GLOBAL STREP THROAT TREATMENT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

The global strep throat treatment market was valued at US$ 2.08 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.93 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.

Strep throat, also known as Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. There are several treatment options available for strep throat. The most common involves oral administration of antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. These antibiotics are effective at killing the bacteria causing the infection and typically prescribed for 10 days. These provide fast relief from symptoms and prevent spread of the infection. Another treatment approach involves throat lozenges or sprays containing anesthetic ingredients like benzocaine that provide temporary relief from throat pain.

However, over-the-counter medications only treat symptoms and does not kill the bacteria. While antibiotics are highly effective, there is a small risk of side effects like rashes or gastrointestinal issues in some patients. Antibiotic resistance is also a growing concern with misuse or underuse of antibiotics. Due to these disadvantages, natural remedies using homeopathy or herbal medicines are gaining popularity in some markets. Products containing ingredients like Echinacea or licorice root claim to boost immune response and relieve symptoms but lack scientific evidence of ability to cure strep throat. Overall, antibiotics remain the gold standard treatment as they can cure the infection when taken as prescribed.

Global Strep Throat Treatment Market- Regional Insights

• North America has established itself as the leading regional market for strep throat treatment. The presence of well-established pharmaceutical players, in the U.S. and Canada that offer wide options for strep throat treatment, has contributed to North America's market dominance. These pharmaceutical companies actively invest in R&D to develop new and improved drugs. Additionally, high affordability and awareness among consumers in the region promotes large consumption of strep throat medications. The easy availability of generic drugs for strep throat also makes treatment highly affordable in North America. Stringent regulatory standards ensure the safety and efficacy of all strep throat drugs sold in the region. Well-developed distribution networks allow for seamless supply of drugs across North America. Rising occurrence of strep throat infections is another factor fueling demand for strep throat treatment drugs in North America. Robust healthcare systems equipped with general physicians and pediatricians enable quick diagnoses and reliable access to treatment.
• Europe is the second largest and one of the fastest growing regional markets. Countries like Germany, France, the U.K. and Spain have emerged as major European markets for strep throat drugs. Increasing affordability of healthcare coupled with rising healthcare expenditures in European nations is supporting regional market growth. Supportive regulations also facilitate new drug approvals, broadening treatment options. Manufacturers from key European markets such as Germany export generic medications to smaller nations, ensuring widespread availability of strep throat drugs across Europe. International players are expanding their presence in Europe through partnerships with local distributors and retailers to gain wider market access. Growth in the self-medication trend in Europe has boosted over-the-counter sales of strep throat medications. Overall, widespread access to healthcare and ongoing medical advancements are fueling the strep throat treatment business in Europe.

Figure 1. Global Strep Throat Treatment Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst View: The global strep throat treatment market is poised to witness steady growth over the forecast period owing to rising prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis infections globally. Growing access to healthcare services in developing countries will further aid market expansion. Penicillin and amoxicillin remain the dominating treatment options due to their effectiveness and affordability. Self-medication and lack of awareness in underdeveloped regions may however inhibit market potential. North America currently dominates market share and the trend is likely to continue supported by well-established healthcare infrastructure and rising pharyngitis incidence in the region. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as the most lucrative market for strep throat treatment attributed to rising healthcare spending and large patient pool in densely populated countries like India and China. Increasing research and development (R&D) investments by key players for novel drug development present promising opportunities for market growth. Market players could also explore combination drug therapies to boost efficacy. However, stiff competition from generic drug manufacturers may undermine pricing flexibility. Moreover, developing economies may impose pricing control to improve affordability. Rising focus on coordinated efforts between practitioners, public health agencies, and manufacturers for immunization programs can boost preventive measures adoption.

Global Strep Throat Treatment Market- Drivers

• Rising prevalence of streptococcal infections: With growing cases of strep throat, particularly in children and adolescents, the demand for effective treatment solutions is rising. Public health data often shows seasonal spikes, which tend to increase market activity during peak times. Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives have improved the public's knowledge about the symptoms and risks associated with strep throat. This has led to a higher rate of individuals seeking medical advice and treatment when presenting with symptoms, thereby boosting demand for diagnostic and treatment options. Technological advancements in rapid diagnostic tests have facilitated quicker and more accurate diagnosis of strep throat, leading to appropriate and timely treatments. This contributes to market growth by ensuring that patients receive the necessary medications, such as antibiotics, to counteract the infection. The ongoing development of new antibiotic formulations and the refinement of existing ones remain crucial due to the bacteria's evolving resistance patterns. The strive for more effective antibiotic therapies directly influences market dynamics. Amidst growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, there is a push for stewardship programs that promote the judicious use of antibiotics. The strep throat market is affected by these trends, as there is a continuous need to balance effective treatment with resistance mitigation. In many regions, school health policies require children with strep throat to receive antibiotic treatment before returning to school, which indirectly fuels demand for treatments. Worldwide health initiatives that aim to manage and prevent the spread of infectious diseases contribute to the heightened focus on managing conditions like strep throat, influencing the treatment market. For instance, in January 2022, according to the data provided by National Library of Medicine, each year, pharyngitis is responsible for more than 40 million visits to health care providers. Most children and adults experience 3-5 viral upper respiratory tract infections (including pharyngitis) per year. Approximately 50-80% of pharyngitis symptoms are caused by a variety of viral pathogens
• Increasing awareness about streptococcal infections: Enhanced awareness can lead to more people pursuing timely diagnosis for sore throat symptoms, thus boosting the usage of diagnostic tests and treatments specific to strep throat. As people become more informed about the contagious nature of strep throat, there is a greater emphasis on prevention, which could lead to increased use of prophylactic measures and treatments in high-risk populations such as school children. Awareness often correlates with higher healthcare utilization rates, as informed individuals are more likely to visit healthcare providers when experiencing potential symptoms of strep throat, leading to increased prescriptions for appropriate medications. With better knowledge of streptococcal infections, healthcare providers and patients are more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines for the treatment of strep throat, potentially standardizing care and influencing treatment patterns. Companies in the pharma and healthcare sector can capitalize on this increased awareness by developing and marketing products and services that address the diagnosis, treatment, and education on strep throat.
• Growing investments in Research and Development (R&D): Increasing R&D investments can lead to the discovery and development of new antibiotics and treatments that may be more effective against strep throat, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. There is ongoing research into developing a vaccine for preventing streptococcal infections. Successful development supported by substantial R&D investments could revolutionize the market. Improved R&D can result in more accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Early and precise diagnosis is vital for the effective management of strep throat and can lead to targeted treatment regimens. Investments in R&D can facilitate advancements in personalized medicine, allowing for treatments tailored to individual patient needs, potentially improving outcomes for strep throat treatment. Continuous R&D is required to combat antibiotic resistance, an ever-present challenge in treating bacterial infections, including strep throat. With the global burden of strep throat significantly high, R&D investments can lead to innovations in treatment approaches that have a wide-reaching impact on global health.
• Government support and initiatives: Governments often provide grants and funding for medical research, including the study of infectious diseases like strep throat. This can accelerate the development of new treatments and diagnostic tests. Government-led health campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms of strep throat and the importance of early treatment can increase the rate of diagnosis and treatment, stimulating market growth. If a vaccine for strep throat becomes available, government initiatives to include it in immunization programs can lead to sizable market demand. Fast-tracking the approval process for new antibiotics and treatments for strep throat can facilitate quicker market entry, benefiting patients and contributing to market expansion. Governmental healthcare programs that make treatments and diagnosis for strep throat more accessible and affordable can expand the potential market base, particularly in underserved areas. Investment in healthcare infrastructure, such as clinics and hospitals capable of treating strep throat, especially in rural and underserved regions, can also drive market growth.

Global Strep Throat Treatment Market- Opportunities

• Combination therapies: Combining different types of medications can enhance the overall effectiveness of strep throat treatment, potentially resulting in better patient outcomes and faster recovery rates. Using combination therapies can help to combat antibiotic resistance by employing multiple mechanisms of action which may reduce the likelihood of the Streptococcus bacteria developing resistance. Certain drugs in combination can exhibit synergistic effects that surpass the efficacy of single-drug therapy. Properly formulated combination therapies can achieve therapeutic goals while minimizing the side effects typically associated with higher doses of single antibiotics. Combination therapies can cover a broader spectrum of bacterial strains, ensuring treatment effectiveness amidst the genetic variation of streptococcal infections. Introducing successful combination therapies to the market can distinguish pharmaceutical companies from competitors, offering a competitive edge and capturing a significant market share.
• Rising online pharmacies: Patients can access prescription medications for strep throat treatment through online pharmacies, which is particularly beneficial for individuals in remote or underserved areas. Online pharmacies provide a convenient option for obtaining medications without the need to visit a physical pharmacy, which can save time and offer a level of privacy. These often provide competitive pricing and may offer generic versions of medications, making treatments more affordable to a broader population. The subscription and automatic refill services provided by online pharmacies can improve medication adherence among patients, ensuring they complete their course of antibiotics as prescribed. Many online pharmacies offer educational materials about the proper use of medications and the importance of completing antibiotic treatment courses, contributing to better health outcomes. The ease of purchasing medications online can encourage more patients to seek treatment, thus potentially expanding the market for strep throat treatments.

 Global Strep Throat Treatment Market- Trends

• The adoption of e-prescriptions: E-prescriptions streamline the prescription process, reducing the time required for patients to receive their medications and improving overall efficiency. E-prescriptions can minimize the risk of prescription errors associated with handwritten notes, such as incorrect dosages or illegibility, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. With e-prescriptions, patients can often begin their treatment for strep throat more quickly, which is essential for infection control and limiting the spread of the infection. E-prescriptions offer patients the convenience of not having to hand-deliver a prescription to the pharmacy, which can promote adherence to treatment plans. These systems are often integrated with other healthcare IT solutions, providing a seamless health record that includes medication history, which can be useful for monitoring patient health and treatment effectiveness. The digitization of prescription information allows for better tracking of prescribing trends, antibiotic utilization rates, and adherence to clinical guidelines for strep throat treatment. With electronic records, it is easier to monitor and manage drug dispensation, which can help in preventing the over prescription of antibiotics – a factor in antibiotic resistance.
• Shift towards over-the-counter drugs from prescription drugs: Patients increasingly prefer over-the-counter (OTC) medications for minor ailments to avoid the cost and time associated with doctor's visits. OTC drugs provide immediate relief for strep throat symptoms like pain and fever without the need for prescriptions. OTC medications are typically less expensive than prescription drugs, and insurance may not be necessary. With the expansion of retail and online pharmacies, OTC medications are more accessible to the general public. The development of more effective OTC treatments that can safely be used without a doctor's supervision encourages the transition from prescription to OTC drugs. Changes in drug regulations can result in certain medications previously available only by prescription being reclassified as OTC drugs. While this trend offers advantages such as accessibility and potential cost savings, it also poses challenges such as patients might self-treat with OTC drugs without a proper diagnosis, potentially leading to complications if strep throat is not correctly identified and treated. OTC medications typically treat symptoms rather than the underlying bacterial infection, which requires antibiotic therapy prescribed by a healthcare provider. Monitoring the safety of OTC medication usage becomes more challenging, as there may be less oversight compared to prescription drugs. The shift towards OTC drugs is noticeably aided by improved consumer awareness and education regarding self-care and OTC drug options

Global Strep Throat Treatment Market- Restraints

• Side effects associated with strep throat medications: Common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or more severe effects such as antibiotic-associated colitis can discourage patients from completing their medication courses. Over-prescription of antibiotics for strep throat can lead to increased instances of side effects, potentially resulting in antibiotic resistance, which can diminish the efficacy of these drugs and impede market growth. Growing patient concerns about the overuse of antibiotics and the desire for treatments with fewer side effects can affect the demand for current medication options. Due to side effects, patients may seek alternative treatments such as herbal remedies or homeopathic alternatives, which could shift market dynamics. Side effects can lead to stricter regulatory oversight and guidelines for antibiotic use in treating strep throat, affecting prescribing practices and market access. Pharmaceutical companies may need to invest in R&D for new medications with fewer side effects, which can be costly and impact market profitability
• Preference for home remedies over medication: A preference for home remedies may lead to decreased utilization of prescribed antibiotics and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, directly affecting sales in the pharmaceutical market. Individuals may perceive home remedies as safer and more in their control as compared to pharmaceuticals, posing a challenge to the market growth for conventional strep throat treatments. In some cultures, there is a strong tradition of using natural remedies, which can influence treatment choices and reduce reliance on pharmaceutical products. The cost of medication can be a barrier for some patients, prompting them to seek less expensive alternatives in the form of home remedies. Easy access to information via the internet and social media can promote the use of home remedies, while the marketing of natural and alternative health products also plays a role. To address the impact of this trend on the strep throat treatment market, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers may need to focus on, providing clear, evidence-based information about the importance and effectiveness of medical treatments for strep throat. Emphasizing the safety profile and U.S. FDA approval of medications to build trust among patients. Developing strategies to make conventional treatments more affordable, including patient assistance programs. Incorporating more holistic treatment options that blend the use of FDA-approved medications with supportive home remedies that can ease symptoms

Recent Developments:

New Product Launches & Approval:

In July 2022, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, launched PITAS throat troche series, film-type troches that stick to the roof of the mouth and are effective for throat pain and swelling, in Singapore

In September 2020, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, launched Pitas Throat Troche Orange and Pitas Throat Troche Lychee (designated quasi-drug), which are film-type troches that sticks to the roof of the mouth, throughout Japan. With the active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate, Pitas Throat Troche is effective for sterilization/disinfection of the mouth and for throat pain and swelling due to inflammation of the throat.

Acquisition, Collaboration, Partnerships and investment/funding:

In March 2021, GSK plc, a pharmaceutical company, announced that it had received CARB-X, funding, a global non-profit partnership dedicated to accelerating early development antibacterial R&D to address the rising global threat of drug-resistant bacteria, to develop new vaccines to prevent serious infections caused by two different pathogens such as Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections, commonly known as Strep Throat by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the US Department of Health and Human Services

In October 2020, Cure Kids, a New Zealand based largest charitable funder, announced that it had received US$ 3 Mn funding New Zealand government for development of strep throat vaccine, which could prevent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Figure 2. Global Strep Throat Treatment Market Share (%), By Route of Administration, 2024

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Top companies in Global Strep Throat Treatment Market:

• Pfizer Inc.
• Sanofi
• Astrazeneca
• Novartis AG
• Bayer AG
• GSK plc
• Melinta Therapeutics
• Amgen Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• Merck & co, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson Service, Inc.
• Accord Healthcare
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
• MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Definition:

Strep throat is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation and pain in the throat caused by bacteria belonging to the group A Streptococcus (GAS). The condition is also medically referred to as streptococcal pharyngitis. It is a common type of sore throat in children, but it can also affect people of all ages. Key Characteristics of strep throat is specifically caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, which are also known as group A streptococcus. Symptoms typically include a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (often with white patches or streaks of pus), tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate), swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and occasionally rash

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