Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment MarketSize and Trends

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

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.