Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – July 31, 2025 – Global Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Market Size is expected to be worth around US$ 1.5 billion by 2034 from US$ 0.8 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
The global Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) market is experiencing notable growth, driven by rising infertility rates, expanding applications in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and growing awareness regarding hormone-based treatments. In 2024, the market generated significant revenue, with projections estimating a continued upward trajectory through 2034, supported by increased demand across fertility clinics, hospitals, and research institutions.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy, is widely utilized in the treatment of infertility in both men and women. It plays a crucial role in ovulation induction and supports the luteal phase during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Additionally, it is used to stimulate testosterone production in males with hypogonadism and as part of weight management therapies.
The market is segmented by type (natural and recombinant), application (fertility treatment, weight loss therapy, and others), and end-user (hospitals, fertility clinics, and research centers). Among these, fertility treatment remains the dominant application segment due to the rising global infertility burden. Furthermore, advancements in biotechnology have supported the development of recombinant hCG products, contributing to higher treatment precision and reduced side effects.
North America leads the market owing to advanced reproductive health infrastructure and increasing ART adoption, while Asia-Pacific is poised to witness the fastest growth due to rising healthcare investments and awareness.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, the global Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) market generated a revenue of approximately US$ 0.8 billion. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%, reaching an estimated value of US$ 1.5 billion by 2034.
- Based on product type, the market is categorized into native and recombinant hCG. The native segment emerged as the leading category in 2023, accounting for 56.3% of the total market share.
- In terms of therapeutic area, the market is segmented into female infertility treatment, male hypogonadism, chronic pain, and others. Among these, female infertility treatment dominated the market in 2023, holding a substantial share of 54.8%, driven by the increasing prevalence of reproductive health disorders.
- By distribution channel, the market is divided into hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment led the market in 2023, capturing the highest revenue share of 63.9%, attributed to the clinical nature of hCG administration and physician-supervised treatments.
- Regionally, North America held the largest share of the global hCG market in 2023, accounting for 43.2% of the total revenue. This dominance is supported by a well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of fertility treatments in the region.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: The native human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) segment leads the market with a 56.3% share, driven by its widespread use in fertility and hormone replacement therapies. Native hCG’s proven efficacy in ovulation induction and testosterone stimulation, along with its cost-effectiveness compared to recombinant forms, supports sustained demand. Its natural biological structure enhances its suitability for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, especially in infertility and hypogonadism, ensuring continued dominance as global infertility rates rise.
- Therapeutic Area Analysis: Female infertility treatment accounts for 54.8% of the market, supported by the global increase in infertility, particularly in developed regions. Human chorionic gonadotropin plays a vital role in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, by triggering ovulation and promoting egg maturation. Growing awareness, improved ART success rates, and the proliferation of fertility clinics are expected to accelerate the demand for hCG-based treatments, reinforcing this segment’s leadership in the therapeutic application landscape.
- Distribution Channel Analysis: Hospital pharmacies dominate the distribution channel segment with a 63.9% market share, primarily due to their central role in administering hCG-based fertility and hormone therapies. The controlled environment and presence of specialized healthcare personnel make hospitals the preferred setting for such treatments. As demand for ART and male hormone therapies increases, reliance on hospital pharmacies is expected to remain high. Their ability to manage complex treatment protocols sustains their leadership in the hCG supply chain.
Market Segments
By Product Type
- Native
- Recombinant
By Therapeutic Area
- Female Infertility Treatment
- Male Hypogonadism
- Chronic Pain
- Others
By Distribution Channel
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Online Pharmacies
- Retail Pharmacies
Regional Analysis
North America Leads the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Market
In 2024, North America maintained its leading position in the global human chorionic gonadotropin market, accounting for a substantial 43.2% share. The region’s growth is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of infertility and the increasing adoption of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), where hCG plays a critical role in inducing ovulation and supporting pregnancy outcomes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of babies born through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States rose to 91,771 in 2022, up from 89,208 in 2021, indicating a steady increase in ART procedures that utilize hCG. Additionally, expanded use of hCG in diagnostic applications, such as early pregnancy testing and management of gynecological conditions, has further supported market growth.
Although the general fertility rate in the U.S. declined slightly to 54.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15–44 in 2023 from 56.0 in 2022, a significant portion of the population continues to rely on fertility interventions. Key players, such as Organon, have reported positive performance, with the company’s Women’s Health revenue increasing by 7% in Q4 2023 (or 8% excluding currency impacts), largely driven by fertility products.
Asia Pacific Expected to Exhibit the Fastest Growth
The Asia Pacific region is projected to register the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the human chorionic gonadotropin market during the forecast period. This expected growth is underpinned by a rising burden of infertility, expanding public awareness of fertility treatment options, and considerable improvements in healthcare infrastructure across emerging economies such as China and India.
In April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that 17.5% of the adult population globally or approximately 1 in 6 people experiences infertility. This growing unmet need for fertility care is especially prominent in high-population regions like Asia Pacific. Governments and healthcare systems are increasingly investing in specialized fertility clinics and adopting advanced reproductive technologies, enhancing access to hCG-based treatments.
Leading companies such as Merck KGaA, which maintain a strong presence in fertility healthcare, are expanding their operations across Asia Pacific in response to this rising demand. As disposable incomes rise and healthcare delivery systems modernize, the region is expected to witness a significant surge in the adoption of fertility solutions further propelling hCG market expansion.
Emerging Trends
- The regulatory framework for over-the-counter (OTC) hCG test kits is being clarified, with updated FDA guidance outlining performance standards and safety considerations for home pregnancy devices. This trend can be attributed to growing consumer demand for accurate, at-home diagnostics and efforts to reduce unnecessary clinic visits.
- Point-of-care quantitative hCG testing is being adopted more widely in Early Pregnancy Assessment Units (EPAUs). Serial measurements of hCG every 48 hours are now standard practice to distinguish normal intrauterine pregnancies from failing or ectopic pregnancies. The ability to track hCG dynamics in real time is facilitating earlier clinical decisions and personalized patient management.
- Preclinical research has begun to explore hCG’s anti-inflammatory properties beyond its reproductive role. Studies in animal models have demonstrated that hCG can modulate inflammatory pathways, suggesting potential applications in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This repurposing trend is expected to expand as more is learned about hCG’s cytokine-like effects.
- Immunological applications of hCG are under investigation, including vaccines targeting the hCG β-subunit for both contraceptive purposes and cancer therapy. Early phase trials have shown that anti-hCG antibodies can inhibit embryo implantation in nonhuman primates and may serve as tumor-targeting agents in trophoblastic cancers. Continued development of these “birth control vaccines” reflects a growing interest in hCG-based immunotherapies.
Use Cases
- Early Pregnancy Detection and Monitoring: β-hCG can be detected in blood as early as 8 days after ovulation, enabling pregnancy diagnosis before missed menses. In viable intrauterine pregnancies with initial β-hCG < 1,500 mIU/mL, levels rise by at least 49 % over 48 hours in 99 % of cases; slower rises suggest potential miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): In in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols, patients typically receive 5,000 IU of hCG by intramuscular injection 72 hours before embryo transfer, on the day of transfer, and 72 hours afterward. This regimen supports final oocyte maturation and luteal phase maintenance, contributing to implantation rates above 30 % per transfer.
- Ectopic Pregnancy Management: Quantitative hCG measurements are central to ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. A plateau or decline in serial hCG levels especially a decrease of ≥ 21 % over 48 hours is indicative of nonviable pregnancy and prompts further imaging or surgical intervention.
- Contraceptive Initiation and Counseling: Qualitative urine hCG tests with 95 % sensitivity at concentrations of 25 mIU/mL are recommended prior to starting certain contraceptives to rule out existing pregnancy. This use case reduces the risk of inadvertent fetal exposure to teratogenic contraceptive methods.
Conclusion
The global Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) market is poised for sustained growth, driven by rising infertility rates, expanding ART usage, and increasing clinical applications in both reproductive and diagnostic care. With a projected CAGR of 6.7%, the market is expected to reach US$ 1.5 billion by 2034.
North America remains the dominant region, while Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow the fastest. Continued innovation in therapeutic and immunological applications, coupled with broader access to fertility treatments and diagnostics, is expected to strengthen the role of hCG as a vital hormone in reproductive healthcare and beyond.
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