Global Undescended Testicle Market Analysis

The undescended testicle market size is expected to reach US$ 7.38 billion by 2030, from US$ 4.51 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. Undescended testicle, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. The treatment options include hormone therapy and surgery. The rising prevalence of undescended testicles is driving market growth.

The global undescended testicle market is expected to witness steady growth due to rising incidences of undescended testis among newborn babies. Undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, is a congenital condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Left untreated, it can lead to infertility and testicular cancer. With growing awareness about the long-term effects of undescended testis and the availability of surgical procedures to treat it, the undescended testicle market is gaining traction globally. Furthermore, initiatives by governments and health organizations to screen newborns for this condition are supporting early diagnosis and treatment, driving market growth.

The undescended testicle market is segmented by treatment type, end-user, and region. By treatment type, the market is segmented into hormone therapy, surgery, and others. The hormone therapy segment accounts for the largest market share due to its high adoption rate as the first line of treatment. It is preferred due to its non-invasive nature.

Global Undescended Testicle Market Drivers:

• Increasing prevalence of undescended testicles globally: The rising incidence of undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism, is a major factor driving the growth of the undescended testicle market. Cryptorchidism is one of the most common genital disorders in newborn males, affecting 2-9% of full-term and 1-45% of preterm male infants worldwide. This high prevalence creates a consistent demand for treatment options. The rising cases globally are expected to boost the demand for drugs, therapies, and devices for correcting undescended testicles.
• Growing awareness about available treatment options: There is increasing awareness among patients and healthcare providers regarding the available treatment methods for undescended testicles. The two main treatment options are hormone therapy and surgical intervention. The key hormone drugs prescribed are human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Promotional activities by drug manufacturers are also helping to increase awareness. Moreover, the emergence of advanced laparoscopic devices for orchidopexy has led to greater adoption of surgical procedures. This growing awareness is consequently fueling the expansion of the undescended testicle market.
• Strong product pipeline and new product launches: The undescended testicle market is witnessing continuous new product development and launches. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in research and development to develop improved drugs and formulations for cryptorchidism treatment. For instance, Ferring Pharmaceuticals has newly approved recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin product, KOVALTRY, offers stable potency over the entire shelf life. Similarly, Pfizer's new Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) drug, NGENLA, requires fewer injections. These product launches are creating new growth avenues for market players. The strong pipeline is indicative of upcoming commercialization opportunities.

Global Undescended Testicle Market Opportunities:

• Growing demand for minimally invasive procedures: There is an increasing patient preference for minimally invasive surgeries over open surgeries for correcting undescended testicles. Laparoscopic orchidopexy is gaining traction over conventional orchidopexy surgeries owing to advantages such as smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and a lower complication risk. Robotic surgeries are also emerging for cryptorchidism treatment. Device manufacturers are developing improved versions of laparoscopes and miniaturized surgical systems. The rising demand for minimally invasive procedures presents significant opportunities for market players.
• Developing novel hormone therapies: Pharmaceutical companies are engaged in developing new hormone drugs and combination therapies for effectively managing undescended testicles. Long-acting hormone formulations are being evaluated to reduce the frequency of injections and improve patient compliance. For instance, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company investigational long-acting GnRH analog TAK-385XR is undergoing phase 3 trials for treating cryptorchidism. Novel non-invasive hormone delivery methods, such as nasal sprays, are also being explored. Such innovations are expected to help expand the drug treatment options available for cryptorchidism.

Global Undescended Testicle Market Restraints:

• High costs associated with surgical interventions: The high cost of surgical procedures like orchidopexy and laparoscopic orchiopexy is a major factor hampering the growth of the undescended testicle market. These surgeries require specialized infrastructure and equipment, leading to significant hospitalization and procedural costs. Moreover, there are chances of postoperative complications that further increase expenses. The high costs limit the adoption of surgical treatments, especially in developing regions with poor reimbursement. This is restricting market expansion.
• Side effects associated with pharmacological therapies: The various side effects associated with hormone therapy drugs such as hCG and GnRH analogs are limiting their adoption for cryptorchidism treatment. The commonly reported side effects include injection site reactions, allergic responses, headaches, fatigue, mood changes, etc. Moreover, long-term safety concerns related to effects on fertility and hormone levels also exist. The fear of side effects makes many patients apprehensive about pharmacological treatments. Safer drugs with minimal adverse effects are still in the pipeline. These factors are challenging the growth of the undescended testicle market.

Analyst’s View on Global Undescended Testicle Market

The global undescended testicle market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period. Factors such as increasing awareness about testicular cancer risks associated with undescended testicles and benefits of early corrective treatment will drive more people to seek medical help. Additionally, growing healthcare expenditures in developing nations will boost market opportunities. North America currently dominates the market and is expected to continue its leadership over the next five years. High awareness levels about men's health issues and easy availability of quality treatment options in the US and Canada are major factors supporting the region's large share. Europe is poised to be the second largest market owing to supportive public healthcare coverage and technological advancements in orchiopexy procedures. However, low consciousness, lack of health insurance, and socio-economic challenges in developing countries may negatively impact the overall industry expansion. High costs associated with surgeries also restrict the market potential in some regions. Looking forward, the market is likely to witness the fastest growth in Latin America and parts of Asia Pacific due to increasing healthcare spending, medical tourism, and rising per capita incomes in emerging nations. Improving access to care as a result of various government initiatives will provide new opportunities for market participants in these underpenetrated developing markets