South Korea Keytruda Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Cancer Type (Melanoma, Lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, Stomach cancer, and Urothelial carcinoma), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies and Specialty Pharmacies), and South Korea Keytruda Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Keytruda Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Keytruda Market Size was Estimated at USD 665.25 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.8% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Keytruda Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 1236.95 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Keytruda Market Size is Anticipated to Reach USD 1236.95 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2035. The growing popularity of immunotherapy as a first-line treatment and the rising incidence of cancer, particularly stomach and lung cancers. Along with rising awareness of combination therapies and personalized medicine, government efforts to enhance oncology care and growing healthcare infrastructure also support market expansion.

Market Overview

The South Korea keytruda market refers to the domestic market for pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immune checkpoint inhibitor used in cancer immunotherapy, is referred to as the South Korean Keytruda market. Additionally, opportunities in the South Korean market center on improving patient education about available treatments and increasing access to Keytruda in underserved areas. The government provides funding for biotechnology research and development, creating opportunities for cooperation between regional research institutes and pharmaceutical firms. Furthermore, the aging population and changing demographics in South Korea will raise demand for efficient cancer treatments, opening up new market opportunities. The keytruda market in South Korea has seen recent trends that point to an increase in combination therapies, in which keytruda is used in conjunction with other anti-cancer medications to increase therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, from their clinical experiences and results, physicians are embracing treatment plans that capitalize on the strengths of multiple medications, which patients are increasingly choosing. Further, regulatory approvals for keytruda's expanded indications open up new treatment options, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the South Korean healthcare system. South Korea's position as a major player in the developing field of cancer therapies is cemented by its dedication to state-of-the-art research and patient-centered care.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea keytruda market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea keytruda market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea keytruda market.

Driving Factors

A growing number of cancer cases and a strong emphasis on cutting-edge immunotherapies have been driving the Keytruda market's notable expansion in South Korea. The development of oncology treatments, such as Keytruda, has been aided by government programs to increase healthcare access and growing awareness of cancer treatment options. Being that Keytruda is frequently used to treat a variety of cancers, including lung and melanoma, the South Korean healthcare system has been placing a strong emphasis on personalized medicine.

Restraining Factors

The Keytruda market in South Korea is constrained by high treatment costs, restrictive reimbursement policies, and resistance in specific cancer types. Growth is further hampered by regional disparities in access, biosimilar competition, and regulatory hold-ups. Furthermore, despite the growing need for sophisticated immunotherapies, adoption is hindered by worries about immune-related side effects and a lack of knowledge in rural areas.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea keytruda market share is classified into cancer type and distribution channel.

• The lung cancer segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea keytruda market is segmented by cancer type into melanoma, lung cancer, hodgkin lymphoma, stomach cancer, and urothelial carcinoma. Among these, the lung cancer segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Since lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the area, there is a demand for efficient treatments like Keytruda, which has demonstrated encouraging results in clinical trials and raises the prospect of higher patient survival rates.

• The hospital pharmacies segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea keytruda market is segmented by distribution channel into hospital pharmacies and specialty pharmacies. Among these, the hospital pharmacies segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. With the facilitation of patient access through medical facilities that offer specialized care, hospital pharmacies in South Korea play a significant role in the availability of keytruda. These pharmacies are often the initial point of contact for patients undergoing treatment and are renowned for their ability to manage complicated oncology medications.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea keytruda market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Merck Sharp & Dohme
• Ono Pharmaceutical
• Pfizer Korea
• Roche Korea
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In April 2025, The company had launched a phase 1 trial of SB-27 in January 2024 across four countries, including Korea, enrolling patients with NSCLC, and later initiated a phase 3 global comparative trial in April 2024, which involved 616 patients across 14 countries.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Keytruda Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Keytruda Market, By Cancer Type

• Melanoma
• Lung cancer
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Stomach cancer
• Urothelial carcinoma

South Korea Keytruda Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Specialty Pharmacies