ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPEUTICS MARKET ANALYSIS

The global antimicrobial therapeutics market size was valued at US$ 110.20 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 161.77 Bn by 2030, grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2023 to 2030.

The growth of the global antimicrobial therapeutics market is propelled by several factors. Firstly, the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide serves as a significant driver.

Secondly, the rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections contributes to the expansion of the antimicrobial therapeutics market. MDR infections are caused by microorganisms that have developed resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents. The emergence of such infections poses a considerable challenge to the global healthcare system, necessitating the development of novel treatment options.

Lastly, the increasing for innovative antimicrobial agent’s drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. The current pipeline of antimicrobial agents is limited, highlighting the need for the discovery and development of new and effective treatment modalities to combat infectious diseases.

These factors collectively drive the expansion of the antimicrobial therapeutics market, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments against infectious diseases and multidrug-resistant infections.

Analyst View:

The global antimicrobial therapeutics market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide remains the primary driver for increased adoption of antimicrobial drugs. However, the market could face restrictions due to rising antimicrobial resistance. New and more potent pathogens are reducing the effectiveness of existing drugs. This threatens the ability to treat common infectious ailments. Pharmaceutical firms will need to invest extensively in research and development to develop novel drug classes that can overcome resistant microbial strains. The Asia Pacific region in particular is projected to see significant market opportunities owing to its large population size and improving access to healthcare. Within the region, China and India will be crucial in shaping future global demand dynamics.

On the product side, antiviral and antifungal drugs are anticipated to be the fastest growing segments. The rise in serious viral infections like HIV, hepatitis, influenza etc. necessitates newer antiviral therapies. Meanwhile, increasing incidence of opportunistic fungal infections associated with various diseases and medical conditions will bolster the need for antifungal medicines. Significant untapped demand also exists within developing Latin American and Middle Eastern countries for all categories of antimicrobial products.

Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Regional Insights

• North America: The North American region, including the U.S. and Canada, has a well-established healthcare system and is a significant market for antimicrobial therapeutics. The region benefits from strong research and development activities, a high prevalence of infectious diseases, and a growing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Government initiatives, public-private partnerships, and robust investment in research and innovation contribute to the market's growth, and North America is the largest market for antimicrobial therapeutics, accounting for a share of over 33.5% in 2023.
• Europe: Europe is another prominent market for global antimicrobial therapeutics. The region has a high awareness of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on public health. Additionally, collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies foster innovation and drive market growth, and Europe is the second-largest market for antimicrobial therapeutics, accounting for a share of over 26.1% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region exhibits significant market potential due to its large population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising prevalence of infectious diseases. Countries like China and India have a high disease burden and are investing in healthcare infrastructure and research and development activities. However, challenges such as limited access to healthcare in some areas, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and variations in economic development can impact the market's growth and Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for antimicrobial therapeutics, accounting for a share of over 20.3% in 2023.

Figure 1. Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Drivers:

• Increasing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases: The rising incidence of infectious diseases globally is a major driver of the antimicrobial therapeutics market. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, international travel, and climate change contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. This increasing prevalence creates a growing demand for effective antimicrobial treatments. For instance, according to data published in December 2022, by ScienceOpen, globally infectious diseases are increasing, and approximately 8% of the world’s population has died due to infectious disease in 2020.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is a significant driver for the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics. Over time, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can evolve and become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. This necessitates the development of novel antimicrobial agents to combat resistant strains and overcome treatment challenges.
• Product Approval: Increasing product approval by regulatory bodies is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, on May 23, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xacduro (sulbactam for injection; durlobactam for injection), a new treatment for hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria called Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, for patients 18 years of age and older.
• Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition: Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition is expected to drive the growth of the global antimicrobial therapeutics market over the forecast period. For instance, on June 27, 2023, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., a company that focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, diagnostic reagents, and medical devices, announced the acquisition of Qpex Biopharma, a company developing a pipeline of agents addressing critical needs for the treatment of infectious diseases, to expand its pipeline of antimicrobial drugs and boost its research and development activities in infectious disease.

Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Opportunities:

• Product Launch: Increasing product launches by the key players in the market is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2022, BDR Pharmaceuticals Internationals Pvt. Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of the antiviral pill Paxlovid.
• Combination Therapies: Combination therapies involving multiple antimicrobial agents or combining antimicrobials with non-antibiotic agents offer opportunities for improved treatment outcomes. Synergistic combinations can enhance efficacy, broaden the spectrum of activity, and reduce the development of resistance. The development and optimization of combination therapies hold promise for combating complex infections and reducing treatment failures. For instance, according to data published in December 2020 by Medical.net, an inexpensive, U.S. FDA-approved drug, cholestyramine is taken in conjunction with an antibiotic prevents the antibiotic from driving antimicrobial resistance, according to new research by scientists at Penn State and the University of Michigan, U.S.
• Research and development activities: Increasing research and development activities by the key players is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in March 2022, Fundación Pública Andaluza para la gestión de la Investigación en Sevilla, a hospital based in France, initiated a clinical trial titled “Efficacy and Safety of Different Antimicrobial Durations for the Treatment of Infections Associated With Osteosynthesis Material Implanted After Long Bone Fractures (DURATIOM). Phase 3 Pragmatic Multicenter Open Labelled Randomized Trial.” The study is estimated to be completed in April 2026.
• Digital Health and Point-of-Care Diagnostics: The integration of digital health technologies and point-of-care diagnostics presents opportunities to enhance the management of infectious diseases. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools can aid in timely and appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Digital health platforms can facilitate real-time monitoring, data collection, and remote patient management, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed treatment decisions and improve patient care.

Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Trends:

• Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as agreement: Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies, such as agreements by the key players in the market, is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, on March 30, 2023, GSK plc, a pharmaceutical company, and SCYNEXIS, Inc., a biotechnology company that develops products for the treatment of fungal infections, announced they had entered into an exclusive license agreement for Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp tablets), a U.S FDA-approved, first-in-class antifungal for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and for reduction in the incidence of recurrent VVC (RVVC). This exclusive license agreement gives GSK plc rights to commercialize Brexafemme for VVC and RVVC while continuing to develop ibrexafungerp, which is in phase III clinical trials for the potential treatment of invasive candidiasis (IC), a life-threatening fungal infection.
• Increasing acceptance of New Drug Application (NDA): Increasing acceptance of New Drug Application (NDA) is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in December 2022, F2G Inc., a biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted for filing of its New Drug Application (NDA) for olorofim for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients with limited or no treatment options.
• High prevalence of bacterial tuberculosis, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosi: Increasing prevalence of bacterial infections such as bacterial tuberculosis, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosi is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, according to the data of World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2021, a total of 1.5 Bn people died from Tuberculosis (TB) in 2020 (including 214 000 people with HIV). Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious disease after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS).
• Facility Expansion: Increasing facility expansion by the key players in the market is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in June 2022, Pfizer Inc., a global pharmaceutical company, announced that it is further strengthening its U.S. manufacturing with a US$120 Bn investment at its Kalamazoo, Michigan, facility, enabling U.S.-based production in support of its COVID-19 oral treatment, paxlovidtm tablets. Paxlovidtm is an antiviral drug.

Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Restraints:

• Antimicrobial Resistance: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge to the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial therapeutics. Microorganisms can develop resistance to drugs over time, rendering them less effective or completely ineffective. Antimicrobial resistance limits treatment options, increases healthcare costs, and poses a threat to public health. Developing new antimicrobial agents that can overcome resistance mechanisms is crucial but often presents scientific and technical challenges.
• Lengthy and Costly Drug Development Process: The process of developing new antimicrobial therapeutics can be time-consuming, expensive, and risky. It often involves extensive preclinical and clinical trials, regulatory requirements, and a high failure rate. The financial risks associated with antimicrobial drug development, coupled with uncertain market demand and limited reimbursement options, can deter investment in research and development. This may result in a limited pipeline of new antimicrobial agents.
• Increasing product recalls: Increasing product recalls are expected to hamper the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, on February 18, 2023, Biocon Pharma, an innovation-led fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that develops affordable biosimilars, generic formulations, and complex APIs, announced the voluntary recall of 3,665 bottles of antifungal medication in the U.S. market for failed degradation specifications.

Counterbalance: To to reduce product recalls the pharmaceutical companies should keep a check on each stage of the business process. They should run checks on various stages starting from production to the supply chain. The production line must be monitored for the settings and production quality to maintain relevant standards.

Recent Developments

New product launches/approval

• In August 2020, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, a pharmaceutical company, announced that the company had received approval from the U.S. FDA for its anti-fungal Tavaborole Topical Solution. Tavaborole Topical Solution is indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails.
• In June 2021, Mankind Pharma, a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Posacoazole Gastro resistant tablets used to treat black fungus.

Acquisition

• On January 24, 2023, Sandoz International GmbH, the global leader in off-patent (generic and biosimilar) medicines, signed an agreement to acquire worldwide product rights for the leading systemic antifungal agent Mycamine (micafungin sodium, Funguard in Japan) from Astellas Pharma Inc., a Japan-based pharmaceutical company.
• In 2021, Pfizer Inc. announced that it had acquired Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held company dedicated to the development of therapies for debilitating and life-threatening diseases that affect people with compromised immune systems. Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc’s lead compound, Fosmanogepix (APX001), is a novel investigational asset under development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.

Figure 2. Global Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market Share (%), by Drug Class, 2023

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Top companies in Antimicrobial Therapeutics Market

• Pfizer Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Novartis AG
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
• AstraZeneca plc
• Sanofi SA
• Bayer AG
• Bristol Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.
• AbbVie Inc.
• Allergan plc
• Mylan N.V.
• Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited

Definition: An antimicrobial therapeutics kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Therapies that kill microorganisms are called microbiocidal therapies and therapies that only inhibit the growth of microorganisms are called microbiostatic therapies.