IL-2 Market Projected to Hit USD 4 Billion by 2034, Fueled by Fusion Proteins, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Gene Therapies Across Immunology, Dermatology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Oncology | DelveInsight
Novel therapies and broader applications are propelling the US Interleukin-2 (IL-2) market toward USD 4 billion by 2034. Key innovators shaping this rapidly evolving space include Iovance Biotherapeutics, Eisai, Citius Pharmaceuticals, Nektar Therapeutics, Mural Oncology, Corvus Pharmaceuticals, and Krystal Biotech, among others.
Key Highlights
Across the seven major markets (7MM), nearly 13.6 million patients were eligible for IL-2–based therapies in 2024. This population spans 13 major indications where IL-2 therapies are approved or actively under clinical investigation, including Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Non-segmental Vitiligo (NSV), Aplastic Anemia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Ovarian cancer, Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), Melanoma, Atopic Dermatitis, Alopecia Areata, Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and Mucosal Melanoma.
Among these, NSV, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, NSCLC, and ALS represent the largest treatable populations, making them primary targets for next-generation IL-2 development.
Explore the full IL-2 landscape https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/interleukin-2-market-forecast
IL-2: From Immuno-Oncology Pioneer to Precision Immunomodulator
IL-2’s journey in cancer treatment began in the early 1990s, during the formative years of immuno-oncology. By activating T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, IL-2 emerged as a pioneering immunotherapy. The first IL-2 drug, PROLEUKIN (aldesleukin), received FDA approval in May 1992 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, marking the first immunotherapy to offer a novel option for this aggressive disease. Approval later expanded to metastatic melanoma in 1998.
Despite its breakthrough status, high-dose IL-2 therapy was associated with severe toxicity, systemic inflammation, and a short half-life, prompting extensive research into improved formulations, delivery strategies, and combination regimens.
Beyond oncology, IL-2 has demonstrated growing promise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, driving renewed scientific and commercial interest.
Regulatory Milestones Revitalize the IL-2 Space
A major inflection point occurred with the FDA approval of LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) in August 2024 for adults with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III CTCL after at least one prior systemic therapy. LYMPHIR was subsequently included in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines (Category 2A), reinforcing its role as a validated IL-2–based therapeutic option that directly targets IL-2 receptor–expressing tumor cells while modulating immunosuppressive T-regulatory cells.
Details on approved IL-2 drugs @ Approved Interleukin-2 Drugs
A Robust and Diverse IL-2 Pipeline
The IL-2 pipeline continues to expand, with multiple clinical-stage assets addressing both cancer and autoimmune indications. Leading developers include Mural Oncology (Nemvaleukin Alfa/ALKS 4230), Nektar Therapeutics (Rezpegaldesleukin/NKTR-358), Corvus Pharmaceuticals (Soquelitinib), Cue Biopharma (CUE-101), Krystal Biotech (KB707), Philogen (Darleukin), ILTOO Pharma (ILT-101), Innovent Biologics (IBI-363), Merck Sharp & Dohme (MK-6194), Synthekine (STK-012), and Werewolf Therapeutics (WTX-124).
From a revenue perspective, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis represents the largest opportunity in the 7MM, with nearly 39 million cases in 2024, a figure expected to grow through 2034. Additionally, the US alone accounted for approximately 1.7 million eligible NSV cases in 2024.
While the global IL-2 landscape is dominated by US and European innovators, Japan currently represents the most active Asia-Pacific market with company-sponsored IL-2 clinical programs.
Japan: Eisai Leads Regional IL-2 Development
Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan) has emerged as the leading Asian sponsor of IL-2-based therapies through the development of E7777, a next-generation IL-2–diphtheria toxin fusion protein designed to selectively target IL-2 receptor–expressing malignant T cells.
Drug Candidate: E7777
Mechanism of Action: Recombinant fusion protein combining IL-2 with diphtheria toxin fragments, inducing cytotoxicity in IL-2R–positive tumor cells
Clinical Phases: Phase I and Phase II
Key Indications: Relapsed/refractory PTCL and CTCL
Clinical Trial IDs: NCT01401530 (Phase I), NCT02676778 (Phase II)
See top IL-2 market contenders @ Interleukin-2 Market Report
Clinical studies conducted in Japan demonstrated meaningful objective response rates with a manageable safety profile, supporting regulatory approval. In March 2021, E7777 received approval in Japan for relapsed/refractory PTCL and CTCL, positioning it as a key IL-2 therapy in the Asian oncology market and complementing the global momentum of LYMPHIR.
As of the latest clinical trial registries, no South Korean or Taiwanese biopharmaceutical companies are actively sponsoring or co-sponsoring Phase I–III clinical trials where IL-2 or IL-2-engineered biologics are the primary investigational agents. While several companies in these regions are active in immuno-oncology and cytokine-modulating research, IL-2 programs remain largely investigator-initiated rather than industry-sponsored.
Spotlight on Leading IL-2 Innovators
Nemvaleukin Alfa (Mural Oncology): A receptor-biased IL-2 agonist fusion protein designed to enhance anti-tumor immunity with reduced systemic toxicity. Phase II/III programs in melanoma, mucosal melanoma, and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are ongoing, with key data readouts expected in 2025. Peak sales are projected near USD 140 million by 2034.
Soquelitinib (Corvus Pharmaceuticals): An oral ITK inhibitor targeting T-cell signaling pathways, under Phase III evaluation for relapsed/refractory PTCL and Phase I for atopic dermatitis. The drug received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA in 2024, with a potential combined market of USD 360 million by 2034.
Rezpegaldesleukin (Nektar Therapeutics): A T-regulatory cell–biased IL-2 agonist in Phase II for atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, offering a differentiated, self-administered, low-toxicity approach. Peak sales are projected to reach USD 930 million by 2034.
KB707 (Krystal Biotech): A novel gene therapy delivering IL-2 and IL-12 directly to tumors via intratumoral or inhaled administration, showing promising response rates in NSCLC and melanoma.
CUE-101 (Cue Biopharma): A precision IL-2-based immunotherapy targeting HPV16-positive HNSCC, with Fast Track designation and encouraging combination data alongside PD-1 inhibitors.
More on trials @ Interleukin-2 Based Therapies Clinical Trials
Market Outlook
With expanding indications, improved safety profiles, and precision-engineered biologics, the IL-2 therapeutic class is undergoing a rapid transformation. Established agents such as PROLEUKIN and LYMPHIR continue to anchor oncology use, while next-generation candidates are unlocking new opportunities across autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases.
DelveInsight estimates that the IL-2-based/targeting therapies market across the 7MM will reach approximately USD 4 billion by 2034, reflecting IL-2’s growing role as a versatile and high-value immunomodulatory platform.
DelveInsight’s report, Interleukin-2 Market Size, Target Population, Competitive Landscape & Market Forecast – 2034, provides comprehensive insights into epidemiology, treatment guidelines, competitive dynamics, and long-term market opportunities shaping the future of IL-2 therapeutics.
