Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market size accounted for USD 1.23 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.34 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 2.90 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 8.94% from 2025 to 2034. With the rising investments in cancer research and the development of novel cancer treatments, the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market is experiencing exceptional growth globally.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the global market with the largest market share of 41% in 2024.
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period.
• Europe is growing at a notable CAGR during forecast period. 
• By product type, the recombinant LIF segment led the market in 2024. 
• By product type, the LIF antibodies segment is anticipated to expand rapidly in the coming years.
• By application, the cancer treatment segment contributed the highest market share in 2024. 
• By application, the stem cell research segment is expected to grow the fastest throughout the forecast period.
• By end user, the hospitals segment captured the biggest market share in 2024. 
• By end user, the research institutes segment is anticipated to expand rapidly over the forecast period. 

How Can AI Help the Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Industry?

Artificial intelligence technologies can analyze the complex roles of LIF in biological processes, stem cells, cancer, and immunity. AI can help researchers invent new therapeutic strategies by studying the roles of LIF in cell growth, cell differentiation, stem cell maintenance, and immune response. AI algorithms help in data analysis by analyzing datasets of LIF expression, cellular responses, and signaling pathways. AI can also predict cancer progression, identify new therapeutic targets, and develop personalized therapies. 

U.S. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The U.S. leukemia inhibitory factor (lif) market size was exhibited at USD 350 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 850 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.28% from 2025 to 2034.

North America dominated the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market in 2024 due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, robust research and development activities, and high healthcare expenditures. The region also showcases a strong presence of the leading biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) reported that leukemia is the 10th most common cancer in the U.S. and that over 35.5 % more males than females are living with leukemia. The LLS also stated that chronic leukemia is expected to showcase 9.6% more cases than acute leukemia. The new cases of leukemia in older adults are diagnosed at the age of 67 years, which raises the need for research on LIF.

The doses of radiation, certain cancer therapies, and repeated exposure to the chemical benzene can cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Industrial emissions and automobile exhaust cause 20% of the total national benzene exposure. Furthermore, several cancer treatments, including immunotherapy such as CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell transplantation, raised the adoption of potential leukemia therapies among the patient population. The preference for tyrosine kinase inhibitors and such oral drugs to treat patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) also drives the expansion of healthcare facilities.  

Rising Prevalence of Leukemia and Improved Treatments in the U.S.

The U.S. drives the market’s growth with extensive investments by companies and government entities for cancer research, biotechnology research, and stem cell research. About half of the benzene exposure is caused due to tobacco smoking, and exposure to tobacco smoke leads to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among the U.S. population. The average exposure of smokers to benzene is 10 times daily than nonsmokers in the U.S. The emerging need for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatments immediately after diagnosis drives the market’s growth in the U.S. significantly. The various leukemia treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies including monoclonal antibody therapy, raise the significance of the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF).

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is located in New York with several regional offices in the U.S. and Canada. According to the facts 2023-2024 by the LLS, over 456,481 people are living with leukemia in the U.S. The LLS reported that 62,770 people are expected to be diagnosed with leukemia in 2024, while 23,670 people are expected to die from leukemia in 2024.

• In November 2024, SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. announced the presentation of data from its phase 2a trial of SLS009, which is a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor in refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, at the 66th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) held in December 2024 in California.

Asia Pacific is observed to host the fastest-growing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market during the forecast period. The APAC regional progress is driven by rapid advancements in biomedical research and the emerging need for healthcare services. Countries such as India, China, and Japan contribute to significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities. Government initiatives provide funds to promote stem cell research and regenerative medicine research. Furthermore, the rising incidence of neurological disorders and cancer has increased the growth of the LIF market.

The Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Care (APJCC) is an open-access electronic journal that publishes papers related to clinical cancer research, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer patients. This APJCC was launched in the form of the official publication of the Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention (APOCP) by its West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP).

Clinical Management of Leukemia Patients and the Healthcare System in Singapore  

According to the Official Journal of the Academy of Medicine of Singapore, Singapore focuses on a balanced approach to therapy selection, side-effect profile, cost, integrating patient preferences, accessibility, and logistics for informed decision-making. Singapore accounts for 20 to 30 new cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) per year. This country provides treatments to patients at public or private institutions, including specialized hematology centers. The healthcare system of Singapore provides insurance, subsidies, self-pay, and co-pay options for patients. The drug’s local approval status determines the financing of outpatient cancer treatment in Singapore based on its inclusion in the Ministry of Health’s Cancer Drug List (CDL) and evaluations of its cost-effectiveness and clinical effectiveness. The subsidized access to drugs included in the CDL can be received by patients.

• In August 2024, the Singapore government introduced a subsidy program that began with treating blood cancer and offering subsidies covering up to 75% of the cost for eligible Singaporean citizens, capped at USD 150,000.  
• In September 2024, the Singapore government announced the launch of a subsidy program to improve the accessibility of cell, tissue, and gene therapy products to patients.

Europe is expected to be a significantly growing market for leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the upcoming period. This growth is attributed to the robust R&D infrastructure and supportive regulatory framework. Countries such as France, the United Kingdom, etc., contribute to R&D activities and increase healthcare expenditure. The shift towards advancing stem cell research and cancer treatment drives the demand for LIF. Several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, along with research institutes, support scientific innovations and market growth.

• In March 2025, the European Association of Cancer Research (EACR) published its highlights in cancer research that describe the most impactful and engaging recent papers in cancer research curated by the Board of the EACR. The EACR also provides an online magazine named ‘The Cancer Researcher’ for the cancer research community.
• In February 2025, the Cancer Researcher podcast interviewed Professor Carlos Caldas, Clinician Scientist and Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Cambridge, where he shared insights into breast cancer research, the power of patient-derived xenograft models, and the evolution of cancer science.

Translational Research and Advancements in Spain

Spain accounts for several cancer cases among the population every year. With the rising prevalence of cancer, cancer treatments are also improving. Spain focuses on translational research, which allows the development of personalized treatment for cancer. Furthermore, genomics research offers improved ways to analyze the genetic profile of tumors along with their classification. Research in cellular biology studies tumorous cells and tissues and identifies the molecular basis of cellular behavior. Moreover, state-of-the-art technologies revolutionized faster diagnosis and efficient treatments. The Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), located in Barcelona, Spain, focuses on research related to preclinical and translational research, clinical research, and core technologies.  

• In January 2025, the European Association of Cancer Research (EACR) organized a joint EACR-AstraZeneca conference about the promising nature of circulating nucleic acids in cancer diagnostic and disease monitoring (MRD). 

Market Overview

The leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market revolves around the extensive utilization of LIF for differentiating myeloid progenitor cells and inhibiting their growth. The efficient role of LIF in stem cell maintenance, stem cell regeneration, immune system regulation, as a cytokine, as a signaling molecule, etc., drives its adoption in biomedical and clinical research.

The major prevalence of four types of leukemia in the U.S. showcases acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The therapeutic potential of LIF in hematopoiesis, neuroprotection, and treating various conditions in the oncology and regenerative medicine sectors upholds its position in the market. 

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Growth Factors

• The vast applications of LIF in stem cell research, regenerative medicine research, translational research, oncology research, etc., drive the market’s growth significantly. 
• The expanding and notable research in cancer therapies delivers successful outcomes. 
• The essential role of LIF in cell growth and cell differentiation makes it significant to develop novel cancer treatments. 
• Advancements in biotechnology led to the development of LIF receptor antagonists/agonists and recombinant LIF. 
• The rising interest of scientists in stem cell research and increased government funding for biomedical research present opportunities for the market’s growth on a global level. 

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Biopharmaceutical Research and Biomedical Innovations  

The rising prevalence of leukemia all around the world, especially in countries like the U.S., accelerates the growing investment plans and healthcare research. Advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research promote the study of cytokines and their roles in cancer treatment to drive innovations. The government and private organizations provide funding to support the development of LIF-based therapies. The rising incidence of hematologic malignancies creates the need for advanced treatments and therapies that deliver precision and accuracy.

• In March 2025, the leading experts in oncology at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Spain published a review article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) that introduces the scope, structure, funding, and achievements of 15 early-phase clinical trials.

Restraint

Inadequate Knowledge of Therapeutics

The LIF market faces some challenges related to the regulatory approvals for newly invented therapies. The clinical trial processes can be time-consuming and costly, which can create limitations to introducing new LIF-based treatments in the market. A lack of detailed understanding of the LIF mechanisms can create inconsistencies in research outcomes. A lack of awareness and incomplete understanding of the therapeutic potential of LIF among healthcare professionals can limit the market’s growth. The limited accessibility to advanced cancer treatments in some developing countries may present healthcare issues in front of the patient population.  

Opportunity

Successful Clinical Trials and Testing of Pharmaceutical Drugs

The strategic collaborations between research organizations, academic institutions, and biopharmaceutical companies drive the innovative applications of LIF in treating various types of cancer. Scientific research focusing on drug discovery and development, oncology, etc., aims to deliver novel therapies to the market. The personalized medicine sector is creating ways to introduce targeted LIF therapies to fulfill patient needs by enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.  

• In October 2024, the UITM-CaixaResearch of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) conducted a testing of a new drug in the SERONCO-1 phase 1 trial to evaluate its safety in patients with advanced solid tumors. 

Product Type Insights

By product type, the recombinant LIF segment dominated the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market in 2024 due to its widespread applications in research and therapeutics. The vast production of recombinant LIF through biotechnological methods drives its expansive reach in the marketplace. The wide utilization of the r-LIF in stem cell research helps to maintain pluripotency. Moreover, the utilization of the r-LIF for creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) accelerates its demand among consumers.

By product type, the LIF antibodies segment is expected to grow rapidly in the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market during the forecast period. This segmental growth is attributed to the importance of these components in biomedical research and clinical research. The high preference for LIF antibodies in the detection and quantification of LIF levels in several biological samples drives their huge adoption in research and healthcare. Scientists hugely prefer the LIF antibodies in cancer research to examine the role of LIF in tumor progression and metastasis. The growing shift towards cancer immunotherapy raised the demand for LIF antibodies by researchers to understand the immune response in cancer patients.

Application Insights

By application, the cancer treatment segment dominated the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market in 2024 due to diverse applications of LIF in cancer treatment, neurological disorders, stem cell research, fertility treatment, etc. The potential ability of LIF to regulate cell growth and immune response made it a crucial target in the development of cancer therapies. The increased focus of researchers on LIF to innovate novel cancer treatments aims to optimize efficacy and eliminate side effects. The presence of various government organizations like the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) provides strong support to promote cancer research and invent new cancer treatments globally.  

By application, the stem cell research segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing in the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market over the forecast period. This remarkable growth is driven by the unique properties of LIF, such as the maintenance of the pluripotency of stem cells, which is crucial for regenerative medicine. The extensive utilization of LIF in research laboratories to culture embryonic stem cells and create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can differentiate into several cell types drives segmental growth. The importance of LIF for research in organ repair, regenerative therapies, and tissue engineering accelerates the overall expansion of stem cell research. The growing shift toward stem cell-based treatments raises the demand for LIF in the market.

End User Insights

By end user, the hospitals segment dominated the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market in 2024 due to the presence of several hospitals as the principal end-users of LIF-related services. The adoption of LIF by hospitals for cancer treatment and fertility services also raises segmental growth in the market. The employment of LIF-based therapies and diagnostic tools by hospitals offers advanced treatment options to patients. The insertion of LIF into clinical research practices, oncology research, and reproductive medicine drives segmental growth remarkably.

By end user, the research institutes segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate in the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) market during the forecast period. Research institutes stand as the vital end-users of LIF-based services. The efforts to study the biological functions and therapeutic potential of LIF drive the expansive success of research institutes all over the world. Research conducted on the role of LIF in cellular processes, therapeutic applications, and disease mechanisms accelerates the growth of academic and government research institutes. The increasing investments in biomedical research favor novel therapeutic innovations. 

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Market Companies

• Bristol Myers Squibb
• InVitria
• Johnson & Johnson Private Limited
• Gilead Sciences Inc.
• Sanofi S.A. 
• Novartis AG
• Roche
• Amgen Inc.
• Merck KGaA

Latest Announcements by Leaders

• In November 2024, Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology of the global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories announced that the innovative research presented in the 2024 annual meeting at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) showcases the strong clinical development program of Merck and its commitment to exploring novel research and therapeutic targets, as Merck works to enhance outcomes and address unmet needs of consumers with hematologic neoplasms and malignancies.  
• In October 2024, Victor Bulto, president U.S. at Novartis, reported that the company felt proud to help redefine the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treatment once again with Scemblix, as Novartis continues to deliver on its 20+ year commitment to innovation and support in CML.  

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Novartis announced the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Scemblix® (asciminib) for adult patients who are newly diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP).
• In February 2024, Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with Pharmacyclics LLC announced the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for expanding IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) with an oral suspension formulation for adult patients going through the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and other related diseased conditions after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.  

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

• Recombinant LIF
• LIF Antibodies
• LIF Receptor Agonists/Antagonists

By Application

• Cancer Treatment
• Stem Cell Research
• Neurological Disorders
• Fertility Treatment
• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Research Institutes
• Biotechnology Companies
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa