Overview

Pet cancer therapeutics refers to a specialized category of pharmaceuticals, treatments, and healthcare services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat cancer in pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. This sector has gained significant traction as pet owners increasingly seek effective solutions for their beloved companions facing cancer diagnoses. The landscape of pet oncology encompasses various approaches, from conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapies to innovative drug formulations tailored for animals.

In Japan, several prominent companies are at the forefront of the pet cancer treatment market. Notable names include Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Elanco. These companies have been instrumental in introducing multiple new drug approvals over recent years, reflecting a growing commitment to advancing oncological care for pets. Their continuous research and development efforts aim to provide veterinarians and pet owners with effective therapeutic options that improve the quality of life for pets diagnosed with cancer.

The demand for pet cancer treatments in Japan is clearly illustrated by statistics from the Japanese Animal Hospital Association, which reports a greater than 20% increase in the number of pets treated for cancer over the past five years. This significant rise indicates a heightened awareness of pet health and a willingness among caregivers to pursue necessary medical interventions. Furthermore, the Japan Pet Food Association highlights the presence of approximately 7,100,000 registered dogs in 2023, demonstrating a substantial caregiver community that actively seeks oncological treatments and support services for their pets.

Japan Pet Cancer Therapeutics Market Growth Factors

Driver

Expanding Pet Insurance Coverage: Expanding pet insurance coverage is playing a pivotal role in incentivizing comprehensive oncological treatment accessibility for pets. As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the recognition of providing quality healthcare for animals. Pet insurance policies have evolved significantly, with many now offering extensive coverage for several medical treatments, including oncology services. 

Growth of Collaborative Veterinary Research Hubs: The growth of collaborative veterinary research hubs represents a transformative shift in the field of veterinary medicine, particularly as it relates to the study and treatment of animal health issues, including cancer. These research hubs are characterized by partnerships that span multiple scientific disciplines, bringing together veterinarians, oncologists, geneticists, and researchers from various fields to address complex health challenges faced by pets. 

Restraint

Shortage of Robust Genomic Databases: The shortage of robust genomic databases poses a critical challenge in validating novel oncological treatment protocols. Current genomic databases often lack the breadth and depth necessary to encompass a wide variety of cancer types and subtypes, which limits researchers' ability to validate new treatment protocols effectively. This deficiency can hinder the development of therapies that are tailored to the specific genetic profiles of patients, ultimately impacting the efficacy of treatment options available.

Limited Cross-Institution Data Integration: The challenge of limited cross-institution data integration is a significant barrier to collaborative clinical trials in oncology. In the current landscape of cancer research, the ability to share and analyze data across different institutions is crucial for developing effective treatments. However, many research organizations operate in isolation, maintaining their own databases and systems that often do not communicate with one another. 

Top Trends

Streamlined Diagnostic Pipelines: The integration of AI-driven biomarkers and molecular assays has led to the development of streamlined diagnostic pipelines in the field of medicine. These advanced diagnostic techniques leverage artificial intelligence to enhance accuracy and efficiency in identifying diseases.

Emergence of Targeted Combination Therapies: In recent years, there has been a notable emergence of targeted combination therapies that seek to overcome the limitations of conventional treatment methods. These therapies involve the strategic use of multiple agents that target different pathways or mechanisms of a disease, particularly in complex conditions like cancer.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Curium, a leader in nuclear medicine, announced a strategic partnership with PDRadiopharma Inc., a subsidiary of PeptiDream. This collaboration focuses on the clinical development, regulatory filing, and commercialization in Japan of two innovative agents: 177Lu-PSMA-I&T and 64Cu-PSMA-I&T. Both of these agents are designed to target the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) found in prostate cancer cells, and they are currently being explored for their effectiveness in treating and diagnosing prostate cancer.
• In August 2024, FidoCure received a patent for its AI-driven drug development approach, marking a significant advancement in animal health. This groundbreaking patent represents a pivotal change in how drugs are created for dogs with cancer. FidoCure's innovative methodology is expected to revolutionize the development of targeted and well-tolerated therapies, ushering in a new era in canine cancer treatment.

Key Japan Pet Cancer Therapeutics Market Companies

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Zoetis Inc.
• AB Science
• Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
• ELIAS Animal Health LLC
• Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
• Regeneus Ltd.
• Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Torigen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Virbac
• Sumitomo Pharma Animal Health Co.
• Nippon Zenyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
• Other Prominent Players

Market Segmentation Overview

By Therapy

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Combination Therapy​

By Route Of Administration 

• Oral
• Injection

By Species

• Dogs
• Cats
• Others

By Application

• Lymphoma
• Mast Cell Cancer
• Melanoma
• Mammary and Squamous Cell Cancer

By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary Hospitals & Clinical Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies