Anti-infective Drugs Market Size

Anti-infective Drugs Market Analysis

The anti-infective drugs market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several communities, industries, businesses, and lives were adversely affected owing to the restrictions imposed by various countries. In the initial phase of the pandemic, almost all sectors were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the use of anti-infective drugs came into focus to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with other infectious agents that worsened the condition of the affected population. For instance, in an article published in the International Journal of Clinical Practices in April 2021, several anti-infective drugs effectively treat the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Nitazoxanide, doxycycline, and azithromycin were highly effective for the symptomatic improvement of mild and moderate COVID19 patients. Dual therapy combining nitazoxanide with azithromycin or doxycycline was more effective than monotherapy. Thus, the wide use of anti-infective drugs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has significantly impacted the market. Moreover, post-pandemic, the market is growing at a stable pace owing to the decline in the demand for anti-infectives due to increased vaccination and decreasing COVID-19 cases globally.

The primary driving factor for the market's growth is the increasing burden of infectious diseases across developed and emerging markets, such as influenza, diarrhea, hepatitis, and urinary tract infections. For instance, according to the data published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 2022, an estimated 5% increase in the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in acute care hospitals was observed in the United States in 2021. The source also stated that the highest increase in incidence (9%) was observed in intensive care units (ICUs) of the hospitals. Thus, the growing burden of UTI increases demand for effective treatments such as anti-infectives, boosting market growth.

Moreover, several institutes have started specific initiatives or campaigns to increase awareness about infectious diseases among the public. For instance, in February 2022, the government of India implemented two phases of awareness campaigns for several infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis. The campaign endeavors to generate awareness regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS and TB, promotion of related services, and reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS and TB. Such a campaign will create awareness of infectious diseases, treatment, and management which is expected to increase the demand for anti-infective drugs, thereby boosting the market growth.

Furthermore, market players are adopted various strategies such as product launches, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to stay competitive in the anti-infective drug market, which is also projected to propel the market's growth over the forecast period. For instance, in January 2023, Alkem launched its novel anti-infective in India under the brand name Zidavi. The newly launched Zidavi, a novel combination of ceftazidime and avibactam, is used for multiple drug resistance infections. Similarly, in September 2022, Vernalis Research, a wholly owned subsidiary of HitGen Inc., and Unison Medicines Inc. reported a research collaboration in the United States in anti-infectives.

Hence, the growing burden of infectious diseases and rising awareness campaigns for contagious illnesses, coupled with the strategic activities by market players, are expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. However, the shortage of resources in healthcare facilities, particularly in emerging markets, and the emergence of anti-infective drug resistance and the associated side effects restrict the growth of the studied market.