Market Trends of Global Antiparasitic Drugs Industry
The Antiprotozoals Segment is Expected to Witness Growth in the Market Over the Forecast Period
Antiprotozoal drugs are medications designed to treat infections caused by protozoa, which are single-celled parasites. These drugs target protozoal diseases such as malaria, amoebiasis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis. The drugs work by inhibiting the growth or reproduction of the protozoa, thereby clearing the infection from the host. Factors such as a rise in protozoal infections, advanced drug development, and rising awareness about these infections are likely to boost the segment's growth over the forecast period.
Among the five Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most significant threats. Hence, the high burden of malaria cases is expected to increase the demand for antiprotozoal drugs. For instance, according to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2023, 85 countries reported an estimated 249 million malaria cases worldwide in 2022. In addition, as per the same source, Africa accounted for approximately 94% of the world's malaria cases, underscoring its significant share of the global malaria burden in 2022. Hence, the high burden of malaria cases is expected to boost demand for treatment products, thereby encouraging segment growth.
Furthermore, the strategies by market players, such as product approvals and launches, are increasing the availability of antiprotozoal drugs in the market. For instance, in July 2024, GSK PLC and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) rolled out tafenoquine, a single-dose medication to prevent Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria relapses. This drug, co-administered with chloroquine for a radical cure, made its debut in both Thailand and Brazil. In addition, as per the same source, with the backing of MMV, the health ministries of Thailand and Brazil conducted feasibility studies on the routine implementation of tafenoquine following point-of-care G6PD testing in their public health systems.
Therefore, the high burden of the protozoal infections and company activities are expected to boost the segment growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Record a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to hold a significant market share in the antiparasitic drugs market due to the increasing prevalence of various parasitic infections, growing awareness of these infections, a rising number of strategic initiatives undertaken by prominent players, and the surge in research and development activities in North America.
For instance, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in July 2024, Los Angeles General Medical Center in California reported a troubling uptick in P. vivax cases since early 2023, particularly among immigrants from China crossing into the United States through its southern border. Hence, the growing cases of malaria in the United States are expected to increase the need for drugs, thereby boosting the market growth in the region.
Furthermore, advancements in drug development and new product launches in the region are expected to propel market growth over the study period. For instance, in May 2024, Jolt Health Inc., based in Canada, secured intellectual property rights to advance transdermal delivery technology for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The company mainly concentrates on utilizing hydroxychloroquine in a transdermal patch, targeting patients with malaria who are often underserved. Hence, the new product developments, coupled with their launches, are expected to boost market growth in the region over the forecast period.
Therefore, the high burden of parasitic infections, advancements in drug development, and new product launches are expected to boost the market growth in North America over the forecast period.
