Market Trends of Antifungal Drugs Industry
Azoles Segment Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
The azole group of compounds are anti-fungal agents that have greatly expanded therapeutic options for treating systemic fungal infections. Research in the field of fungal drugs is growing rapidly, which has accelerated the development of new anti-fungal drugs using the azole group. Synthetic azoles and semi-synthetic compounds are widely used for fungal infections, and as a result, the segment is expected to register significant growth during the forecast period.
Azole group drugs are used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including thrush, yeast infections, candidiasis, aspergillosis, tinea versicolor, athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, systemic mycosis, and seborrheic dermatitis. The azole antifungal group includes two phases: triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and isavuconazole) and imidazoles (ketoconazole).
Various research was conducted to study the efficacy of azoles in treating a variety of fungal infections. For instance, according to the study article published in Plos Pathogens in August 2023, azoles were the most widely used antifungals due to their accessibility, low toxicity, and a broad spectrum of action. They inhibited the ergosterol-synthesis enzyme encoded by ERG11, leading to the accumulation of toxic sterols, loss of membrane integrity, and growth arrest. Thus, the significant efficacy of azole derivatives toward fungal diseases is expected to increase their demand, thereby contributing to the segment’s growth.
Additionally, triazoles have a wide range of applications in the treatment of external fungal infections and systemic infections. The azole group provides a broad spectrum of activity and improved safety standards. These medications have fewer side effects and drug interactions and improved absorption and distribution properties. Thus, the benefits offered by azoles contribute to their superiority over other components, which are further expected to fuel the segment’s growth over the forecast period.
Furthermore, the development and innovation of such potential drugs promote the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical market. For instance, in September 2023, BDR Pharmaceuticals launched Zisavel capsules to combat invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, two fungal infections. Such advancements are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.
Thus, with the rising number of research studies related to azoles and new drug launches, the market studied is anticipated to boost the segment’s growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to witness significant growth in the market studied. This growth can be attributed to factors such as the increasing burden of fungal infections among the target population and rising company activities for product development across the countries in the region.
The United States is one of the most economically developed countries in the region, among other countries such as Canada and Mexico. However, fungal infections in the country have presented challenges to health authorities. For instance, according to data updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 2022, Candida was a common cause of blood-related infections in the United States, and a few drug-resistant strains were also prevalent in the country. Hence, the demand for anti-fungal drugs is growing in the United States.
Additionally, there have been recent outbreaks of fungal infections in Canada, which have fueled the need for anti-fungal drugs for treatment. For instance, in September 2022, as per a press release by Quebec's health ministry, the department dispatched infection control teams to Pierre Boucher Hospital in Longueuil to combat the first-ever outbreak of a potentially deadly fungus, "Candida auris," in Quebec. Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness. These instances and the burden of infections have created a potential need for anti-fungal drugs and are expected to contribute to the growth of the market studied in the region.
Moreover, product approvals and launches by market players are further creating competition in the market. For instance, in April 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VIVJOA (oteseconazole capsules), an azole antifungal indicated to reduce the incidence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in females. Such company activities and the burden of fungal infections are anticipated to accelerate market growth in the region over the forecast period.
Therefore, owing to the high burden of fungal infections and rising new product launches by the key players, the market studied is expected to grow over the forecast period.
