China Home Infusion Therapy Market

China Home Infusion Therapy Market Executive Summary

The China Home Infusion Therapy market is at around $2890.7 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $5491.4 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.

Home infusion involves the administration of a medication through a needle or catheter at a patient’s home instead of a hospital or other medical facility. For individuals requiring long-term therapy, inpatient care is not only tremendously expensive but also prevents the individual from resuming normal lifestyle and work activities. Home infusion is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care for a variety of therapies and disease states, both acute and chronic. Conditions commonly requiring infusion therapy include infections that are unresponsive to oral antibiotics, cancer and cancer-related pain, dehydration, gastrointestinal diseases or disorders which prevent normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system, immune system diseases (Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) and more. Some infusion treatments require infusions every day, while others may be less frequent such as every few weeks or months. Usually, for the majority of patients and drugs, home infusion is safe. However, home infusion clinicians will evaluate a patient’s suitability for home infusion throughout the intake phase. The evaluation aspects include the safety of the home environment, safety of the medication delivery method, capability to learn and self-manage for patients and/or caregivers, and the capability to store medications. Thus, nurses play a crucial role in home infusion therapy as they train patients and caregivers on how to safely administer the medication, monitor for side effects, and provide ongoing support. Moreover, coordination between a number of parties is usually necessary for the home infusion procedure, including patients, doctors, hospital discharge planners, health plans, home infusion pharmacies, and, home health organizations.

China faces a significant challenge in managing chronic diseases, accounting for approximately 70% of the total burden of diseases on the healthcare system and the well-being of its citizens. The China Home Infusion Therapy Market is driven by significant factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, expanding geriatric population, and technological advancements. However, uncertain reimbursement policies, limited availability of nurses, and infrastructure and accessibility issues restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players of the China Home Infusion Therapy Market are Poly Medicure, Baxter International, ICU Medical (Smiths Medical), Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), and Fresenius Kabi, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The overall national prevalence of any chronic disease is rising in China causing 87% of total deaths. Home infusion therapy offers a safe and effective way to manage chronic conditions at home as it allows for convenient administration of medications over extended periods, improving patient adherence and treatment outcomes. For instance, chemotherapy drugs can be safely administered to oncology patients at home, reducing hospital stays and improving patient comfort during treatment. Home infusion can also deliver insulin or other medications for patients with complex diabetes management needs. Thus, the rising burden of chronic diseases creates a growing demand for innovative and effective treatment options. Home infusion therapy, with its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various chronic conditions, plays a significant role in managing these illnesses and improving patient quality of life, leading to overall growth of the market.

Expanding Geriatric Population: According to the WHO, China is home to the largest population of older people in the world. In 2019, 254 Mn people in were aged 60 years or older. By 2040, this number is expected to increase to 402 Mn, making up around 28% of the population. Due to the aging process, people become more susceptible to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and autoimmune disorders. These conditions often require long-term treatment with medications that can be effectively delivered through home infusion therapy. Also, the growing elderly population is characterized by decreased mobility which makes frequent hospital visits challenging. Home infusion therapy offers a convenient alternative, allowing them to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes, improving their quality of life and reducing caregiver burden. Moreover, older adults are more susceptible to infections, and hospitals settings can increase their chances of adopting these infections. However, home infusion therapy can reduce the risk of exposure to hospital-acquired infections, leading to better patient outcomes. Overall, a larger geriatric population means a greater number of potential patients who may require home infusion therapy for chronic disease management, which ultimately drives the home infusion therapy market.

Technological advancements: The home infusion therapy market is expected to grow at a high rate due to the numerous advantages that technological advancements provide. When compared to conventional intravenous infusion techniques, wearable infusion devices provide patients more flexibility and comfort by enabling continuous or long-term drug delivery subcutaneously. Improved insertion methods, a lower risk of infection, and longer wear periods are all provided by advanced catheter technologies, which increase patient comfort and treatment compliance. These technical developments result in better patient acceptance, a wider range of treatments, greater efficiency for medical professionals, and lower costs, all of which raise demand and fuel the market for home infusion therapy.

Market Restraints

Uncertain Reimbursement Policies: The varied and unclear reimbursement policies from private insurance companies and the government can limit patient access to home infusion therapy. Even though, home infusion therapy is much more affordable to patients rather than receiving in-patient care, there can be high costs associated with certain speciality infusion therapies. These high costs associated with specialty infusion treatment may discourage patients, especially those without adequate insurance coverage. Due to this, the Home Infusion Therapy Market gets affected as it faces resistance from the patients.

Limited Availability of Nurses: A shortage of nurses trained in administering home infusion therapy can pose a challenge. This can limit the number of patients who can receive treatment at home and potentially lead to longer wait times. Long waits can discourage patients from pursuing home infusion therapy altogether. They may opt for alternative treatment options or even delay treatment due to the wait times. To attract and retain qualified nurses, home infusion therapy providers may need to offer higher salaries. This can increase operational costs, potentially leading to higher treatment costs for patients, further impacting market access. A skilled workforce shortage acts as a bottleneck for the home infusion therapy market. It restricts patient access, increases costs, and potentially compromises the quality and safety of care. This can lead to a decline in patient confidence and a slowdown in market growth.

Infrastructure and Accessibility Issues: Availability of home infusion therapy services might be limited in remote or rural areas. This can create accessibility issues for patients who may not have easy access to qualified providers and necessary equipment. Also, inadequate cold chain logistics for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive medications can hinder the expansion of home infusion therapy in certain regions. Therefore, the overall home infusion therapy market gets affected.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

China’s pharmaceutical regulatory authority was previously called China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) which was renamed to National Medicinal Products Administration (NMPA) in 2018. The NMPA is the government agency which is responsible for regulating the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, and in-vitro diagnostics in the nation. 

The effectiveness and safety of medications, medical equipment, and cosmetics sold in China are ensured by the NMPA. This entails checking applications, carrying out examinations, and monitoring post-market risks. Also, the whole medical product life cycle, from research and development to manufacture, marketing, and distribution, is governed by rules that are created and enforced by the NMPA. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia, which establishes quality standards for pharmaceuticals, is one of the requirements they set for the safety and quality of medicinal products. By expediting the approval procedures for cutting-edge medications and equipment, the NMPA promotes research and development of new and improved medical products.

The NRDL is the main pathway for pharmaceutical reimbursement in China, with primary goal being to improve affordability of drug treatments. The reimbursement landscape for pharmaceuticals in China is complex and prioritizes cost-effectiveness. Even though there are several advantages to being an NRDL member, there are competition in the process and significant cost savings. It is essential for pharmaceutical companies doing business in China to comprehend this framework.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the China Home Infusion Therapy Market:

• Poly Medicure
• Baxter International
• ICU Medical (Smiths Medical)
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Fresenius Kabi
• Option Care Health
• Medtronic
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Terumo Corporation
• CareFusion Corporation