Market Trends of Global Fungal Keratitis Treatment Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market according to our research experts:
Topical Segment is Expected to Show a Significant Growth Rate in the Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Over the Forecast Period
The Topical antifungals, either commercially available or compounded from systemic preparation into eye-drops are the majorly used drugs for the management of fungal keratitis. Natamycin is the only approved topical antifungal preparation for the treatment of fungal keratitis. However, due to the poor ocular penetration, natamycin is primarily been useful in cases with superficial corneal infection. Amphotercin B is majorly used by the topical route as systemic administration is associated with adverse effects. It is commonly used as a 0.15% solution prepared by reconstituting the parenteral formulation. It is the drug of choice for Candida keratitis. Voriconazole (VCZ), a derivative of fluconazole, is available in topical and oral formulations. However, oral voriconazole is approved for fungal infections, 1% topical solution is an off-label use. Also, along with the topical antifungals, immunosuppressants such as topical tacrolimus are employed as adjuvant therapy in fungal infections including fungal keratitis. Moreover, with the growing technological advancements and trials, the new targeted deliveries such as drug-eluting contact lenses are growing attraction. Topical drugs are effective against fungal keratitis, however, poor ocular penetration is the primary restraint in the market. On the other hand, with the development of the new topical formulations and being the only approved medication for fungal keratitis, the topical route of administration is expected to hold significant growth over the period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market and Expected to do Same in the Forecast Period
North America is expected to dominate the fungal keratitis treatment market owing to increasing cases of fungal keratitis and emerging trends in the treatment of fungal keratitis. The United States is expected to dominate the overall fungal keratitis treatment market in the North American region, throughout the forecast period, due to the increasing number of fungal keratitis patients, and other chronic eye conditions, along with rising research and development expenditure. In the United States, fungal keratitis is quite common in humid and warm regions. As per the study titled, '' The global incidence and diagnosis of fungal keratitis'', published in October 2020, the southern part of the United States have a higher prevalence of fungal keratitis as compared to other regions. Furthermore, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019, total healthcare spending in the United States was USD 3,634.1 billion. The rising research and development expenditures and the presence of major players may result in the growth of demand. Several studies are being conducted to understand the pathophysiology for fungal keratitis which is expected to aid the market studied in this region. For instance, a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, in June 2020, revealed that a positive fungal culture on the donor rim tissue during the time of endothelial keratoplasty can be a major risk factor for developing fungal keratitis in the patients. Such studies arise the need for proper preventative treatment strategies which is expected to positively impact the market studied. Currently, the only FDA-approved anti-fungal drug as the first line of treatment for fungal keratitis caused by filamentous fungi is Natacyn (natamycin ophthalmic suspension 5%) developed by Novartis. In October 2019, the Natacyn was acquired by Eyevance Pharmaceuticals from Novartis. Hence, all the above-mentioned factors are expected to boost the market growth in the region during the forecast period
