Market Challenges And Opportunities

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 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.