Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) MarketSize and Trends
Global eye flu (conjunctivitis) market size is expected to reach US$ 7.77 billion by 2030, from US$ 4.54 billion in 2023, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue lining the inner eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. It is caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, allergens or physical injury. Typical symptoms include redness, itching, burning sensation, discharge and blurry vision. Antibiotics, antihistamines and corticosteroids are commonly used for treatment. Rising prevalence of eye infections, growing aging population, product development, and increasing awareness about eye infections are key factors driving the market growth. Global eye flu (conjunctivitis) market is segmented in by disease type, route of administration, drug class, distribution channel, end user and region. By disease type, the viral conjunctivitis segment accounts for the largest share owing to high recurrence and contagious nature.
Global Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis) Market- Trends
- Combination drug therapies gaining momentum: The emerging trend of combining drugs with complementary mechanisms of action into a single formulation for synergistic therapeutic benefits is gaining popularity. For instance, combining antibiotics with corticosteroids allows simultaneous treatment of infection and inflammation in bacterial conjunctivitis. Dual-action drugs also improve compliance due to reduced dosage frequency compared to multiple drugs. In 2022, Ocular Therapeutix, a biopharmaceutical company developing transformational treatments that enhance people's vision; received the U.S. FDA approval for DEXTENZA, a combination intracanalicular insert of dexamethasone and polyethene glycol for post-surgery ocular pain and inflammation. Such innovations are driving the shift towards combination conjunctivitis therapies.
- Strong focus on OTC medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) eye care products for conjunctivitis are witnessing high demand owing to self-medication trends, easier availability and cost-effectiveness compared to prescription drugs. This is reinforced by the launch of generic and store brand alternatives by retail chains. Key players are strengthening their OTC product portfolios through new solution variants and packaging innovations catering to mild conjunctivitis cases and symptom relief.
- Strategic collaborations and M&A activity: Increasing mergers and acquisitions as well as collaborations between drug manufacturers, research institutes and distribution partners is molding market dynamics. Such strategic deals allow companies to expand their product portfolio, enter new markets, and leverage combined expertise for drug innovation. For instance, in 2021, Santen, a healthcare company; partnered with Arctic Vision, a developer of therapeutics for vision enhancement; to develop an ophthalmic solution for inflammatory eye diseases in China and Asia. In 2020, Eyevance, a healthcare company; acquired global rights for ZERVIATE, an antihistamine eye drop, through a licensing deal with Nicox. The trend of derisking through strategic alliances and consolidations is expected to continue, presenting growth avenues.