Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In May 2023, the U.S. FDA approved the oral antiviral Paxlovid for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults. Paxlovid is the fourth drug and the first oral antiviral pill approved by the FDA for COVID-19.

• In November 2022, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. reported that Xocova obtained emergency regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan for the indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Xocova is a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug for COVID-19.

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market is segmented by type, which includes antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Antibiotics are the largest segment, as they are widely used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections. Within antibiotics, classes like penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides are commonly prescribed for a variety of infections. Antivirals are increasingly in demand due to the rising prevalence of viral infections like HIV, influenza, and the global impact of viruses such as COVID-19. Antifungals are vital for treating fungal infections like candidiasis and athlete’s foot, while antiparasitics are used to treat diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, and giardiasis. The growing global burden of infectious diseases, coupled with the rise of antimicrobial resistance, has led to the continuous development of novel anti-infective drugs across these categories.

The market is further segmented by mode of purchase, which includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Prescription drugs dominate the market, as they are required for the treatment of more severe infections, including those caused by resistant pathogens. These drugs are typically administered in healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics, where patients require professional guidance to prevent misuse and ensure appropriate dosing. OTC anti-infective drugs, on the other hand, are commonly used for milder infections such as common colds, fungal skin infections, or minor bacterial infections. The convenience of OTC drugs has contributed to their growth, especially in developed markets where patients have easy access to these medications without the need for a prescription. However, the rising concern about self-medication and the risk of resistance has prompted regulatory bodies to increase control over OTC anti-infectives.

In terms of indication, the market is segmented into bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infections. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent and include conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, and skin infections. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections, pushing for the development of more effective antibiotics. Viral infections, including diseases like HIV, influenza, and hepatitis, drive the demand for antiviral drugs, with increasing innovation in treatments for chronic viral conditions. Fungal infections are also on the rise, particularly among immunocompromised patients, necessitating a growing demand for antifungals. Parasitic infections such as malaria and giardiasis remain prevalent in many parts of the world, driving continued need for antiparasitic drugs. Geographically, North America and Europe dominate the market due to well-established healthcare systems and higher awareness of infectious diseases. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth due to expanding healthcare access, rising healthcare spending, and increasing incidences of infectious diseases in emerging economies like China and India.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Segment Analysis

In this report, the global anti-infective drugs market has been segmented by Type, Mode of Purchase, Indication, End-Users and Geography.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market has been segmented by Type into Antibiotics, Antivirals, Antifungals and Others (Anthelminthic.

The global anti-infective drugs market encompasses a diverse array of pharmaceutical products designed to combat infections caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These medications play a crucial role in treating infectious diseases that pose significant health challenges worldwide. The market is segmented into several key types, each addressing specific categories of infections and targeting distinct mechanisms of action to effectively manage and treat these conditions.

One of the largest segments within the global anti-infective drugs market is antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are widely prescribed for a range of conditions, from common bacterial infections like urinary tract infections and respiratory infections to more serious infections such as sepsis and bacterial meningitis. The market for antibiotics continues to evolve with ongoing advancements in drug development, the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and efforts to develop new generations of antibiotics capable of combating resistant strains.

Another significant segment is antiviral drugs, which are designed to treat viral infections by targeting specific steps in the viral life cycle. Antivirals are used to manage infections such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV). The market for antiviral drugs has expanded with the development of direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic viral infections, offering improved efficacy, reduced side effects, and higher cure rates.

Antifungal drugs constitute another essential category within the anti-infective drugs market, addressing infections caused by fungi. These medications are used to treat superficial fungal infections (such as athlete's foot and yeast infections), as well as systemic fungal infections that can affect internal organs in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal therapies range from topical creams and oral medications to intravenous formulations, catering to diverse patient needs and treatment scenarios.

The segment labeled as "Others" includes anthelminthic drugs, which are used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths). Anthelminthics are essential in managing parasitic infections such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worm infections prevalent in certain regions of the world. The development of effective anthelminthic drugs remains critical in global efforts to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases and reduce the burden of parasitic infections on public health.

The segmentation of the global anti-infective drugs market by type reflects the diversity of infectious diseases and the specialized therapies required for their effective treatment. Ongoing research and innovation in each segment are vital to addressing emerging infectious threats, overcoming antimicrobial resistance, and improving outcomes for patients worldwide affected by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market, Segmentation by Mode Of Purchase

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market has been segmented by Mode Of Purchase into Prescription-Based Drugs and Over-The-Counter Drugs.

The global market for anti-infective drugs is segmented by mode of purchase, distinguishing between prescription-based drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This segmentation reflects the varying regulatory requirements, patient accessibility, and healthcare provider involvement in the distribution and use of these medications to combat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Prescription-based drugs constitute a significant portion of the anti-infective drugs market. These medications require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician or nurse practitioner, before they can be dispensed to patients. Prescription-based anti-infective drugs often include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and other specialized therapies tailored to specific infections. The prescription requirement ensures that healthcare professionals can assess the appropriateness of treatment based on factors such as the type of infection, microbial resistance patterns, patient medical history, and potential drug interactions.

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-infective drugs are available for purchase without a prescription directly from pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. OTC medications include a range of products designed to manage mild to moderate infections and symptoms associated with infections, such as colds, coughs, sore throats, and minor skin infections. Common OTC anti-infective drugs may include topical antifungal creams, antiseptic solutions, throat lozenges, and nasal decongestants, among others.

The availability of OTC anti-infective drugs provides consumers with convenient access to self-manage certain infections and symptoms without requiring a visit to a healthcare provider. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking immediate relief from common infections or minor ailments and contributes to patient empowerment in managing their health.

The segmentation by mode of purchase underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and patient education regarding the appropriate use of anti-infective drugs. While prescription-based drugs ensure clinical oversight and personalized treatment, OTC drugs cater to consumer demand for accessible, non-prescription options for self-care. Both segments play integral roles in meeting the diverse needs of patients and supporting public health initiatives aimed at combating infectious diseases globally.Understanding the segmentation of the global anti-infective drugs market by mode of purchase highlights the dual approach of ensuring effective clinical management through prescription-based therapies while providing accessible OTC options for symptomatic relief and self-care. Continued advancements in drug development, regulatory policies, and patient education are essential in optimizing the use of anti-infective drugs and improving health outcomes in communities worldwide.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market, Segmentation by Indication

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market has been segmented by Indication into HIV Infections, Pneumonia, Hepatitis, Herpes Simplex Virus, Influenza, and Others.

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market is segmented by indication, which includes HIV infections, pneumonia, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), influenza, and others. Among these, HIV infections remain one of the largest and most critical segments, driving significant demand for antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). These drugs are essential for managing the chronic nature of HIV by suppressing the viral load, improving patient quality of life, and preventing progression to AIDS. Pneumonia, both bacterial and viral, continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, prompting the need for a variety of antibiotics and antivirals, depending on the causative organism. With growing global concerns over drug-resistant strains, the development of new antibiotics and combination therapies is key to addressing this burden.

Hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C, remains another prominent segment within the anti-infective drugs market. The rise of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C has revolutionized the treatment landscape, providing highly effective and well-tolerated options for patients. Hepatitis B treatment still relies on a combination of antiviral drugs that aim to suppress viral replication and prevent liver damage. As the global prevalence of hepatitis remains significant, especially in regions such as Asia and Africa, demand for these drugs continues to grow. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2), are treated with antiviral drugs like acyclovir and valacyclovir, which aim to manage symptoms, reduce recurrence, and prevent transmission.

The influenza market is driven by the annual need for antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir, especially during seasonal outbreaks. Influenza presents a constant challenge to public health, with new strains emerging regularly, necessitating the development of new antiviral therapies and vaccines. Beyond these major indications, the others category includes a wide range of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and chronic viral infections. This category encompasses both common and rare infections, each requiring specific anti-infective treatments. As the global burden of infectious diseases grows, particularly in developing regions, the market for anti-infective drugs for various indications is expected to see steady growth, driven by increasing access to healthcare, advancements in drug development, and rising awareness of infection control.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market, Segmentation by End-Users

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market has been segmented by End-Users into Hospitals, Homecare, Specialty Clinics, and Others.

The Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market is segmented by end-users into hospitals, homecare, specialty clinics, and others. Hospitals are the largest end-user segment, as they are often the primary setting for patients with severe infections requiring intensive treatment and monitoring. In hospitals, anti-infective drugs are used to treat a wide range of complex infections, including those caused by multi-drug resistant organisms. Hospitals have the necessary infrastructure and healthcare professionals to administer intravenous antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, which are crucial for managing infections that require immediate attention and specialized care. The increasing burden of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and the rising demand for advanced anti-infective treatments further drive the need for these drugs in the hospital setting.

Homecare has emerged as a growing end-user segment, driven by the trend of shifting care from hospitals to home-based settings, especially for patients with chronic or less severe infections. Anti-infective drugs, particularly oral antibiotics, topical antifungals, and antiviral medications, are increasingly administered in homecare settings to manage long-term infections such as chronic hepatitis, HIV, and skin infections. The homecare segment is supported by advancements in telemedicine, remote monitoring, and the growing preference for patients to receive treatments in the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of homecare services, particularly for managing viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza.

Specialty clinics cater to specific infectious diseases and conditions, such as HIV, hepatitis, and respiratory infections, and are an important end-user segment in the anti-infective drugs market. These clinics offer focused care and specialized treatment regimens for patients with specific infection-related needs. For instance, HIV clinics often provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage and suppress the virus, while hepatitis clinics focus on the administration of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C. The expertise and specialized care provided in these clinics contribute to better patient outcomes, thus driving demand for targeted anti-infective drugs. The others category includes pharmacies, drug stores, and online platforms, where patients can access anti-infective medications, often for mild infections or as part of a more comprehensive treatment regimen. The growth of e-pharmacy platforms has made access to anti-infective drugs more convenient for patients worldwide. Geographically, hospitals and specialty clinics dominate in regions with advanced healthcare systems like North America and Europe, while homecare is expanding rapidly in emerging markets, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing healthcare expenditure.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global market for anti-infective drugs is influenced by diverse geographical regions, each contributing uniquely to the overall landscape of infectious disease management and treatment. Understanding the distribution of market share by region provides insights into regional healthcare priorities, economic influences, and variations in infectious disease burden.

North America, comprising the United States and Canada, holds a significant share of the global anti-infective drugs market. This region benefits from advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditures, and robust pharmaceutical research and development capabilities. The prevalence of infectious diseases, coupled with stringent regulatory standards and high demand for novel therapeutics, drives market growth in North America.

Europe follows closely in market share, with countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom playing pivotal roles in the anti-infective drugs market. The region's healthcare systems prioritize infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, emphasizing the responsible use of antibiotics and other anti-infective agents. European markets also benefit from a strong focus on research and development, fostering innovation in drug discovery and resistance mitigation strategies.

Asia-Pacific represents a rapidly expanding market for anti-infective drugs, driven by population growth, urbanization, and increasing healthcare expenditures. Countries like China, Japan, and India contribute significantly to market growth, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness of infectious diseases, and government initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance. The region's diverse epidemiological landscape presents opportunities for tailored treatment approaches and novel drug development.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions also play notable roles in the global anti-infective drugs market, characterized by unique challenges such as tropical diseases, emerging infectious outbreaks, and access to healthcare disparities. Despite these challenges, increasing healthcare investments, regulatory advancements, and partnerships with international organizations contribute to market growth and improved treatment outcomes in these regions.

The segmentation of the global anti-infective drugs market by geographical region highlights the diverse factors shaping market dynamics, including healthcare infrastructure, regulatory environments, disease prevalence, and economic factors. As healthcare systems evolve and infectious disease challenges persist, strategic investments in research, development, and healthcare delivery are essential to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of populations worldwide.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of infectious diseases
• Technological advancements in drug development
• Rising healthcare expenditure

• Growing awareness about antimicrobial resistance - Growing awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical driver influencing the global anti-infective drugs market. AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective against them. This phenomenon has emerged as a major public health threat, complicating the treatment of infectious diseases and increasing healthcare costs.

  One of the primary factors driving awareness about AMR is the rising incidence of infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens worldwide. These infections are associated with higher mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare expenditures due to the need for more expensive and complex treatments. As healthcare providers and policymakers grapple with the challenges posed by AMR, there is a growing recognition of the urgent need for effective strategies to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobial therapies.

  Public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness about AMR among healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. These initiatives highlight the importance of responsible antimicrobial use, proper infection prevention and control practices, and the development of new antimicrobial drugs capable of overcoming resistance mechanisms.

  Regulatory agencies and international organizations have been instrumental in promoting guidelines and policies aimed at addressing AMR. These include strategies to encourage antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings, support for research and development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies, and initiatives to improve surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns globally.

  In response to the growing awareness of AMR, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in research and development to discover and develop novel antimicrobial agents. These efforts include exploring new drug targets, leveraging advanced technologies such as genomics and artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and investigating alternative approaches such as combination therapies and immune-based treatments.

  Growing awareness about antimicrobial resistance is reshaping the landscape of the global anti-infective drugs market. It underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts among healthcare stakeholders, governments, and the pharmaceutical industry to mitigate the impact of AMR, develop innovative treatment solutions, and ensure sustainable use of antimicrobial therapies to safeguard public health now and in the future.

Restraints

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Stringent regulatory requirements
• High cost of drug development

• Competition from generics - Competition from generics represents a significant restraint in the global anti-infective drugs market. Generics are bioequivalent versions of brand-name medications that have lost their patent protection and can be marketed at lower prices by manufacturers other than the original developer. This competitive landscape intensifies as patents expire on branded anti-infective drugs, allowing generic manufacturers to enter the market and offer more affordable alternatives.

  One of the primary impacts of generic competition is pricing pressure on branded medications. As generic alternatives become available, they often capture a substantial portion of market share by offering lower-cost options to healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. This competition can lead to price erosion for branded drugs, impacting revenue streams for pharmaceutical companies that invest heavily in research and development to bring new anti-infective therapies to market.

  The introduction of generics can result in market fragmentation and decreased brand loyalty among healthcare providers and patients. While generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence to their branded counterparts in terms of safety, efficacy, and quality, perceptions of efficacy and brand preference may influence prescribing decisions in some cases.

  The loss of market exclusivity due to generic competition necessitates strategic responses to maintain market share and profitability. These strategies may include lifecycle management approaches such as reformulations, extended-release formulations, or combination therapies that offer additional clinical benefits to differentiate from generics. Additionally, companies may focus on securing market exclusivity through patent extensions, regulatory exclusivities, or market segmentation strategies targeting niche patient populations.

  Despite these challenges, generics also contribute positively to the healthcare system by enhancing affordability and accessibility of essential medications, including anti-infective drugs. They play a vital role in reducing overall healthcare costs, particularly in healthcare systems facing budget constraints or where government policies prioritize cost containment and generic substitution.

  While competition from generics presents challenges for pharmaceutical companies in the anti-infective drugs market, it also drives cost savings and broader access to essential treatments for infectious diseases. Balancing competition with innovation and strategic differentiation remains crucial for companies navigating the evolving dynamics of the global anti-infective drugs market.

Opportuntiy

• Development of novel antibiotics and antivirals
• Expansion in emerging markets
• Strategic partnerships and collaborations

• Focus on combination therapies - Focus on combination therapies represents a strategic opportunity in the global anti-infective drugs market, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy, overcome resistance mechanisms, and simplify therapeutic regimens for infectious diseases. Combination therapies involve the simultaneous use of two or more drugs with complementary mechanisms of action to achieve synergistic effects, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the risk of resistance development.

  One of the primary advantages of combination therapies is their ability to target multiple aspects of microbial infections. By attacking different pathways or stages of infection simultaneously, combination therapies can effectively suppress microbial growth, enhance treatment outcomes, and reduce the likelihood of treatment failure. This approach is particularly beneficial in managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens that are challenging to treat with single-agent therapies alone.

  Combination therapies can offer broader spectrum coverage against diverse pathogens, including polymicrobial infections or infections with complex resistance profiles. They provide flexibility in treatment selection, allowing healthcare providers to tailor therapies based on microbial susceptibility testing, patient-specific factors, and the clinical presentation of the infection.

  From a pharmaceutical development perspective, the pursuit of combination therapies requires rigorous research and development efforts to identify compatible drug combinations, optimize dosing regimens, and conduct clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy. Companies investing in combination therapies aim to differentiate their products in the competitive market landscape while addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing patient care.

Key players in Global Anti-Infective Drugs Market include :

• Gilead
• Merck
• GlaxosmithKline
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Johnson & Johnson

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis