Antiviral Drugs Market Analysis

Antiviral Drugs Market Analysis

Based on drug class, the antiviral drugs market is divided into reverse transcriptase inhibitors, DNA polymerase inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and others. The reverse transcriptase inhibitors segment was accounted for more than USD 11 billion revenue in 2021. Non-nucleoside as well as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are used in the treatment of hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The combination of these drugs is utilized as highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV infections.
 

Moreover, reverse transcriptase inhibitors are also being commonly used in resource-limited regions with its several advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, higher success rate and affordability with low genetic barriers, thereby stimulating the segmental demand. Thus, with high potential to reduce severity of HIV infections, expanding product availability, and novel product launches, the segment will foresee significant product demand in the forthcoming years.
 

Antiviral drugs market on basis of indication is segmented into coronavirus infection, HIV AIDS, influenza, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and others. Growing incidence rate of infectious viruses such as SARS COV-2, Ebola, swine flu and Zika virus have boosted the demand for effective antiviral drugs therapies. Coronavirus infection segment held more than 17% market share in 2021 and is projected to witness substantial growth rate in near future. Occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic, resulting into sudden surge in the number of cases, globally, has offered unprecedented growth opportunities to the segment.
 

Moreover, strong presence of market players that are focusing on research and development activities and product launches to combat COVID-19 infection is expected to drive the antiviral drugs market growth. For instance, in December 2021, Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics received emergency use authorization for molnupiravir by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 

The molnupiravir is an investigational oral antiviral drug that is used to treat mild to moderate coronavirus infection in adults. Also, Remdesivir is another clinically proven drug and promising treatment against the COVID-19 infection. Expanded manufacturing and commercialization of these drugs to cater huge patient population across the globe has significantly contributed to the segmental revenue growth. Thus, growing demand for antiviral drug therapy for coronavirus infection will stimulate the overall market forecasts.
 

On basis of type, the antiviral drugs market is segmented into branded and generic. Branded drugs segment is estimated to proceed at 2.9% CAGR through 2028. Considerable segment size is owing to the high adoption of effective branded drugs and broader product availability in the developed markets. Further, the high product prices of such patented medications allow industry players to maximize their product associated revenues.
 

Additionally, increasing research and development activities coupled with speedy product approvals will further accelerate the segment demand. 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 outlookduring the projection period.
 

The antiviral drugs market on basis of age group is segmented into pediatric, adult, and geriatric. Adult segment was valued over USD 16.5 million revenue in 2021. Growing prevalence of several sexually transmitted infectious diseases among adults around the globe will influence the overall market statistics.
 

For instance, as per the World Health Organization, it is estimated that around 491 million people aged 15–49 years were having HSV-2 infection in 2016 that causes genital herpes. The awareness programs and campaigns regarding the available treatment therapies for STDs will further influence the product adoption rate among adults. Thus, growing disease prevalence rate among adult population will stimulate the demand for antiviral drugs over the analysis timeframe.
 

North America antiviral drugs market constituted for over 56% business share in 2021. Ongoing clinical trials and increasing product approvals in the region are the major factors impacting the regional industry expansion. In addition, large population suffering from several infections will contribute to the overall market growth.
 

Moreover, recent coronavirus outbreak has led to increased patient base, thereby impelling the demand for effective antiviral drugs, especially in the U.S. Furthermore, strong presence of industry players in the region that are involved in the development of extensive product portfolio to curb disease burden will boost the regional market share.