Cephalosporin Drugs Market - By Generation (First, Second), Indication (Respiratory, UTI, STI, Gastrointestinal Infection), Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral, Topical), Type (Generic, Branded), Distribution Channel, Global Forecast 2024 – 2032

Cephalosporin Drugs Market Size

Cephalosporin Drugs Market size was valued at USD 14.1 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% between 2024 and 2032. High market growth can be attributed to several factors such as increasing growing number of generic medications, rising geriatric population, advancements in drug discovery services, and incidence of bacterial infections.
 

For instance, according to a report by the Lancet, in 2019, more than 6 million deaths occurred as a result of three bacterial infectious syndromes, with lower respiratory infections and bloodstream infections each causing more than 2 million. Thus, the high prevalence of these infections, contributes to the increased demand for effective antibiotics such as cephalosporins, thereby escalating the growth of the market.
 

Cephalosporins are a class of spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics used to treat various infections. They are derived from the fungus Acremonium (formerly known as Cephalosporium) and are structurally related to penicillin. These antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative.
 

Cephalosporin Drugs Market Trends

• The cephalosporin drugs industry has experienced a significant boost in recent years, largely attributed to the increasing trend of partnerships and collaborations among market players.
   
• Recognizing the escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and governmental organizations are actively engaging in strategic alliances to pool resources, share expertise, and expedite the development and commercialization of novel cephalosporin drugs.
   
• For instance, in June 2022, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) entered into a collaborative agreement with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to expand access to cefiderocol antibiotic for the treatment of serious gram-negative bacterial infections.
   
• Thus, such growing collaborations among market players play a pivotal in accelerating innovation and advancing the development of new generation drugs, thereby fostering the growth of market.

However, increasing antibiotic resistance is a significant pitfall for the cephalosporin drugs industry. Cephalosporin-resistant strains of bacteria can emerge, rendering cephalosporins less effective in treating infections caused by these resistant organisms.
 

Cephalosporin Drugs Market Analysis

Based on generation, the market is classified into first generation cephalosporins, second generation cephalosporins, third generation cephalosporins, fourth generation cephalosporins, and fifth generation cephalosporins. The second-generation cephalosporins segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 35%.
 

• Second-generation cephalosporins, such as cefuroxime and cefoxitin have expanded spectrum of activity compared to first-generation cephalosporins. They exhibit increased effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This broader spectrum makes these drugs more versatile for a range of infections.
   
• Furthermore, these are found to be highly effective in treating respiratory tract infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and sinusitis. Thus, high efficacy of these drugs in treating common infections contributes to their widespread use, thereby driving the segment growth.
   

Based on application, the global cephalosporin drugs market are classified into respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gastrointestinal infections, and other indications. The urinary tract infections (UTIs) segment held the largest business revenue of USD 5.5 billion in 2023.
 

• High market share can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of UTIs. For instance, according to the National Institute of Health, in 2019, 404.6 million cases, and 236,790 deaths were associated with the UTIs globally. Thus, such high incidence of UTIs contributes to the high growth of this segment. Further, cephalosporins, including second and third generations, are very effective against a range of bacteria commonly associated with UTIs. These antibiotics provide broad coverage against various pathogens associated with UTI, making them suitable for empiric therapy.
   
• Additionally, cephalosporins are effective in treating both upper and lower UTIs. This includes infections of the bladder (cystitis) as well as infections of the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
   

Based on route of administration, the cephalosporin drugs market are divided into parenteral, oral, and topical. The parenteral segment is expected to reach the largest market revenue of USD 11.3 billion by 2032.
 

• Cephalosporins are often used to treat serious bacterial infections, and the parenteral route allows for rapid and direct delivery of the drug into the bloodstream. Consequently, in hospital settings, where severe infections are common, the intravenous route is frequently employed for a quick onset of action.
   
• Further, parenteral administration ensures high bioavailability as the drug is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. This route allows for consistent and reliable drug levels in the systemic circulation, which is crucial for treating severe or systemic infections, thereby fostering the growth of the segment.
   

Based on drug type, the global cephalosporin drugs market are bifurcated into branded and generic. The branded segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% between 2024 - 2032.
 

• Branded cephalosporin drugs benefit from strong brand recognition and trust among healthcare professionals and patients. Established brands are associated with quality, safety, and efficacy, influencing prescribing practices and patient preferences.
   
• Further, physicians have established preferences for certain branded cephalosporin drugs based on their experiences, perceptions of efficacy, and familiarity with the brand. Thus, physician habits and prescribing patterns contribute to the sustained use of branded drugs, thereby boosting the segment expansion.
   

Based on distribution channel, the global cephalosporin drugs market are classified into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy. The hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2023.
 

• Hospital pharmacies play a key role in providing medications for inpatient care, where the need for cephalosporins may be particularly high.
   
• Additionally, cephalosporins are often prescribed for the treatment of serious bacterial infections that often require hospitalization. They are commonly used for surgical prophylaxis to prevent postoperative infections.
   
• Thus, hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in preparing and dispensing these antibiotics for use in various surgical procedures, contributing to their substantial share in the market.
   

In 2023, North America held a significant share of 42.2% in the global cephalosporin drugs market.
 

• North America, particularly the U.S., has one of the highest healthcare spending rates globally. This allows for substantial investments in pharmaceuticals, including the purchase and use of cephalosporin drugs.
   
• Further, the high prevalence of bacterial infections in the region contributes to the high demand for these drugs. For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health, in 2019, the total age-standardized incidence rate of respiratory tract infections in the U.S. was 339,703 per 100,000 people. Thus, consumption of cephalosporin drugs owing to such incidence rate is expected to spur the regional market trends.
   

Cephalosporin Drugs Market Share

The cephalosporin drugs industry is characterized by diverse players competing in the industry. Pfizer Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, and Novartis AG, account for significant market share. These prominent players adopt a combination of strategic initiatives such as collaboration & partnership, global expansion strategies, research and development, product diversification, and regulatory compliance to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
 

Cephalosporin Drugs Market Companies

Foremost players operating in the cephalosporin drugs industry are as mentioned below:

• AbbVie Inc.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Eli Lilly and Company
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Mylan N.V.
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sanofi
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
   

Cephalosporin Drugs Industry News

• In October 2021, Novartis AG’s generics division Sandoz, completely acquired GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) cephalosporin antibiotics segment. This significant transaction involved obtaining the global rights to three established brands - Zinnat, Zinacef, and Fortum, which are marketed in over 100 countries. This helped the company to increase its product portfolio.
   
• In February 2018, AbbVie Inc, received FDA approval for Avycaz (ceftazidime and avibactam) for the treatment of patients with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia. This approval helped the company to widen its product portfolio, thereby contributing increased sales.
   

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

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Market, By Generation

• First generation cephalosporins
• Second generation cephalosporins
• Third generation cephalosporins
• Fourth generation cephalosporins
• Fifth generation cephalosporins

Market, By Indication

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

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical

Market, By Drug Type

• Branded
• Generic

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacy
• Retail pharmacy
• Online pharmacy

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • 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