INFERTILITY DRUGS MARKET ANALYSIS

The high cost associated with infertility treatment can hamper the global infertility drugs market growth. Infertility treatments and drugs are generally not covered by insurance plans in many countries. A single cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can range anywhere between US$ 10,000 to US$ 15,000 without considering the additional costs involved in drugs and pre and post procedure care. For many couples struggling with infertility issues, undergoing multiple cycles is necessary to achieve success but the overall expenses for such treatments is expensive, thus, making it unaffordable for many people. This high-cost poses as a major restraint especially in developing nations where majority of the population has limited or no health insurance. As per a study conducted by World Health Organization in 2021, almost 70% of couples in low- and middle-income countries are unable to afford modern infertility treatments. For instance, in Indonesia, the median income of a family is US$ 375 per month, however a single cycle of IVF costs around US$ 3,000 thus, making infertility treatment almost 10 times the monthly income. In India, the annual per capita income is US$ 2,000 whereas the average cost of one complete IVF cycle ranges between US$ 2,500 to US$ 4,000 excluding the costs of consultation, tests and drugs. This significant gap between treatment affordability and actual cost prevents many patients from undergoing therapy.

Market Opportunities: Male infertility drugs market

The male infertility drugs market holds much promise within the global infertility drugs market. Infertility rates have been rising steadily due to trending lifestyles and environmental factors. According to the World Health Organization, around 9% of men globally experience some form of infertility. The stresses of modern life combined with other issues like rising obesity, alcohol/tobacco use and genetic abnormalities have all contributed to increasing male factor infertility. As social attitudes change and seeking treatment for fertility issues becomes less stigmatized, more men are likely to seek help. Advanced age of first-time fathers has also played a role as sperm quality naturally declines with increasing age. With delayed childbearing becoming more common, there has been huge need for effective medical assistance to treat male infertility. Growing medicalization of reproduction signals boosts demand for prescription solutions like testosterone supplements, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors that are used to treat conditions like low sperm counts or poor motility/morphology. Direct-to-consumer advertising and online doctor consultations have further spurred interest in these therapies. According to the United Nations Population Fund, over the period 2020 to 2023, many countries showed an uptick in the proportion of couples voluntarily childless or experiencing infertility. Indonesia  had an involuntary childlessness rate of nearly 15% among ever-married women aged 40-44 years, as per the most recent Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) report published  in 2021. As cultural changes pave the way for more proactive healthcare-seeking, the male infertility drugs segment within the broader infertility market is primed for sustained growth. With effective drug R&D and better access to diagnostics and treatments, this can present opportunities for pharmaceutical manufacturers.