Antibiotics Market

Antibiotics Market Size

Antibiotics Market size was valued at USD 45.6 billion in 2023 and is estimated to expand at 3.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The global market is experiencing dynamic growth driven by factors such as the growing aging population and the continual development of novel antibiotic formulations.

Also, rising incidence of infectious diseases is driving an increased demand for antibiotics in the market. For instance, a Lancet eClinical medicine report highlighted an elevation in the antibiotic prescriptions for 75% of COVID-19 patients, with sales of crucial antibiotics surging between May 2020 and May 2022. Thus, with rising infections, the demand for potent antimicrobial treatments surged, thereby significantly impacting the market expansion.

Antibiotics are a class of antimicrobial drugs designed to inhibit the growth or destroy bacteria, alleviating bacterial infections. Antibiotics interfere with the vital process essential for bacterial survival, either by disrupting the cell wall synthesis, protein production, or DNA replication. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections ranging from respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections (UTI) to skin infection as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Antibiotics Market Trends

• Growing awareness of antibiotic-resistance has led the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to increasingly focus on developing combination drugs for additive and synergistic effects. For instance, in March 2022, Venatorx Pharmaceutical reported positive clinical phase III data for cefepime-taniborbactam, a combination antibiotic therapy for severe UTIs. This research initiative aimed to investigate potential for the application expansion of combination antibiotics.
  
• Similarly, in May 2023, Entasis Therapeutics received the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Xacduro, a combination antibiotic of sulbactam and durlobactam for hospital-related bacterial pneumonia therapeutics caused by a highly resistant superbug. This approval aimed to introduce the antibiotic combination to broaden the scope of treatment options for hospital-acquired pneumonia.
  
• Furthermore, increased awareness in public health, focusing on generic drug development, and government initiatives against antibiotic resistance contributed to the increase product demand, thereby driving the market progress.
  

Antibiotics Market Analysis

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Download Free PDF

Based on the drug class, the market is classified into penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and other drug classes. The cephalosporins segment dominated the market with revenue of USD 14.1 billion in 2023.

• Cephalosporins, a beta-lactam antibiotic are widely used to treat conditions such as pneumonia, skin infections, and meningitis. Also, cephalosporins have undergone multiple generations of enhancement. Therefore, the continuous evolution of cephalosporin products is evident in strategic mergers and acquisitions anticipated to propel the market growth.
  
• For instance, in October 2021, Sandoz acquired GSK plc’s cephalosporin antibiotics business for USD 500 million, expanding their product line and addressing the rising incidence of infections. This strategic approach aimed in enhancing and broadening the capabilities of the cephalosporin business.
  

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Download Free PDF

Based on type, the antibiotics market is classified into branded and generics. The branded segment held the highest market share of 55.3% in 2023.

• The high growth can be attributed to factors such as strong brand recognition, perceived quality, and innovative formulations. As pharmaceutical companies introduce and innovative patent formulations with often associated with extensive research and development, command a significant market share, offering unique formulations that contribute to their prominence and market leadership.
  

Based on spectrum, the antibiotics market is classified into broad-spectrum antibiotics and narrow-spectrum antibiotics. The broad-spectrum antibiotics segment is expected hold the highest revenue throughout the forecast period 2032.

• High versatility against a wide array of bacteria with both gram-positive and gram-negative strains has spurred the demand for broad-spectrum antibiotics. Similarly, the broad applicability in treating diverse infections has led to widespread usage, making them a cornerstone in addressing various bacterial illnesses, thereby contributing significantly to market growth.
  

Based on drug origin, the antibiotics market is classified into natural, semisynthetic, and synthetics. The natural segment accounted for USD 23.5 billion in 2023.

• The natural originated antibiotics, with inherent antimicrobial properties, have been fundamental in treating bacterial infections. Their historical efficacy and broad applicability underscored the enduring significance of natural sources in shaping the market.
  

Based on applications, the antibiotics market is categorized into respiratory infections, UTI, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gastrointestinal infections, and other applications. The UTI application is expected to lead the market, projecting the highest revenue of USD 23.3 billion by 2032.

• The high incidence of UTIs, particularly among women, propels the need for antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, crucial in managing these infections. For instance, as estimated in the BMC Infectious Diseases journal, UTIs rank as the second most prevalent infectious disease, impacting over 150 million individuals annually. Thus, driving the continuous reliance on antibiotics and making them a cornerstone in the pharmaceutical landscape.
  
• Additionally, ongoing antibiotic development addresses challenges associated with respiratory infections, thereby further contributing to market expansion.
  

Based on route of administration, the antibiotics market is classified into oral, parenteral, and other routes of administration. In 2023, the parenteral route leads the market anticipating its growth during the analysis period with a CAGR of 3.2%

• The parenteral route dominance was attributed due to its efficacy in delivering medications directly into the bloodstream through injections or intravenous infusions.
  
• The parenteral route ensured the rapid and precise drug distribution, making it crucial for treating severe infections or instances where oral absorption is compromised, thus contributing significantly to the widespread success of antibiotic therapies.
  

Based on distribution channel, the antibiotics market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment is anticipated to secure the largest business share in 2023 and is anticipated to show similar trend during the analysis period.

• The active involvement in antimicrobial stewardship programs, ensuring precise prescriptions based on clinical need, susceptibility data, and guidelines, solidifies their influence. With the focus on optimal dosing for varied patient conditions, hospital pharmacies play a key role in shaping the antibiotic market landscape.
  

Looking for region specific data?

Download Free PDF

In 2023, North America secured a substantial business share in the antibiotics market and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period.

• The region's strong position in the market stems from a high incidence of infectious diseases such as pneumonia and TB, securing a substantial market share.
  
• Additionally, the dominance is reinforced by governmental initiatives promoting safe and effective treatments. For instance, the FDA's May 2023 approval of Innoviva Inc.'s Xacduro addresses hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, providing a crucial solution for severe infections and expanding treatment options.
  

Antibiotics Market Share

The competitive landscape of the market is characterized by the presence of established pharmaceutical companies vying for market share. Key players are engaging in strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to strengthen their product portfolios. The companies are actively adopting a multi-pronged approaches to address the rising demand for effective antibiotics.

Antibiotics Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the antibiotics industry are as mentioned below:

• Abbott Laboratories
• AbbVie, Inc.
• Allergan plc
• Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
• Bayer AG
• Bristol Myers Squibb
• Cipla Inc.
• Daiichi Sankyo Company Ltd.
• Eli Lilly & Co.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Lupin Inc.
• Melinta Therapeutics LLC
• Merck & Co.
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sandoz
• Sanofi
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Viatris Inc.
  

Antibiotics Industry News:

• In January 2024, Utility Therapeutics secured priority review from the U.S. FDA for its new drug application (NDA) concerning pivmecillinam's use in treating uncomplicated UTIs. This grant aimed introducing a novel first-line treatment for UTIs, enhancing the company's placing in the field of antibiotic capabilities.
  
• In December 2023, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. introduced Fetroja intravenous infusion 1g vial in Japan, catering to adults with renal infections. This siderophore cephalosporin antibiotic targets serious gram-negative infections. The launch aimed in providing a novel treatment option for patients with drug-resistant bacterial infectious diseases.
  

The antibiotics market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2018 - 2032 for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Drug Class

• Penicillins
• Cephalosporins
• Macrolides
• Quinolones
• Aminoglycosides
• Tetracyclines
• Other drug classes

Market, By Type

• Branded
• Generics

Market, By Spectrum

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Narrow-spectrum antibiotics

Market, By Drug Origin

• Natural
• Semisynthetic
• Synthetic

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Application

• Respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Other applications

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa