Antiviral Drugs Market - By Drug Class, By Indication, By Type, By Route of Administration, By Age Group, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025 – 2034

Antiviral Drugs Market Size

The global antiviral drugs market was estimated at USD 60.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 62 billion in 2025 to USD 85.4 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 3.6%. The rising cases of viral infections such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, C, and influenza have led to a greater need for antiviral drugs.
 

This encourages pharmaceutical companies to conduct extensive research and develop newer antiviral treatments. For instance, globally, around 37.7 million individuals with HIV infections were reported in 2020 as reported in U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. These noteworthy statistics underline the value of antiviral drugs which are needed for current and prospective outbreaks.
 

Moreover, the increase in awareness combined with government support and funding for easing the drug approvals, conducting clinical tests, and raising public awareness is anticipated to enhance the use of drugs in the market for antiviral treatments. In May 2020, Cipla and Gilead Sciences partnered for manufacturing and distribution of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients in more than 127 countries. This proactive collaborations and strategic efforts by market players to broaden their manufacturing capacities antiviral drugs for catering to a large patient base have fueled the market share.
 

Antiviral medications are the pharmaceutical drugs that are used in the treatment of a viral infection by inhibiting the viral growth and replication. This essentially includes medication for HIV, AIDS, hepatitis and influenza. They assist in alleviating the symptoms and time frame of illness, and some also aid in preventing infection.
 

Antiviral Drugs Market Trends

• Significant trends in the global market which include the burden of viral infection, development of novel antiviral drugs, and technology advancement in the drug development and increasing government spending in antiviral therapy adoption, support these therapies.
   
• As per the World Health Organization (WHO) report, nearly 39.9 million people were suffering from HIV by the end of 2023, out of which 1.4 million were children under fourteen years of age. This indicates that there is certainly a growing demand for effective treatment approaches.
   
• The growing prevalence of hepatitis is also pushing this market. Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by WHO, stated that Hepatitis is the second most infectious disease in the world for the number of yearly deaths, which is approximately 1.3 million people a year. Even with very effective treatment available, a large number of Hepatitis cases go undiagnosed. Therefore, an increasing trend of effective diagnostics and treatment regimens will augment the industry size.
   
• Similarly, in 2022, the Antiviral Drug Discovery Centers (AViDD) for Pandemic Pathogens was established by the NIAID in the U.S. These research facilities are highly focused on SARS-CoV-2 and various other viruses having pandemic potential such as bunyaviral, paramyxoviruses, togaviruses, picornaviruses and filoviruses, thereby leading to an increase in product launches in the future.
   
• Further, various governments as well as other private organizations have implemented awareness programs regarding the availability of advanced therapeutics for sexually transmitted diseases.
   
• Several key market players are actively involved in the development of novel drug therapeutics to treat infectious diseases that will strengthen the market growth potential.
   

Antiviral Drugs Market Analysis

Based on the drug class, the global market is segmented into reverse transcriptase inhibitors, DNA polymerase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, and other drug classes. The reverse transcriptase inhibitors segment accounted for 29.9% of market share and was valued at USD 18.1 billion in 2024.
 

• The growing rate of HIV/AIDS cases is a primary factor bringing in growth for the reverse transcriptase inhibitors segment, as these drugs are essential in the antiretroviral therapy for HIV treatment. Effectively treating diseases relies on the usage of reverse transcriptase inhibitors which include both nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs & NNRTIs), respectively.
   
• Government spending for HIV treatment and awareness programs serve to increase popularity and usage of these drugs, creating growth for the segment.
   
• Also, reverse transcriptase inhibitors are widely used with several advantages offering such as higher success rate, affordability with low genetic barriers and enhanced bioavailability.
   
• Thus, with high potential to reduce the severity of HIV infections, expanding product availability, and novel product launches, the segment is expected to foresee significant product demand in the forthcoming years.
   

Based on the indication, the global antiviral drugs market is categorized into HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, coronavirus infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV), Influenza, and other indications. The HIV/AIDS segment dominated the global market and is expected to reach USD 41.2 billion by 2034.
 

• The rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS infections is one factor primarily responsible for the expansion of the segment. In 2023, UNAIDS reports 1.3 million new cases of HIV, with 77% of HIV patients were on antiretroviral therapy drugs, highlighting the adoption rate of antiviral drugs used.
   
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which comes with different treatment options like reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), must be used long term to manage HIV/AIDS infection.
   
• Further, authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency are enhancing the development of this area, thereby fostering segmental growth over the coming years.
   

Based on type, the global antiviral drugs market is classified into branded and generic. The branded segment held market share of 71.9% in 2024.
 

• The branded drugs undergo rigorous research and clinical trials that ensure safety and efficacy of the antiviral drugs. These drugs offers better outcomes compared to generic drugs, thus making them benefitial for treating chronic viral infections requiring long-term treatment.
   
• Further as the pharmaceutical companies significantly invest on enhancing the availability and accessibility of these drugs, there is an increased demand and adoption of branded drugs. In January 2022, Aurobindo Pharma Limited launched molnupiravir under the brand name, Molnaflu, for COVID-19 treatment in India. This will strengthen the company’s product portfolio thereby, creating revenue growth opportunities.
   
• Therefore, owing to the proven safety and efficacy of branded drugs along with avialability of several drugs in the market, there will be increase brand adoption.
   

Based on route of administration, the global antiviral drugs market is bifurcated into oral, parenteral, topical and other routes of administration. The oral segment dominated the market in 2024 and is poised to witness growth at 3.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
 

• Oral segment dominated the market due to the advantages it offers compared to parenteral route of administration, including ease of administration and non-invasiveness. This increased adherence to the treatment make oral route as preferred choice for treating chronic diseases which requires long-term treatment.
   
• The ongoing advances in oral drug formulations such as once-weekly oral regimen for HIV treatment is expected to contribute to the growth of this segment. For instance, Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2024) presented a phase II trial of 94% of individuals shifted to weekly islatravir and lenacapavir pills maintained viral suppression rate like those who took Biktarvy daily.
   
• This gradual shift of treatment regimen is expected to improve treatment adherence, convenience and treatment outcomes, thereby contributing to the growth of this segment.
   

Based on age group, the global antiviral drugs market is divided into geriatric, adult and pediatric. In 2024, the geriatric segment was valued at USD 26.9 billion and is expected to reach USD 37.5 billion by end of 2032.
 

• The growth of this segment is majorly contributed to the rapidly growing aging population. For instance, as per WHO, 1 in 6 individuals globally will be aged 60 years and older by 2030, therefore the number of individuals in this age group is expected to reach 1.4 billion from 1 billion in 2020.
   
• Similarly, by 2050 the population of the 60 year and older age group is expected to reach 2.1 billion. This changing demographic indicates the demand for effective treatment as they are more likely to get infected with viral infections.
   
• Further, another significant factor driving the growth is the widespread adoption of antiviral drugs and vaccines for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases common among this age group.
   

Based on distribution channel, the global antiviral drugs market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment in 2024 held the highest market share of 46.7% and is anticipated to showcase growth at 3.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• Hospitals are the epicenter or primary treatment centers for viral infections such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and influenza where patients receive immediate access to antiviral drugs.
   
• Also, the complexity of severe viral infections requires hospitalization, thus the increase in patient pool visiting hospitals will spur the growth of hospital pharmacies in the global market. The availability of a wide range of antiviral drugs with different formulations further solidifies the dominance of hospital pharmacies.
   
• Furthermore, incidence of newly emerging infectious diseases with no prior approved medications leads to high usage of recently launched branded drugs that will fortify the overall market outlook during the projection period.
   

The U.S. antiviral drugs market was valued at USD 22.2 billion in 2024 from USD 21.9 billion in 2023 and USD 21.5 billion in 2022.
 

• This market is expanding owing to increasing governmental initiatives and rising viral infections across the country. For example, the Viral Hepatitis Plan is designed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health issue in the U.S. by 2030. This plan targets hepatitis A, B, and C.
   
• Similarly, the ending the HIV epidemic (EHE) initiative that target 57 priority jurisdictions and intensifying diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond activities has also contributed to the market growth.
   
• EHE's aimed to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90% by 2030 with advancing health equity by scaling up key HIV prevention and treatment strategies. These initiatives help increase the use of antiviral drugs in the treatment of viral infections.
   

In European antiviral drugs market, Germany is anticipated to grow considerably in the coming years.
 

• As projected by the Robert Koch Institute, in Germany there were more than 90,000 people living with HIV at the end of 2021, out of which about 9,000 were undiagnosed, and roughly 1,800 new infections were recorded in same year. This highlights the need for proactive screening and efficacious antiretroviral therapy, which increases the need for advanced antiviral drugs.
   
• Also, the strong presence of pharmaceutical companies and research institutes enables the development and distribution of novel antiviral medications such as long-acting and direct-acting antivirals.
   

The Asia Pacific antiviral drugs market is expected to experience substantial growth of 4% throughout the forecast period.
 

• Factors, such as population density, international travel, and seasonal variations are contributing to the widespread transmission of viruses, leading to a high demand for influenza medication. The well-developed healthcare infrastructure with advanced medical facilities, including clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies will further propel regional market growth.
   
• Further, the World Health Organization states that 40 million are affected by hepatitis B and 6 to 12 million are infected with hepatitis C in India. Therefore, the high prevalence of these viral infections and their counterparts increases the need for antiviral drugs in this particular market.
   
• Also, the increasing pharmaceutical industry also drives the growth of India's market. Players such as Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharma, and Mylan enhance the availability and affordability of both branded and generic medications in the market.
   

In Middle East and Africa antiviral drugs market, Saudi Arabia is poised to showcase notable growth in the future.
 

• Saudi Arabia is experiencing an increased rate of viral and respiratory infections which are the means to the growing usage of antiviral drugs. The country is stepping up in the control of infectious diseases through improvement in medical research, pharmaceutical production, and the broader accessibility of healthcare by means of tools like the Saudi Vision 2030 healthcare transformation plan.
   
• Also, the presence of foreign companies improves the accessibility and availability of medication for various diseases including the COVID-19 pandemic. These companies were collaborating to cater product demand throughout the period.
   
•  For instance, in May 2020, Cipla Inc. partnered with Gilead Sciences for manufacturing and distribution of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients in more than 127 countries.
   
• Thus, proactive collaborations and strategic efforts by market players to broaden their manufacturing capacities antiviral drugs for catering to a large patient base have fueled the overall market share.
   

Antiviral Drugs Market Share

The market is highly competitive and fragmented due to extensive R&D, strategic partnerships, and product innovations. The top 5 players in this market such as Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck & Co., Pfizer, and Janssen Pharmaceutical (Johnson & Johnson) account for ~30% - 35% of market share. The strong market presence is due to broadened product portfolios, the global distribution network and significant investments in R&D activities.
 

Strategic initiatives like acquisitions and mergers, collaborations or partnerships also help in driving the market share of these players. Further, the novel drug delivery systems, increasing government funding for infectious disease research and growing emphasis on managing viral diseases are expected to intensifying competition in the market.
 

Antiviral Drugs Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the antiviral drugs industry include:

• AbbVie
• Aurobindo Pharma Limited
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Cipla
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
• Gilead Sciences
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Janssen Pharmaceutical (Johnson & Johnson)
• Merck
• Mylan
• Pfizer
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
   

Janssen Pharmaceutical announced promising phase 2a human challenge study evaluating first-in-class treatments like JNJ-1802 for dengue. This shows the company’s commitment to innovation in antiviral drugs market.
 

With the successful acquisition of ReViral, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in innovative treatments for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Pfizer strengthened its leadership in market. This strategic expansion enhances Pfizer’s antiviral portfolio, further solidifying its position as a global leader in infectious disease treatment.
 

Antiviral Drugs Industry News

• In April 2023, Shionogi announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for its investigational oral antiviral ensitrelvir for COVID-19 treatment. This has improved the company’s competitive edge, strengthening its presence in market.
   
• In December 2021, Cipla Limited announced that it has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch Molnupiravir in India. This approval helped the company to strengthen its position in the market and boost revenue and market credibility.
   
• In May 2021, Pfizer announced that full approval of PAXLOVID (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk of severe disease, hospitalization, or death.
   

The antiviral drugs market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class

• Reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• DNA polymerase inhibitors
• Protease inhibitors
• Neuraminidase inhibitors
• Other drug classes

Market, By Indication

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis
• Coronavirus infection
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Influenza
• Other indications

Market, By Type

• Branded
• Generic

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Age Group

• Geriatric
• Adult
• Pediatric

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
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE