Antibiotics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Drug Class (Cephalosporin, Penicillin), By Type, By Action Mechanism (RNA Synthesis Inhibitors, Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global antibiotics market size was valued at USD 48.73 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.26% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing burden of bacterial infections and the surge in demand for novel drugs to combat bacterial diseases are fueling the demand for new-generation antibiotics. In addition, the increase in the incidence of antimicrobial resistance owing to the over-consumption of antibacterial formulations is anticipated to shift the prescription patterns to next-generation therapies to manage infectious diseases. According to the CDC, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) affects more than 2.8 million people every year in the U.S. The demand for antibiotics is growing significantly, due to a surge in incidences of infectious diseases.

According to the WHO, diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death in children around the world, and antibiotic intervention is necessary to avoid morbidity. The high prevalence of various infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, lower respiratory infection, and Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), is further propelling the market growth. Moreover, the increasing disease burden is encouraging government and non-government organizations to invest in R&D initiatives to develop novel drugs in the market. For instance, BARDA, in alliance with the government, has extended its support to several companies to aid the development process of new therapies for infectious diseases.

Owing to the increasing awareness of antibiotic-resistant infections, various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are emphasizing the development of combination therapies to induce synergistic and additive effects. For instance, in March 2022, Venatorx Pharmaceutical’s combination antibiotic therapy, cefepime-taniborbactam, reported positive results of clinical phase III data for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections in adults. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on the development of novel therapies to treat infectious diseases. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, in December 2020, almost 43 promising antibiotic molecules were being investigated for the management of serious bacterial infections.

Among them, most of the drugs have filed new drug applications for approval and are likely to be commercialized during the forecast period. Moreover, a favorable regulatory framework is likely to propel market growth. For instance, in January 2022, Alembic Pharmaceuticals announced the U.S. FDA approval for its ANDA for Doxycycline Hyclate Delayed-Release Tablets. Various strategic initiatives undertaken by leading participants are also likely to drive the market. For instance, in June 2022, the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced an agreement to remarkably change the landscape of antibiotics access across the globe. In May 2021, Sandoz announced plans to further strengthen its antibiotics manufacturing network in Europe by expanding its production capabilities in Palafolls Spain, Kundl, and Austria.

Action Mechanism Insights

The cell wall synthesis inhibitor segment held the largest share of 52.2% in 2022. Wide spectrum action mechanisms and the high prescription rate of these antibiotics to treat gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections are anticipated to support the large segment share. Drugs, such as carbapenems, penicillin, and cephalosporins, are the most widely used cell wall synthesis inhibitors for the management of bacterial infections. In addition, a rise in research activities and growing regulatory approvals are other major factors fueling segment growth.

For instance, in December 2022, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced that they filed an NDA for a cephalosporin antibiotic, cefiderocol, which has been accepted by Taiwan Food and Drug Administration for review. Cefiderocol is an investigational drug used for the treatment of anerobic gram-negative bacterial infections. The RNA synthesis inhibitors segment is expected to register a lucrative growth rate over the forecast period owing to a rise in product launches and R&D initiatives undertaken by key players. The segment growth is further driven by rifamycins and fidaxomycins used for the treatment of a broad range of bacterial infections.

Type Insights

The generic antibiotics segment dominated the overall market in 2022 with a revenue share of 80.7% and is expected to grow at the fastest growth rate over the forecast years. The affordability of generic formulations, the presence of a large number of manufacturers leading to the high bargaining power of buyers, and a supportive regulatory framework are the key factors responsible for the dominance. In addition, favorable government initiatives to promote generic preparations and easy access to generic drugs are fueling the segment expansion.

The branded drugs segment is expected to grow at a steady CAGR due to the robust investigational pipeline, rising need for new & novel antibiotics, and increasing focus of key players to strengthen their product offerings and distribution network. For instance, in March 2022, Tabuk Pharmaceuticals and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc. partnered to introduce Vibativ injection in the MEA market. The launch is followed by an agreement to promote the brand across all countries of the Middle East region.

Drug Class Insights

The penicillin segment captured the largest revenue share of 23.9% in 2022. Factors such as the strong commercial performance of penicillin antibiotics in combination and the high adoption especially in developed regions such as North America & Europe are expected to positively impact the segment growth. For instance, according to the University of Oxford, global antibiotic consumption increased by 46.0% in the last two decades. Moreover, penicillin is one of the key prescribed antibiotic drugs in structural skin infections, bronchitis, and ear infections.

Cephalosporin is likely to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast years. The high efficacy of cephalosporin in treating a wide range of infections, high safety index, and availability of different generations of cephalosporins to counter the threat of AMR are likely to facilitate segment expansion. Moreover, strategic initiatives undertaken by market players are another factor fueling segment expansion. For instance, in February 2021, Sandoz signed a USD 500 million agreement to acquire GSK’s cephalosporin business.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific led the overall market with a revenue share of 43.38% in 2022 due to an increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases, a high consumption rate of antibiotics, and government initiatives to commercialize new antibiotic therapies to treat drug-resistant infections. In addition, the presence of generic manufacturers in the region, the availability of antibiotics as OTC products, and unregulated sales are some other factors responsible for regional market growth.

North America held the second-largest revenue share followed by Europe in 2022. These markets are highly regulated with well-developed healthcare infrastructure. The rising prevalence of infectious diseases coupled with the high demand for novel antibacterial formulations is driving regional growth. Moreover, high R&D activities and various ongoing antibiotics stewardship initiatives are further anticipated to facilitate the region’s growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players are adopting strategies, such as new product development, merger & acquisition, and partnership, to increase their market share. Companies, such as Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, and Merck & Co., Inc, are actively involved in the development of novel therapeutics for infectious diseases. For instance, in April 2023, GSK plc announced positive phase 3 results for Gepotidacin, a first-in-class antibiotic investigated for the treatment of uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in female adolescents and adults. In addition, in January 2022, Allecra Therapeutics and ADVANZ PHARMA Corp. signed a license agreement under which Advanz Pharma has the complete rights to market and develop Allecra’s antimicrobial drug candidate cefepime antibiotic in the UK, European Union countries, Norway, and Switzerland. Some of the prominent players in the global antibiotics market include:

• AbbVie, Inc.

• Pfizer Inc.

• Novartis AG

• Merck & Co., Inc.

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Viatris, Inc.

• Melinta Therapeutics LLC

• Cipla, Inc.

• Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

• KYORIN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

• GSK plc

• Nabriva Therapeutics PLC

Antibiotics Market Report Scope

Global Antibiotics Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the antibiotics market based on type, drug class, action mechanism, and region:

• Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cephalosporin

  • Penicillin

  • Fluoroquinolone

  • Macrolides

  • Carbapenems

  • Aminoglycosides

  • Sulfonamides

  • 7-ACA

  • Others

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Branded Antibiotics

  • Generic Antibiotics

• Action Mechanism Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors

  • Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

  • DNA Synthesis Inhibitors

  • RNA Synthesis Inhibitors

  • Mycolic Acid Inhibitors

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait