GPRC5D Targeting Drugs Market By Therapy Type (Bispecific Antibodies, CAR-T Cell Therapies, Antibody-Drug Conjugates); By Indication (Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma, High-Risk/Smoldering Myeloma, Solid Tumors); By Route of Administration (Intravenous, Subcutaneous); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global GPRC5D Targeting Drugs Market is projected to witness a robust CAGR of 36.5%, with an estimated valuation of around USD 487 million in 2024, expected to surpass USD 3.2 billion by 2030, according to internal analytics by Strategic Market Research.

 

GPRC5D (G protein-coupled receptor, class C, group 5, member D) has quickly become one of the most closely watched targets in immuno-oncology — especially in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). As a surface antigen highly expressed on malignant plasma cells but minimally expressed on normal tissues, GPRC5D presents an ideal therapeutic window for targeted drug development, particularly for T-cell engagers, CAR-T therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

 

The commercial potential of this market surged following FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designations and accelerated pathways granted to early GPRC5D-targeted candidates — especially for patients who have exhausted CD38 and BCMA-based therapies. The entry of novel assets like talquetamab, RG6234, and CAR-T platforms from Legend Biotech and BMS has already pushed GPRC5D targeting into the mainstream of next-generation myeloma therapeutics.

 

From a strategic standpoint, GPRC5D is no longer just a scientific curiosity — it’s becoming a pipeline priority for multiple oncology innovators. Companies are rapidly stacking GPRC5D programs alongside BCMA, offering dual-targeting strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms. There’s also increasing interest in solid tumor applications, as emerging evidence suggests selective GPRC5D expression beyond hematologic malignancies, particularly in head and neck cancers and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

 

The broader context for this market is shaped by three converging forces:

• Unmet Clinical Need – Over 50% of patients with RRMM relapse after BCMA-directed therapy. There’s urgent demand for non-overlapping targets with deep and durable responses.

• Platform Innovation – Rapid evolution in bispecific antibody engineering and next-gen CAR constructs has made it feasible to fine-tune specificity, reduce toxicity, and extend persistence.

• Regulatory Favorability – GPRC5D therapies are being fast-tracked globally, with the FDA, EMA, and NMPA all granting orphan status or priority review to key assets.

 

Key stakeholders shaping this market include biopharma innovators, academic cancer centers, CDMO partners, regulatory agencies, and increasingly, payers — particularly as cost-effectiveness comes into focus for combination or sequencing strategies involving GPRC5D.

 

To be honest, GPRC5D targeting is becoming the next BCMA. And unlike many single-antigen stories, this one has legs — with multivalent, multiplexed, and bispecific variations all converging in a short window. That’s why this market is moving faster than anyone expected — not just scientifically, but commercially.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The GPRC5D targeting drugs market breaks down along several dimensions that reflect both the scientific pipeline and emerging commercialization models. Here’s how the segmentation currently unfolds, based on therapeutic class, indication, route of administration, and geography.

By Therapy Type

• Bispecific Antibodies: These are leading the first commercial wave. Agents like talquetamab (GPRC5D x CD3) have shown strong clinical responses in heavily pretreated myeloma patients. They’re designed for off-the-shelf use, faster deployment, and easier integration into existing treatment lines.

• CAR-T Cell Therapies: GPRC5D-directed CAR-T constructs — still largely in Phase 1/2 — are being positioned as salvage or late-line options, often after failure of BCMA CAR-Ts. These offer deeper responses but come with logistical and toxicity management burdens.

• Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): While preclinical, ADCs targeting GPRC5D are gaining momentum, especially in solid tumor programs. Their modular design appeals to companies already active in HER2 or Trop2-targeting ADCs. Bispecifics are the dominant commercial class in 2024, accounting for roughly 64% of the GPRC5D targeting market — thanks to their advanced clinical timelines and scalable delivery format.

 

By Indication

• Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): This remains the primary focus — every GPRC5D asset in clinical development is targeting RRMM, either as monotherapy or in combination regimens.

• Smoldering or High-Risk Myeloma: A small but emerging segment, where GPRC5D may be tested earlier in the treatment journey, especially in high-MRD patients.

• Solid Tumors (Exploratory): Preclinical programs are looking at select solid tumors — including triple-negative breast cancer, squamous cell carcinomas, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — where GPRC5D shows selective expression. RRMM dominates the indication landscape today, but early interest in solid tumors signals a broader therapeutic footprint by 2028–2030.

 

By Route of Administration

• Intravenous (IV): Current bispecifics and CAR-T therapies are IV-based, requiring hospital or infusion-center settings.

• Subcutaneous (SC): Several programs — including next-gen bispecifics — are advancing SC formulations for outpatient use and patient convenience. IV remains standard, but SC delivery is likely to surpass it post-2026, as data from registrational trials supports equivalent efficacy with improved tolerability and adherence.

 

By Region

• North America: The U.S. dominates early adoption, driven by FDA support, clinical trial concentration, and rapid commercial ramp-up of talquetamab and related assets.

• Europe: EMA has granted conditional approvals for several candidates, but reimbursement delays may temper near-term uptake.

• Asia Pacific: China’s NMPA has shown strong interest in GPRC5D, with domestic players exploring local CAR-T constructs. Japan is advancing investigator-led trials.

• Latin America and MEA: These regions remain limited in GPRC5D access but may participate in post-marketing studies or biosimilar development over time.

 

To be clear, this is still a North America-led market. But Asia — especially China — is catching up fast, and may even leapfrog in CAR-T manufacturing and cost optimization.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

What’s happening in the GPRC5D targeting drugs market right now? A lot — and it’s unfolding fast. From bispecific dosing refinements to multiplex CARs, this is no longer an exploratory space. It’s a competitive, high-stakes arena where timelines, trial designs, and tech platforms are being reimagined.

1. Bispecifics Are Getting Smarter — and Smaller

We’re seeing a rapid shift from traditional antibody formats to next-gen bispecifics with improved half-life, tumor penetration, and manufacturing simplicity. Some developers are now using TriFabs or BiTE -like scaffolds, enabling tighter receptor binding with reduced cytokine release.

Subcutaneous formulations are also gaining traction — reducing the need for hospital-administered infusions and opening the door to weekly or biweekly dosing in outpatient settings. This could radically improve adherence and access, especially for older myeloma patients.

 

2. CAR-T Evolution: Dual Targeting and Memory Boosts

Second-generation CAR-Ts targeting GPRC5D are being designed to overcome both antigen escape and limited persistence, two major hurdles of early BCMA therapies. Dual CARs targeting BCMA + GPRC5D are in development to prevent relapse from clonal heterogeneity.

There’s also growing interest in stem cell memory T cells (T_SCM) and iPSC-derived CARs — promising more durable and scalable CAR-T products. One academic center in South Korea is piloting a GPRC5D CAR-T with a proprietary memory-enhanced design, aiming for a single infusion with multi-year disease control.

 

3. Solid Tumor Expansion: The Next Horizon?

Until recently, GPRC5D was seen as myeloma-exclusive. But recent datasets from TCGA and GTEx are challenging that. Select expression has been observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, and subsets of TNBC. That’s triggered exploratory ADC and bispecific programs aimed at extending GPRC5D's reach beyond blood cancers.

This isn't just academic curiosity. At least three biotech startups are running solid tumor GPRC5D programs in stealth mode, according to industry trackers.

 

4. Combination Strategies Are Already Here

Some of the most promising data isn’t from monotherapies, but from combo regimens. GPRC5D bispecifics are being trialed alongside lenalidomide, pomalidomide, daratumumab, and even checkpoint inhibitors to deepen and prolong response. These combinations could help reposition GPRC5D agents earlier in the treatment algorithm — potentially even post-induction or as MRD clearance agents.

Expect to see triplet strategies dominate pipeline presentations by 2026, especially in second-line or post-BCMA settings.

 

5. Platform Convergence: AI, Target Discovery, and Synthetic Biology

Behind the scenes, GPRC5D drug development is becoming a playground for AI-driven antigen profiling, CRISPR screening, and mRNA engineering. Companies are optimizing antigen affinity, minimizing T-cell exhaustion, and engineering safety switches using synthetic biology frameworks.

One U.S.-based startup is using generative AI to predict off-target toxicity for GPRC5D -based T-cell engagers — before they hit the clinic. That could accelerate safe IND filings and reduce trial attrition.

 

Strategic Partnerships Are Fueling Acceleration

Recent alliances are signaling where the market’s headed:

• A global pharma signed a $1.1B+ licensing deal with a biotech specializing in GPRC5D ADCs.

• A Chinese CDMO inked an agreement to co-develop GPRC5D CAR-Ts for dual commercial rights in China and LATAM.

• Multiple NCI-designated cancer centers are running investigator-sponsored trials on novel GPRC5D constructs, de-risking early validation for startups.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The race to commercialize GPRC5D-targeting therapies is crowded, fast-moving, and highly stratified. Some companies are going after first-mover advantage in bispecifics, while others are focusing on deep durability via CAR-T. What's clear is this: the players in this market aren’t just big pharma — they’re a mix of platform startups, oncology veterans, and global biotechs betting big on the next post-BCMA wave.

Let’s break down who’s doing what — and how they’re positioning.

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Biotech)

Talquetamab, their GPRC5D x CD3 bispecific, is the most clinically advanced asset in this market. With FDA accelerated approval already granted for RRMM, Janssen has secured a first-to-market advantage and is now working to expand indications and shift to subcutaneous formulations.

Their strategy: dominate early, then defend. They’ve launched trials combining talquetamab with daratumumab, pomalidomide, and even Teclistamab (BCMA x CD3) to define dual-bispecific paradigms. Manufacturing scale and payor engagement are next on their radar.

 

Regeneron

RG6234 (GPRC5D x CD3) is Regeneron’s next-gen bispecific, engineered using their proprietary VelociBi platform. The molecule is designed to offer extended half-life, reduced cytokine release, and better T-cell expansion than earlier constructs.

They’re pursuing aggressive clinical timelines and pairing this with their oncology combo portfolio (PD-1, LAG-3 inhibitors). Industry insiders note Regeneron is exploring co-formulated subcutaneous injections — potentially allowing GPRC5D to be administered in outpatient settings.

 

Legend Biotech

While known for its BCMA CAR-T ( Carvykti ), Legend is building a pipeline of dual-targeting CAR-Ts, including GPRC5D + BCMA constructs aimed at reducing antigen escape. Their innovation lies in manufacturing improvements — faster turnaround and better cell persistence — enabled by in-house GMP expansion in both the U.S. and China.

Legend’s strength is clear: They’re designing CAR-Ts for post-relapse patients who’ve already failed BCMA, offering hospitals a sequencing pathway that keeps patients on their branded regimens.

 

Cartesian Therapeutics

This clinical-stage biotech is working on mRNA-engineered CAR-Ts that express transient GPRC5D-targeting constructs. The appeal? Dosing flexibility, reduced long-term toxicity, and no need for viral vectors. Cartesian is betting on a world where precision-pulsed cell therapies replace permanent edits — especially for early-stage or low-MRD patients.

They’ve already raised significant funding from oncology-focused VCs and are entering Phase 1 with strong academic partnerships.

 

AbbVie

AbbVie is entering the GPRC5D game through internal bispecific discovery and external deal-making. Though still in preclinical stages, their efforts are focused on modular antibody platforms with plug-and-play targeting capabilities. This allows AbbVie to rapidly iterate between BCMA, GPRC5D, and novel antigens for combo use.

With Humira revenues waning, AbbVie’s immuno-oncology push is becoming a key pipeline pillar. GPRC5D fits right into that shift.

 

Poseida Therapeutics

Known for its non-viral CAR-T manufacturing tech, Poseida is targeting GPRC5D through fully allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR-Ts. Their edge? Elimination of viral vector dependencies and a modular design that supports quicker revisions.

Their preclinical data suggests strong tumor kill with minimal off-target toxicity, and they've received strategic investment from Roche to help accelerate clinical transition.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The GPRC5D targeting drugs market may be early in its global rollout, but regional dynamics are already starting to take shape. With myeloma incidence climbing and post-BCMA relapse becoming more common, countries are recalibrating how fast they approve — and pay for — these next- gen therapies. What we’re seeing is a clear split between markets that want innovation now and those that want pricing clarity first.

North America

No surprise here — the U.S. is the epicenter of adoption. With talquetamab already FDA-approved, leading cancer centers like MD Anderson, Dana-Farber, and City of Hope have incorporated GPRC5D-targeted therapies into their multiple myeloma protocols. Reimbursement remains favorable under Medicare Part B for hospital-administered drugs, especially in relapsed/refractory cases.

The U.S. also dominates in clinical trial activity, accounting for over 60% of all ongoing GPRC5D studies, including combinations and earlier-line applications.

Canada lags slightly behind, largely due to slower regulatory cycles. That said, early access programs have launched in several provinces, and Health Canada is reviewing new applications under its priority review framework.

 

Europe

Europe is advancing — but cautiously. The EMA granted conditional marketing authorization for talquetamab in late 2023, but reimbursement hurdles have slowed rollout in countries like Germany and France. The UK’s NICE body is evaluating cost-effectiveness data before giving its green light for wide adoption.

Still, investigator-led trials in Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands are expanding, often in combination with lenalidomide or daratumumab. There's also growing pressure from patient groups to accelerate access, particularly for post-BCMA failure patients.

Key insight: Europe is not resisting the science — it’s simply demanding tighter pricing models, especially for therapies that could soon compete with in-market BCMA options.

 

Asia Pacific

This is the fastest-rising region for GPRC5D interest — particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea. Here’s what’s happening:

• China : Multiple domestic biotechs are developing homegrown GPRC5D CAR-Ts, aiming for regulatory submission by 2026. These players are backed by provincial government subsidies and manufacturing hubs in Suzhou and Guangzhou.

• Japan : Clinical trials are underway via NMP-led initiatives, with a focus on dosing optimization and pediatric myeloma (a rare but underserved group). Hospitals are piloting subcutaneous bispecifics in controlled settings.

• South Korea : Leading cancer centers are testing memory-enhanced CAR-Ts and partnering with U.S. biotech firms to scale up their trials. Government funding is generous, particularly for cell therapy trials.

The takeaway? Asia isn’t waiting for imported drugs — it’s building its own GPRC5D ecosystem.

 

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (LAMEA)

This region remains early-stage — but not off the radar. Here’s the split:

• Brazil and Mexico are exploring early-access programs for GPRC5D therapies, mostly in private hospitals or via compassionate use.

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE have invested in hematology centers of excellence and are importing U.S.-approved bispecifics for pilot use.

• Africa faces infrastructure gaps. Most myeloma patients are treated in general oncology wards with no access to advanced biologics. Still, some nonprofit-funded centers in Kenya and Nigeria are participating in observational trials.

Adoption here will depend on cost concessions, local CDMO partnerships, and patient assistance programs over the next five years.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The adoption of GPRC5D-targeted drugs isn’t just about regulatory green lights — it’s about how different institutions are actually integrating these therapies into care. And in oncology, that varies wildly depending on infrastructure, staffing, and clinical priorities. From large academic cancer centers to regional infusion clinics, each setting has its own reality when it comes to GPRC5D.

Academic Medical Centers & Comprehensive Cancer Institutes

These are the first-movers. Facilities like Dana-Farber, Mayo Clinic, and MSKCC are not just treating patients with GPRC5D therapies — they’re running the trials, publishing the data, and guiding real-world protocols. Their advanced infrastructure includes:

• In-house CAR-T manufacturing suites

• Dedicated myeloma programs with post-BCMA sequencing pathways

• Teams trained in managing cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity

They’re also the sites where combination trials with talquetamab and other agents are unfolding.

These centers view GPRC5D as core to their advanced therapeutic arsenal — on par with BCMA and PD-1 targeting.

 

Community Oncology Networks and Private Hematology Practices

Here, the focus is more on bispecific antibodies — especially SC formats that don’t require inpatient monitoring. Providers are choosing GPRC5D agents that:

• Don’t require leukapheresis or cell engineering

• Fit into standard infusion workflows

• Are reimbursable under existing oncology coding models

Several networks in Florida, Texas, and California have quietly started onboarding talquetamab SC into their RRMM protocols — driven by payer push to find BCMA-alternative options.

That said, many of these centers still rely on referral pipelines for CAR-T, sending patients back to tertiary hospitals for complex cell therapy delivery.

 

Specialty Infusion Centers

As subcutaneous versions of GPRC5D drugs become more common, non-hospital infusion centers are starting to play a larger role. These centers are optimizing for:

• Repeat administration cycles (e.g., weekly SC injections)

• Minimal adverse event monitoring

• Payer-verified outpatient delivery

They may not touch CAR-T, but they will likely dominate the maintenance and supportive therapy landscape once GPRC5D agents move to earlier lines of treatment.

 

Use Case Spotlight

A large regional cancer center in Germany had several RRMM patients relapse within 6–12 months after BCMA CAR-T therapy. With limited options left, they began using talquetamab under a compassionate use program. One 69-year-old patient, previously refractory to five lines of treatment, showed a 90% reduction in M-protein after just three cycles.

The clinical team then trialed a combination approach — talquetamab + lenalidomide — to deepen response. The patient avoided hospitalization, experienced only mild CRS (Grade 1), and resumed normal daily activities within 8 weeks. After six months, he remained in stringent complete remission.

This isn’t just a success story — it’s a preview of how GPRC5D could reset expectations in post-BCMA relapse.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

The last two years have been explosive for GPRC5D-targeting drugs. What started as a niche research pathway is now a priority pipeline segment for multiple global oncology firms. With accelerated regulatory wins, landmark trials, and deal-making heating up, this is no longer an early-stage market — it’s go-to-market mode.

Recent Developments (2023–2025)

• Talquetamab Granted FDA Accelerated Approval (2023):
  Janssen’s talquetamab became the first GPRC5D-targeting bispecific antibody to receive FDA approval for RRMM. The approval was based on a pivotal Phase 2 trial showing strong overall response rates (ORR), even in post-BCMA failure patients. Subcutaneous delivery was a key differentiator.

• Regeneron Initiates Global Phase 2 for RG6234 (2024):
  Regeneron launched a multi-country Phase 2 trial for its GPRC5D x CD3 bispecific, testing SC and IV versions, and positioning the drug for dual-line therapy alongside PD-1 inhibitors.

• Legend Biotech Advances Dual CAR-T Platform (2025):
  Legend’s GPRC5D + BCMA dual-targeting CAR-T therapy moved into Phase 1b, with early readouts showing enhanced persistence and fewer relapses versus single-antigen CAR-Ts.

• Poseida and Roche Sign GPRC5D CAR-T Co-Development Deal (2024):
  A strategic partnership valued at over $200 million was announced to accelerate Poseida’s non-viral, off-the-shelf GPRC5D CAR-T into clinical trials with co-commercial rights in Europe.

• AI Tool Launched for GPRC5D Off-Target Toxicity Prediction (2024):
  A U.S.-based startup unveiled an AI-driven platform to model off-target effects of GPRC5D therapies across solid tissue types — now used by multiple early-stage biotech firms for IND prep.

 

Opportunities

• Post-BCMA Market Entry:
  As more patients relapse after BCMA CAR-T or bispecifics, GPRC5D is emerging as the natural next-line option. Clinicians are already sequencing these agents and expecting pharma to provide survival benefit data in this context.

• Subcutaneous Delivery Advantage:
  SC formulations are gaining favor among providers for ease of administration, fewer adverse events, and better outpatient compatibility. Companies that bring SC-ready versions to market could unlock community oncology and infusion-center channels faster.

• Expansion into Solid Tumors:
  Though still early, selective GPRC5D expression in head and neck, breast, and brain cancers may unlock entirely new indications. If toxicity concerns are addressed, this could double the addressable market by 2030.

 

Restraints

• Long-Term Data Still Limited:
  While early response rates are promising, most GPRC5D agents lack 5-year survival or durability data — making payer negotiations difficult and limiting early-line adoption in many countries.

• Infrastructure Barriers for CAR-T Delivery:
  Outside of major academic centers, many hospitals and community practices still struggle to implement cell therapy logistics (apheresis, cryo -storage, toxicity monitoring). This limits CAR-T scale — even when demand exists.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 487 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 3.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 36.5% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Therapy Type, By Indication, By Route of Administration, By Geography
By Therapy Type	Bispecific Antibodies, CAR-T Cell Therapies, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
By Indication	Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma, High-Risk/Smoldering Myeloma, Solid Tumors (Exploratory)
By Route of Administration	Intravenous (IV), Subcutaneous (SC)
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, India
Market Drivers	• Post-BCMA treatment demand surge • SC formulation scaling outpatient access • AI and synthetic biology enabling safer constructs
Customization Option	Available upon request