Antibacterial Drugs Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2032

Antibacterial Drugs Industry Prospective:

The global antibacterial drugs market size was worth around USD 49.84 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 63.24 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 2.70% between 2024 and 2032.

Request Free Sample

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Overview

Antibacterial drugs are derived using synthetic means or produced from molds and bacteria. Generally, antibiotics and antibacterial drugs are used synonymously. However, there is a considerable difference between the two drug types. Antibiotics are produced solely from living organisms such as molds or bacteria, whereas the latter can be produced synthetically using chemical processes. Antibacterial drugs are medicinal substances that kill bacteria and further prevent their growth to treat the infectious condition. Antibacterial drugs are classified based on several factors, such as antimicrobial spectra, pharmacodynamics, and chemical composition.

In addition to this, antibacterial drugs can be administered across multiple ranges of routes, such as in the form of injectors, oral medicines, or topical creams. The demand for antibacterial drugs is projected to grow during the forecast period driven by several factors. The growing number of patients suffering from mild to severe bacterial diseases, along with increased expenditure on healthcare infrastructure, are some of the prominent market growth drivers. However, the rising number of incidents related to the sale and production of counterfeit drugs may limit the antibacterial drugs industry’s overall expansion trends.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global antibacterial drugs market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 2.70% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global antibacterial drugs market size was valued at around USD 49.84 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 63.24 billion by 2032.
• The antibacterial drugs market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing cases of bacterial infections and diseases worldwide.
• Based on drug class, the quinolones segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Growth Drivers

Growing cases of bacterial infections and diseases worldwide to drive market demand rate

The global antibacterial drugs market is expected to grow due to the rising number of bacterial infections and diseases worldwide. The healthcare and veterinary care industries globally have been registering increasing bacterial infections in humans and animals alike.

For instance, the most common bacterial infections in humans include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and ear & eye infections. Some of these diseases are mild and do not cause long-term harm to human health. However, if left untreated or undiagnosed for longer periods, the medical conditions can become aggressive, causing serious harm to the overall health of the patients. Common STDs caused by bacteria are syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 25 million in the US are infected by sexually transmitted diseases every year. UTIs are extremely common among the populations of developed and developing nations. The most frequently observed causes of UTIs include conditions making it difficult to fully empty the bladder, pregnancy, having sex, and kidney stones. The rising number of patients with bacteria-induced medical conditions is directly proportional to using antibacterial drugs. The growing rate of the world population, along with increased access to medical care, will create a new consumer base for providers of antibacterial drugs.

Rising investments in the development of robust healthcare infrastructure worldwide to generate more revenue

Healthcare infrastructure worldwide is witnessing a steady rise in the volume of investments directed by regional governments and private entities. For instance, in October 2024, Philips, a leading health technology company, announced the completion of the final round of financing for the Transform Health Fund (THF) in association with The Health Finance Coalition (HFC) and AfricInvest. THF, according to official reports, aims to bridge the economic gap for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in Africa’s healthcare sector. Such initiatives are likely to promote greater expansion of the global antibacterial drugs market.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Restraints

Increasing the sale of counterfeit drugs to limit the industry’s growth rate

The global antibacterial drug industry is expected to be limited due to the growing sale of counterfeit or low-quality medications. For instance, in November 2024, the Drugs Control Administration in India seized a consignment of counterfeit antibiotics worth INR 1.33 crore. The drugs were seized from the manufacturing facility.

According to the agency, the medicines were produced from another manufacturer and the company was simply putting its label on the drugs. Between April 2023 and October 2023, Europol conducted its fourth segment of operation, SHIELD, which aims to eradicate the supply of fake medicines in the European market.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Opportunities

Rising innovations in the drug development segment along with increased regulatory approvals to generate novel growth opportunities

The global antibacterial drugs market is projected to generate growth opportunities due to the growing innovation in drug innovation and manufacturing techniques. In November 2024, the Indian pharmaceutical industry witnessed the launch of the country’s first indigenous antibiotic named Nafithromycin. The new medicine is developed to treat resistant infections.

According to official reports, Nafithromycin was developed in association with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council and aims to treat  Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). The disease can become serious as it is caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

On the other hand, in April 2024, the US Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia) (SAB) in adults. The medicine will be used for treating adult and pediatric patients three months to less than 18 years old with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI), and adults with right-sided infective endocarditis. In addition, the growing improvements in manufacturing technologies aim to produce high volumes of superior-quality medicines.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Challenges

Regulatory complexities to create market challenges in the coming years

The global industry for antibacterial drugs is projected to be challenged by the presence of a complex regulatory environment concerning the production and sale of bacterial infection-treating medicines. Each country has specific guidelines that must be adhered to before the product can be made available for sale in the commercial healthcare market. However, these laws and regulatory frameworks are dynamic and highly complex.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Report Scope

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Segmentation

The global antibacterial drugs market is segmented based on drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the drug class, the global market segments are phenols, sulfonamides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the quinolones segment since they deliver highly broad-spectrum activities. Furthermore, they are highly beneficial in treating common infections such as UTIs and respiratory tract infections. In addition to this, macrolides are also expected to deliver exceptional revenue in the coming years. Around 60% of women worldwide suffer from UTIs at least once in their lifetime.

Based on the route of administration, the global antibacterial drugs industry is divided into parenteral, enteral, and others.

Based on the distribution channel, the global market segments are online sales, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the hospital pharmacies segment. The surge in the number of patients visiting hospitals to receive medical treatments is fueling the segmental revenue. In addition, hospital pharmacies run a lower risk of selling counterfeit medicines. The US has more than 87,000 pharmacies worldwide.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the market revenue during the projection period

The global antibacterial drugs market is projected to be led by Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. Countries like China, India, South Korea, and others are expected to aid regional market expansion in the coming years. China, for instance, is home to a large number of patient databases, mainly due to the presence of over 1.3 billion regional populations. In addition, recent studies indicate that China ranks among the top countries with higher levels of antibiotic resistance, which has become a cause of concern for regional healthcare.

Furthermore, the surge in the number of people suffering from several types of severe and mild bacteria-induced diseases will accelerate the adoption of antibacterial drugs. In the coming years, the regional market will benefit from the increased healthcare expenditure along with the rising production capacity of the regional pharmaceutical companies.

North America is another prominent market with high opportunities for growth during the forecast period. The US is leading the regional market expansion fueled by the region’s robust healthcare infrastructure.

Additionally, higher disposable income, improved access to medicines, and rising medical tourism in the country further help the North American growth rate. The US pharmaceutical sector is heavily investing in new drug development and innovation which will be critical to the region’s revenue generating capacity during the forecast period.

Antibacterial Drugs Market: Competitive Analysis

The global antibacterial drugs market is led by players like:

• AstraZeneca plc
• Cipla Limited
• Bayer Healthcare AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Abbott Laboratories
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Johnson & Johnson Inc.
• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Sanofi S.A.
• Novartis AG
• Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK)
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

The global antibacterial drugs market is segmented as follows:

By Drug Class

• Phenicols
• Sulfonamides
• Quinolones
• Aminoglycosides
• Macrolides
• Tetracyclines
• Others

By Route of Administration

• Parenteral
• Enteral
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online Sales
• Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies

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