Global Acute Respiratory Infection Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Forecasts, 2032

Acute Respiratory Infection Industry Prospective:

The global acute respiratory infection market size was worth around USD 17.8 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 20.3 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 1.5% between 2024 and 2032. 

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Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Overview

An acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a disorder in which one or more respiratory symptoms show up quickly and/or a doctor discovers that a respiratory tract infection is the cause of the ailment. Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, antivirals, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medications), vaccinations, diagnostics, and medical equipment, including nebulizers and oxygen treatment equipment, comprise the Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) industry. Advancements in respiratory care technologies, significant air pollution, and a global rise in ARI frequency are projected to drive the acute respiratory infection industry.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global acute respiratory infection market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 1.5% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global acute respiratory infection market size was valued at around USD 17.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.3 billion by 2032.
• The introduction of novel vaccines is expected to drive the acute respiratory infection market over the forecast period.
• Based on the type of infection, the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.
• Based on drug type, the antibiotics segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period.
• Based on the route of administration, the oral segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.
• Based on the age group, the adult segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Growth Drivers

Rising prevalence of acute respiratory infections drives market growth

One of the main forces causing the industry to expand is the increasing frequency of acute respiratory infections. Among the main causes of disease and death globally are ARIs, which comprise the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. The demand for respiratory care supplies, vaccinations, therapies, and diagnostics directly results from the rising ARI frequency.

The frequency of ARIs has dramatically increased due to the wide dissemination of viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). Particularly in susceptible populations, such as those affected by pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, bacterial infections also influence the frequency.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Restraints

The high cost of advanced healthcare hinders market growth

The substantial cost of advanced diagnosis and treatment, which limits access to high-quality medical treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is a main obstacle to the Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) market. Expensive molecular diagnostics are Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Early detection is expensive since X-rays and CT scans are expensive imaging techniques.

Expenses in research and development (R&D) also help to explain the high cost of new antiviral drugs and broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat severe ARIs, including RSV infections. Drug-resistant infections call for more costly and strong drugs, which increases treatment costs much more. Therefore, the high cost of advanced healthcare is expected to hinder the acute respiratory infection industry expansion.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Opportunities

Increasing product approvals offers a lucrative opportunity for market growth

During the projected period, the growing product approvals are expected to flourish the market for acute respiratory infections. For instance, GSK plc declared in May 2023 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted), to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in persons aged 60 and above that is brought on by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Approved worldwide, this is the first RSV vaccination senior citizens should have. A common, contagious virus, RSV can lead to quite fatal respiratory diseases.

In the United States, it is thought to be the reason behind 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 fatalities among those 65 years of age and above yearly. Older people account for most RSV hospitalizations; they are also more prone to severe RSV illness. This covers persons having underlying medical conditions, including diabetes and chronic heart & lung disease.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Challenges

Stringent regulatory approvals pose a major challenge to market expansion

Strict regulatory clearances in the acute respiratory infections market have become a major obstacle as they postpone the launch of new therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic instruments. Before letting a good be used generally, regulatory authorities, including the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and WHO (World Health Organization), apply strict standards to guarantee a good is safe and effective. New antiviral medications, antibiotics, and vaccinations must pass multiple steps of clinical testing and thorough documentation before they are approved—a process that may take years. Changing infections and market competitiveness could influence the efficacy of the drug or immunization under development, hence generating delays or failures. Thus, the stringent regulatory approvals challenge market expansion.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Report Scope

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Segmentation

The global acute respiratory infection industry is segmented based on type of infection, drug type, route of administration, age group, and region.

Based on the type of infection, the global acute respiratory infection market is bifurcated into Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI), Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Influenza, and Others. The Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The market's expansion is driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of URTIs, increased awareness of early treatment, and advancements in diagnostic technologies.

Based on the drug type, the global acute respiratory infection industry is segmented into antibiotics, antivirals, antipyretics/analgesics, bronchodilators, mucolytics/expectorants, cough suppressants, steroids, and others. The antibiotics segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. For ARIs, antibiotics are commonly administered.

According to studies, a significant percentage of these prescriptions might not be needed, especially when treating viral diseases for which antibiotics are ineffective. 55 percent of antibiotics administered for acute respiratory infections, for example, were more than those anticipated to treat bacterial infections, according to studies. Cephalosporins and quinolones are two of the most often given antibiotics for ARIs in adult patients. Over time, their use has significantly increased.

Based on the route of administration, the global acute respiratory infection market is bifurcated into Oral, Inhalation, Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), Subcutaneous (SC), and Topical/Nasal. The Oral segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. With oral administration being a major component of treatment regimens, the market for acute respiratory infections (ARI) is expanding. Since oral drugs are convenient and effective, they are frequently used for ARIs, especially antibiotics.

Based on the age group, the global acute respiratory infection industry is bifurcated into pediatric and adult. The adult segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period. The segment expansion is attributed to the notable recent developments in prevention strategies, including the creation of vaccinations targeting respiratory viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For example, the European Medicines Agency has suggested that adults between the ages of 50 and 59 be able to receive GSK's RSV vaccine, Arexvy.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Regional Analysis

North America dominates the market over the projected period

North America is expected to dominate the global acute respiratory infection market during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is attributed to the advanced healthcare infrastructure. Effective ARI treatment and control are facilitated by North America, especially the United States, which has state-of-the-art medical facilities and a strong system for diagnosing and managing diseases.

Furthermore, the high prevalence of respiratory infection propels the industry growth in the area. For instance, according to the CDC, influenza test positivity increased to 29.4% in the US. Furthermore, the area is home to substantial research efforts aimed at creating novel vaccines and therapies for respiratory infections that would improve patient outcomes.

Acute Respiratory Infection Market: Competitive Analysis

The global acute respiratory infection market is dominated by players like:

• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• AstraZeneca plc
• Sanofi S.A.
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Abbott Laboratories
• Roche Holding AG
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Mylan N.V.
• Cipla Limited
• Bayer AG
• Biogen Inc.

The global acute respiratory infection market is segmented as follows:

By Type of Infection

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Influenza
• Others

By Drug Type

• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Antipyretics/Analgesics
• Bronchodilators
• Mucolytics/Expectorants
• Cough Suppressants
• Steroids
• Others

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Inhalation
• Intravenous (IV)
• Intramuscular (IM)
• Subcutaneous (SC)
• Topical/Nasal

By Age Group

• Pediatric
• Adult

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa