Antifungal Drug Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2028

Antifungal Drug Market: Industry Perspective

The global antifungal drug market size was worth around USD 15.1 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 20.23 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.7% between 2022 and 2028.

The report analyzes the global antifungal drug market's drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the antifungal drug industry.

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Antifungal Drug Market: Overview

Invasive fungal infections are a key cause of mortality in immune-compromised patients and this has proved to be an economic burden on the healthcare sector across the globe. As per NCBI, these infections have caused nearly 2 million fatalities each year. Moreover, recent antifungal drugs have proved to be less clinically efficient and new antifungal agents along with new combination regimens as well as new drug formulations for improving patient care will drive market trends. Furthermore, antifungal drugs eradicate pathogens from hosts with minimal side effects. In addition to this, the launching of novel antifungal medicines such as echinocandins and second-generation triazoles in the last few years has favorably influenced managing of invasive mycoses in a way that drug toxicity has become less vital factor in drug treatment of fungal infections.

Additionally, antifungal drugs are also referred to as antimycotic drugs and it is a fungistatic and utilized for treating mycosis including ringworm, athlete’s foot, cryptococcal meningitis, and candidiasis. Anti-fungal drugs can be bifurcated into three types, namely, azoles that inhibit ergosterol synthesis, polyenes that interact with fungal membrane sterols physio-chemically, and 5-flucytosine that obstruct macromolecular synthesis.

COVID Impact Analysis:

Outbreak of the pandemic has restricted the expansion of size of the antifungal market and is likely to continue even in next few years. Reportedly, rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not only hampered the economy of nation but also severely affected various businesses including pharmaceutical businesses like antifungal drug sales. With increase in lockdown period to restrict spread of pandemic and strict government measures limiting the movement of persons from one place to another has affected supply chain activities, thereby posing a threat to sale of antifungal drugs.  

Fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that have modified themselves to remain alive in a wide array of environments. These environments may vary from the human body to discrete areas of nature. Fungi can produce diverse human infections ranging from superficial skin infections to internal organ invasion in the body. These viable infections usually happen due to a decrease in natural human defenses/immune system or due to heavy exposure to the fungus. Selection of therapies for treating fungal infections based on the type of infection or type of fungus involved in infection. Topical/superficial infections are usually treated with topical agents whereas peripheral infection is treated with systemic therapy.

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Antifungal Drug Market: Growth Drivers

The occurrence of fungal infections in immune-compromised patients such as AIDS, cancer patients, and individuals affected due to autoimmune disorders will offer new growth avenues for the antifungal drug industry. The surge in the use of nanotechnology in the formulation of advanced antifungal medicines will impel the expansion of the antifungal drug industry. A prominent increase in nosocomial infections in patients will spearhead the demand for antifungal drugs in the healthcare sector. Nonetheless, the use of conventional medicines can hinder the growth of the antifungal drug industry.

Furthermore, an increase in awareness about fungal infections and a surge in drug demand for countering chronic fungal diseases will steer the penetration of antifungal drugs in the healthcare sector. This will spur an increase in the size of the antifungal drug market. Innovations in drug development and huge investments in drug research activities will prompt the expansion of the antifungal drug market.

Antifungal Drug Market: Segmentation

 global antifungal drug market is segmented based on drug type, indication, dosage form, distribution channel, and region.

Based on drug type, the global market of antifungal drugs is bifurcated into five types: echinocandins, azoles, ployenes, allylamines and others. Azoles are systemically acting antifungal drug which include fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole. The echinocandins are lipopeptides derived from natural fungal fermentation products. They include anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin. Azole derivative was the leading derivative in terms of generating revenue in 2019 and this growth is expected to continue within the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the effective price and fungicidal properties of azole derivatives like ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc.

Based on indication, the global market of antifungal drugs is bifurcated into four types: aspergillosis, dermatophytosis, candidiasis and others. The most commonly encountered fungal infections are those that affect the skin layers. Approximately 1-2% of the world’s population is affected by dermatophytoses (superficial fungal infections of the skin). Seborrheic dermatitis, ringworm infection, and jock itch are examples of various topical fungal infections.

Based on dosage form, the global market of antifungal drugs is bifurcated into four types: powders, ointments, drugs and pastes. Over-the-counter antifungal drugs like clo-trimoxazole (sulphamethoxazole + trimethoprim) are available in powder, or ointment form and can be easily obtained without doctor/physician prescriptions. Whereas, the majority of oral antifungal drugs are prescription-based medicines and are available in various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and suspensions. Powder, ointment covers approximately more than 55% of the antifungal drug market.

Antifungal Drug Market: Report Scope

Antifungal Drug Market: Regional Analysis

North America To Account Substantially Towards Regional Market Share By 2028

The growth of the antifungal drug industry in North America over the forecast timespan is owing to a surge in the use of novel antifungal drugs for treating fungal infections. For instance, in December 2020, the U.S. FDA approved the application of Scynexis Inc. for its drug ibrexafungerp which has the ability for treating vaginal yeast infection. Apart from this, the rise in funding of research work related to new antifungal drugs will expand the scope of the antifungal drug market in years to come.

Antifungal Drug Market: Competitive Landscape

The global antifungal drug market is dominated by players like:

• Aspergillus
• Abbott Laboratories
• Alternaria
• Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Merck & Co.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Bayer Healthcare
• Novartis AG
• Sanofi S.A.
• Kramer Laboratories
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.

The global Antifungal Drug Market is segmented as follows:

By Drug Type

• Echinocandins
• Azoles
• Polyenes
• Allylamines

By Indication

• Aspergillosis
• Dermatophytosis
• Candidiasis

 By Dosage Form

• Powder
• Ointments
• Tablets

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies & Drug Stores

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