HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TREATMENT MARKET ANALYSIS

The global herpes simplex virus treatment market was valued at US$ 2,246.7 Mn in 2022 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 3,503.7 Mn by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2023 and 2030. The global herpes simplex virus treatment market is experiencing strong growth due to the rise in prevalence of infections of the herpes simplex virus and increasing number of clinical trials around the world. Moreover, increase in demand for safe and effective HSV treatment and increase in awareness among people about herpes simplex virus is expected to boost growth of the market. However, factors such as social stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and rising product recalls are expected to hamper the market growth.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market: Regional Insights

Based on geography, the global herpes simplex virus treatment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Among regions, North America is expected to gain highest share in the market over the forecast period owing to the rising incidence of herpes simplex virus infections, rising health expenditure, and introduction of safe and effective therapeutics in the region. For instance, genital herpes is the common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 572,000 new genital herpes infections occur each year in the U.S. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is mainly sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes. Both oral and genital herpes are mostly asymptomatic or unrecognized.

Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to witness robust growth in the global herpes simplex virus treatment market owing to the growing prevalence of infections of the herpes simplex virus, increase in research and development activities, and rise in demand for safe/effective therapeutics in these regions. For instance, According to the study entitled ‘Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Europe, published in the Lancet Regional Health-Europe in December 2022, about 10% of the population of Europe is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The prevalence was more common in women than men.

Figure 1. Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Drivers:

Rise in burden of herpes simplex virus to drive market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global herpes simplex virus treatment market over the forecast period is the growing prevalence of infections of the herpes simplex virus. Such a high burden of herpes simplex virus leads to an increase in demand for safe and effective therapeutics. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorized into 2 types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally, and an estimated 491 million people aged 15 to 49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.

Increasing number of clinical trials to propel market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global herpes simplex virus treatment market is the increasing number of clinical trials around the world. For instance, growing incidence of herpes simplex virus infections has increased demand for HSV therapeutics, and thus, market players are conducting number of clinical trials to meet the increasing demand for safe/effective therapeutics. In March 2021, Precision Vaccinations and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) launched a limited Phase 1 clinical trial for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) candidate, HSV vaccine (GSK4108771A). Thus, such advancements boost the growth of the market.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Opportunities:

Rise in demand for safe/effective HSV treatment or HSV vaccine is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the global herpes simplex virus treatment market. For instance, owing to the rise in burden of HSV, players in the market are focusing on developing and launching safe and effective treatment in the market. In June 2022, Eurocine Vaccines AB signed a research and collaboration agreement with Redbiotec. The agreement give Eurocine Vaccines the exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HSV-2 vaccine candidates, based on the technologies developed by Redbiotec.

Increase in awareness among people about herpes simplex virus (HSV) and available therapeutics is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global herpes simplex virus treatment market. For instance, National Herpes Awareness Day, celebrated on every October 13, is a chance to promote awareness about the causes, dangers, and treatment of many forms of herpes infections, notably genital herpes. The WHO is also working to increase awareness among people about HSV infection and its symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote HIV prevention efforts for those with genital herpes.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Trends:

Rise in burden of sexually transmitted infections is a recent trend

Sexually active individuals or those who have had three or more sex partners in their lifetime are at high risk of developing type 1 keratitis. HSV keratitis is a major cause of blindness worldwide. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that cause genital herpes. According to the CDC, one in five individuals have sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital herpes, in the U.S. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period, driving the growth of the market.

Increase in demand for HSV drugs is another trend

Acyclovir is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain types of viruses. Marketed as Zovirax/Sitavig, acyclovir is one of the most preferred anti-viral agents used to treat herpes, mainly used against oral herpes and herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). It is used to treat the symptoms of herpes virus infections and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. It is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. This trend is also expected to continue over the forecast period, driving the growth of the market.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Restraints:

Social stigma associated with STDs to hinder market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global herpes simplex virus treatment market is the social stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The social stigma associated with STDs is very prevalent worldwide, especially in countries with the less awareness about STDs. Individuals are judged and condemned for being infected with STDs and even socially outcasted in some parts of the world. Thus, people avoid being tested for STDs, which is a major restraining factor for the growth of the market. 

Rising product recalls to hamper the growth of the market

Another factor which is hampering the growth of the global herpes simplex virus treatment market is the rising product recalls. The high number of product recalls owing to issue in the products or complaints from end user or labelling errors in the area is another restraining factor. For instance, in March 2021, Zydus Pharmaceuticals Inc. recalled four lots of Acyclovir Sodium Injection, 50 mg/mL, 10 mL, and 20 mL vials, to the hospital/user level after receiving several complaints of crystallization in vials because the administration of crystalized acyclovir sodium injection.

Figure 2. Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Share (%), By Drug Type, 2023

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Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Segmentation:

The global herpes simplex virus treatment market report is segmented into Drug Type, Route of Administration, and Geography.

Based on Drug Type, the market is segmented into Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and Other Drugs. Out of which, Acyclovir Segment is expected to dominate the herpes simplex virus treatment market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increase in consumption or demand for acyclovir. Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses.

Valacyclovir Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the rise in usage of valacyclovir. It is an antiviral drug that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus and is used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus.

Based on Route of Administration, the market is segmented into Oral, Injection, and Topical. Out of which, Oral Segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increase in application of oral delivery. Many drugs are administered by the oral route to prevent and treat herpes simplex viruses.

Injection Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to increase in demand for safe and effective HSV treatment, which stops the spread of the virus in the body and treat the infection caused by herpes simplex virus.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market: Key Developments

In January 2023, Molbio Diagnostics launched the Truenat HSV 1/2 for testing the herpes simplex virus. The test is approved by CDSCO and can provide sample-to-test results in an hour. The real-time PCR test works on the existing Truelab infrastructure and doesn't require additional setup and equipment to run the test, making it possible to test at resource-limited settings.

In October 2021, United BioPharma collaborated with Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre and Cheng Kung University's Department of Microbiology and Immunology to investigate the efficacy of UB-621, a best-in-class long-acting medication for genital herpes caused by simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and HSV2).

In July 2021, Rational Vaccines received the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Innovation Passport for RVx201, a therapeutic vaccine developed for genital herpes resulting from the herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) virus.

In May 2020, Shionogi & Co. and Genocea Biosciences Inc. teamed up to develop herpes simplex vaccine. Under a material transfer agreement, Shionogi will evaluate certain herpes simplex virus type 2, antigens from Genocea's GEN-003 program.

Global Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market: Key Companies Insights

The global herpes simplex virus treatment market is highly competitive. This is attributed to the increase in demand for safe and effective therapeutics/vaccines, as a result, players in the market are focusing on launching novel products in the market.

Some of the key players in the global herpes simplex virus treatment market are Fresenius SE & Co. KgaA, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad Tech, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Zydus Cadila, Epi Health LLC, Viatris Inc., Apotex Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., and Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc.), among others.

*Definition: The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is a viral infection that causes genital and oral herpes. It is a very contagious virus that causes infections. There are two types of HSV, such as HSV-1 and HSV-2. There is no cure for genital herpes, but daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks, as well as reduce the chance of spreading it to others.