Anti-infective Agents Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis By Type (Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral), By Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, IV), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2026

Industry Insights

The global anti-infective agents' market size was valued at USD 111.1 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period. Extensive R&D efforts about the development of new drugs with high efficacy and potency against multi-drug resistant micro-organisms are one of the major factors stimulating the growth.

New drug approvals are also estimated to accentuate market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, such as Descovy by Gilead, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and Zepatier by Merck that targets chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 or 4 infections in adults.

Factors like increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to existing anti-infective agents are estimated to fuel the market growth. Moreover, escalating health-consciousness, about the availability of diagnostics for infectious diseases and avoidable risks associated with the early diagnosis are some of the factors projected to boost the growth.

Companies have recently launched a panel of FDA approved, modified antibiotics for their use in the treatment of acute bacterial skin and soft tissue infections; these drugs include Dalvance (Dalbavancin), Orbactiv (Oritavancin), Sivextro (Tedizolid), and Zevtera (Ceftobiprole). The high penetration of these anti-infective drugs due to their increased efficacy is expected to serve as a growth driver for the anti-infective agents market in the forthcoming years.

The commercialization of pipeline anti-infective drugs is also estimated to be a key factor in strengthening growth. In 2015, a recently introduced anti-fungal drug, Cresemba, marketed by Astellas Pharma U.S., Inc. gained FDA approval. The clinical trials revealed that the drug demonstrated significant efficacy for the treatment of invasive mucormycosis and invasive aspergillosis.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is categorized into antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral drugs. The anti-bacterial segment generated over USD 45.3 billion in 2018, attributed to the high prescription of these products and the broad-spectrum activity of cephalosporin and penicillin.

The anti-fungal agent segment is further classified into azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes. Amongst these, Azoles are estimated to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to their high ability to combat systemic fungal infections.

However, the anti-viral agent segment is anticipated to exhibit a sharp increase in growth in the coming decade owing to the introduction of novel drugs and the large patient population suffering from viral infections that require long treatment procedures. Furthermore, government collaborations with pharmaceutical companies for the development of new drugs are anticipated to support the segment growth.

Route of Administration Insights

Based on the route of administration, the market is categorized into topical, oral, and intravenous (IV). The oral route of administration held the largest market share in 2018 owing to new product development and the presence of a strong pipeline. Oral therapies minimize the use of central lines for intravenous drug administration and complications associated with it and reduce hospital stays.

The intravenous segment is estimated to exhibit lucrative growth over the forecast period owing to high efficacy, better rate of bioavailability, and rapid delivery of drugs offered by this route of administration. It is widely used owing to the control it provides over the dosage and rapid delivery of drugs. Intravenous routes have a higher rate of bioavailability than other routes of administration.

Distribution Channel Insights

Key distribution channels include hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and e-commerce. Hospital pharmacy led the segment in 2018 owing to the increasing number of hospitalizations worldwide. Moreover, hospitals provide extensive patient treatment, care, quick reimbursement, and insurance policies owing to which patients opt for hospital pharmacies.

E-commerce was expected to witness exponential CAGR over the forecast period owing to comfort, flexibility, and convenience as compared to other distribution channels. Various factors such as the convenience of purchasing and improving healthcare infrastructure in developing regions are likely to have a positive impact on growth.

Regional Insights

North America was one of the leading regions in 2018 with a revenue generation of over USD 29.87 billion. The presence of sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and high awareness among end-users such as clinicians and healthcare professionals are estimated to be the key growth drivers. Moreover, high purchasing power for expensive drugs and the presence of favorable reimbursement policies are anticipated to further fuel the regional market during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant CAGR over the forecast period owing to the presence of generics companies and rising economic stability and increasing disposable income. Also, the growing geriatric population coupled with increased susceptibility to infections is expected to provide a potential growth platform in the forthcoming years.

Anti-infective Agents Market Share Insights

Some of the key players are GlaxoSmithKline plc.; Pfizer Inc.; Bayer AG; Sanofi; Merck & Co., Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Abbott; Novartis AG; Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; and Astellas Pharma Inc.

Most companies are expanding their product portfolios by focusing on untapped opportunities. For instance, Gilead launched Sovaldi, the first-ever oral medication for the treatment of HCV genotype 2 and 3 in 2013.

The key players are also implementing certain competitive strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations to gain greater market share. In December 2015, Evotec AG and Spero Therapeutics announced the extension of their collaboration for the development of novel antibacterial drugs.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2013 to 2026. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global anti-infective agents market report based on type, route of administration, distribution channel, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2013 - 2026)

  • Antibacterial

  • Antiviral

  • Antifungal

• Antibacterial Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Cephalosporins

  • Penicillin

  • Fluoroquinolones

  • Macrolides

  • Carbapenem

  • Others

• Antibacterial Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Topical

  • Oral

  • IV

  • Others

• Antifungal Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Azoles

  • Echinocandins

  • Polyenes

  • Others

• Antifungal Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Topical

  • Oral

  • IV

  • Others

• Antiviral Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Topical

  • Oral

  • IV

  • Others

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Topical

  • Oral

  • IV

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2026)

  • Hospital Pharmacies

  • Retail Pharmacies

  • Specialty Pharmacies

  • e-Commerce

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2013 - 2026)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Singapore

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • UAE

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia