Pyrimethamine Market Estimated to Witness Growth Due to Increasing Malaria Cases and Rising Government Support for R&D
The pyrimethamine market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.21 Bn in 2024 and with CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period 2024-2031. The market is witnessing steady growth owing to increasing incidences of malaria and rising government support for research and development of novel anti-malarial drugs. Furthermore, growing healthcare expenditure in developing countries is also contributing to the market growth.
Market Dynamics:
Rising Malaria Cases and Increasing Government Support for R&D
The global malaria burden has continued to increase over the past few years mainly attributed to increasing malaria cases in high burden countries of Africa and Asia Pacific regions. This rising disease prevalence is encouraging governments worldwide to boost funding for malaria treatment and prevention strategies. Additionally, major market players are receiving sizeable grants from global health organizations to develop innovative and affordable pyrimethamine-based drugs. For instance, in 2021, Medicines for Malaria Venture received over USD 50 million funding from UNITAID to develop a single-dose curative therapy using pyrimethamine. This rising government support for malaria R&D is expected to drive the demand for pyrimethamine over the forecast period.
Increasing prevalence of malaria worldwide
The increasing prevalence of malaria globally is a major driver for the pyrimethamine market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, there were 229 million recorded cases of malaria around the world, with 409,000 deaths from the disease. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for about 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of all malaria deaths. Pyrimethamine is commonly used in combination with sulfadoxine for the treatment of malaria. As long as malaria remains endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, the demand for anti-malarial drugs like pyrimethamine will continue to grow. Various government and non-government organizations are working to control the spread of the disease, but its high transmission rate ensures a steady market for pyrimethamine.
Growing focus on effective combination therapies
Combination therapies have become the standard of care for malaria treatment to reduce the risk of drug resistance. Pyrimethamine is most often used in fixed-dose combination with sulfadoxine known as Fansidar or SP. The strong efficacy and safety profile of this combination has made it one of the most widely used anti-malarial regimens globally. Regulatory authorities and health agencies are promoting the use of combination therapies to delay resistance. This growing focus on combination anti-malarials rather than monotherapies is another important driver for the pyrimethamine market.
Increasing resistance to anti-malarial drugs
The development of resistance in malaria parasites is a major challenge faced by the industry. Resistance to pyrimethamine has already been reported in many endemic areas, compromising its efficacy. The widespread irrational use and under-dosing of anti-malarials have significantly contributed to the growing resistance. Once resistance emerges, the demand and sales of the affected drug decline rapidly. Continued monitoring is needed to track the emergence and spread of resistance. Since malaria parasites can develop resistance very quickly, this remains a key restraint on the long-term growth prospects of the pyrimethamine market.
Stringent regulatory norms for approval
To ensure patient safety and effectiveness, regulatory policies for anti-malarial drugs are quite rigorous. Manufacturers must demonstrate efficacy, safety and quality through extensive clinical and non-clinical testing. This involves large investments and prolonged trial periods before approval. However, the development process is especially long and difficult in case of combination therapies. The stringent regulatory compliance required before marketing approval increases the overall costs and timelines for players in this market. Complex regulations can negatively impact investment decisions and act as a restraint.
Major market opportunity: Geographic expansion in developing markets
Most of the present demand comes from African and Southeast Asian regions that have a high malaria burden. However, there is substantial untapped potential in other developing markets of South America, the Middle East and parts of Asia where malaria remains endemic. As access to healthcare improves globally through initiatives like WHO's High Burden High Impact Approach, prevention and treatment programs are expanding to remote areas as well. This provides an opportunity for market players to tap new geographic regions and boost sales revenues. Targeting developing countries with cooperation from governments and aid agencies can drive future growth.
Novel drug delivery approaches
Novel R&D into improved delivery systems can open up new growth avenues.areas. Traditional dosage forms make it difficult to deliver accurate doses to young children and maintain adherence. Newer delivery approaches like dispersible tablets, lyophilized injections and pediatric drug formulations are being explored. Also, developing fixed-dose combinations tailored for specific regions can enhance efficacy. Combining anti-malarials with other drugs used commonly in endemic areas is another promising line of research. Continued innovations to address the needs of vulnerable populations will strengthen the market position of leading players in the long term.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/pyrimethamine-market-4948
Key Developments
- On August 23, 2024, Swipha, a Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer, announced that they had received prequalification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) drug, which is used to prevent malaria infection in pregnant women.
- In March 2020, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced that they had launched Pyrimethamine Tablets USP, 25 mg, a therapeutic equivalent and first-wave generic version of Daraprim (pyrimethamine) Tablets. Pyrimethamine is indicated for the treatment of toxoplasmosis when used conjointly with a sulfonamide
Key Players
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Alvogen, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer, Inc., AdvaCare Pharma, Swipha, Cerovene Inc., and Vyera Pharmaceuticals
