Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Drug Class;
Aryl amino alcohol compounds, Antifolate compounds, Artemisinin compounds, and Others.By Malaria Type;
Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium Malaria, and Plasmodium Ovule.By End User;
Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Homecare, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2023, the Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market was valued at USD 8,761.17 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 11,078.99 million by the year 2030, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4%.
With millions of cases reported annually, primarily in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, the need for effective anti-malarial drugs is paramount. The market for these drugs is characterized by a constant push for innovation to combat drug resistance, improve treatment efficacy, and expand access to vulnerable populations. Historically, drugs such as chloroquine and quinine were cornerstones of malaria treatment. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite has necessitated the development of new therapeutic approaches. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have emerged as the frontline treatment for uncomplicated malaria, offering high efficacy and reduced risk of resistance development. The market has also seen the development of novel drugs targeting different stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle, including transmission-blocking drugs to prevent its spread.
Geographically, the market is characterized by disparities in access to treatment, with the burden of malaria disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Efforts to combat malaria include initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which provides funding for anti-malarial interventions in endemic regions. Additionally, public-private partnerships and philanthropic endeavors play a crucial role in drug development, distribution, and community-based interventions.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market Recent Developments
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In November 2022, Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture decided to progress to a Phase 3 clinical trial for the innovative lumefantrine/ganaplacide-SDF combination, targeting both adults and children affected by malaria.
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In January 2021, MMV and GSK announced that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the submission of a Category 1 application seeking to expand the indication of Kozenis single dose (tafenoquine) to include pediatric populations. This extension aims to address the radical cure, preventing relapse, of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria.
Segment Analysis
The Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by Drug Class, Malaria Type, End User, and Geography. In terms of Drug Class, the market includes Chloroquine, Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), Quinine, and Others. ACTs are the most widely used anti-malarial drugs due to their effectiveness against Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite. These therapies are often the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria, especially in areas where resistance to other drugs like chloroquine has emerged. Quinine remains important in the treatment of severe malaria, particularly in intravenous form in hospital settings. Other drug classes include primaquine, used for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria, and newer therapies, such as piperaquine and mefloquine, that address drug resistance challenges.
The market is also segmented by Malaria Type, with the major categories being Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and other less common species. Plasmodium falciparum malaria is the most prevalent and deadly form, responsible for the majority of global malaria cases and deaths, which drives the demand for combination therapies like ACTs. Plasmodium vivax is less deadly but still causes a significant burden, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae are rarer forms of the disease but are also treated with specialized anti-malarial drugs. The growing issue of drug resistance in P. falciparum and P. vivax species is also shaping treatment approaches, leading to increased investment in research and development of new therapies.
In terms of End User, the market is divided into Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Homecare, and Others. Hospitals are the primary settings for treating severe and complicated malaria cases, where intravenous administration of drugs like quinine or artesunate is common. Specialty Clinics are more focused on the management of malaria cases, particularly in regions with high malaria prevalence, offering tailored treatments and preventive care. The Homecare segment is expanding, as patients with mild to moderate malaria are increasingly being treated with oral anti-malarial drugs, often in areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited. The Others segment includes public health programs, pharmacies, and non-governmental organizations that distribute anti-malarial drugs for both treatment and prevention, particularly in endemic regions.
Geographically, the Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market is heavily influenced by regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where malaria is endemic. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the largest market due to the high burden of the disease, especially among children and pregnant women. Southeast Asia also has a significant market share, with widespread drug resistance being a critical issue in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. In Latin America, anti-malarial drugs are used more for Plasmodium vivax infections, with control programs focused on preventing outbreaks in regions like the Amazon. The market is expected to grow as malaria prevention efforts, including the distribution of drugs and bed nets, increase in these regions, and as new drug formulations are developed to combat resistance.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by Drug Class, Malaria Type, End User and Geography.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, Segmentation by Drug Class
The Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by Drug Class into Aryl amino alcohol compounds, Antifolate compounds, Artemisinin compounds, and Others.
Antifolate compounds, such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), inhibit the synthesis of folic acid, an essential nutrient for the malaria parasite. While once widely used, resistance has emerged, necessitating careful monitoring of their effectiveness. Artemisinin compounds, derived from the sweet wormwood plant, revolutionized malaria treatment with their potent and rapid action against the parasite. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which combine an artemisinin derivative with a partner drug to prevent resistance, are now the cornerstone of malaria treatment globally. The "Others" category encompasses various drug classes, including 8-aminoquinolines like primaquine, which targets the liver stage of the parasite, and quinoline methanols such as quinine, historically used for severe malaria cases.
Drug class allows for targeted approaches in malaria treatment, taking into account factors such as drug resistance patterns, disease severity, and patient characteristics. While artemisinin compounds and ACTs have significantly improved treatment outcomes, challenges such as emerging resistance and limited treatment options for severe malaria persist.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, Segmentation by Malaria Type
The Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by Malaria Type into Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium Malarie, and Plasmodium Ovale.
Antifolate compounds, such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), inhibit the synthesis of folic acid, an essential nutrient for the malaria parasite. While once widely used, resistance has emerged, necessitating careful monitoring of their effectiveness. Artemisinin compounds, derived from the sweet wormwood plant, revolutionized malaria treatment with their potent and rapid action against the parasite. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which combine an artemisinin derivative with a partner drug to prevent resistance, are now the cornerstone of malaria treatment globally.
The "Others" category encompasses various drug classes, including 8-aminoquinolines like primaquine, which targets the liver stage of the parasite, and quinoline methanols such as quinine, historically used for severe malaria cases. Segmentation by drug class allows for targeted approaches in malaria treatment, taking into account factors such as drug resistance patterns, disease severity, and patient characteristics. While artemisinin compounds and ACTs have significantly improved treatment outcomes, challenges such as emerging resistance and limited treatment options for severe malaria persist. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed additional challenges to malaria control efforts, highlighting the need for continued investment in research and development of new anti-malarial drugs.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, Segmentation by End User
In this report, the Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Homecare, and Others.
Hospitals are the largest segment, providing anti-malarial drugs to patients with severe or complicated cases of malaria. Hospitals typically administer these drugs under medical supervision, particularly for patients in critical condition or those with complications such as multi-drug-resistant malaria or cerebral malaria. In hospitals, anti-malarial drugs are often delivered intravenously, and healthcare professionals can monitor patients for any adverse effects or the need for drug adjustments.
Specialty Clinics cater to patients who require more specialized treatment or who may be referred for malaria management due to high-risk factors, such as travel to malaria-endemic regions or existing health conditions. These clinics often focus on diseases like malaria, tropical infections, and travel medicine, providing tailored treatments and anti-malarial drugs to individuals who may not require hospitalization but need more specialized care than general outpatient services offer. As specialty clinics are often staffed with professionals skilled in infectious diseases, they play a significant role in the effective management of malaria in areas where it is more prevalent or where patients seek focused care.
The Homecare segment has seen growth in recent years, particularly with the rise of oral anti-malarial drugs and advancements in telemedicine. Patients in this segment typically receive treatment at home for mild to moderate cases of malaria, often in areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited or where individuals prefer to manage their conditions in a home setting. Anti-malarial drugs in this segment are often administered orally in pill form, and patients may receive prescriptions from healthcare providers remotely. The Others segment includes non-traditional care settings, such as pharmacies, over-the-counter drug purchases, and humanitarian health programs. This segment also includes NGOs or public health campaigns distributing anti-malarial drugs in malaria-endemic regions as part of preventive measures or mass drug administration campaigns. This broad range of end users reflects the diverse approaches to malaria treatment and prevention across different regions.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America and Europe, while not endemic for malaria, play significant roles in research, development, and funding for anti-malarial initiatives. These regions often serve as hubs for pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in malaria control efforts.
The burden of malaria is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, where transmission rates are the highest, and resources for healthcare are often limited. The region accounts for the majority of malaria cases and deaths globally, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions and access to effective anti-malarial drugs. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership, along with other global health initiatives, focuses extensively on sub-Saharan Africa to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Asia Pacific region also faces significant malaria challenges, particularly in countries like India and Southeast Asian nations, where multiple malaria species coexist, and drug resistance is a growing concern. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, research, and community-based interventions are key strategies in combating malaria transmission and improving access to treatment.
Latin America and the Middle East and Africa, while experiencing lower malaria transmission rates compared to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, still grapple with localized malaria outbreaks and challenges in healthcare delivery. Efforts to strengthen health systems, enhance surveillance, and promote community engagement are crucial in these regions to prevent malaria resurgence and ensure effective treatment.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Drivers:
- Drug Resistance
- Public Health Initiatives
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Research & Development - One of the primary areas of focus in anti-malarial R&D is the discovery of new drug candidates with unique mechanisms of action and improved efficacy profiles. This includes screening natural compounds, exploring synthetic chemical libraries, and leveraging advances in computational biology to identify promising leads. By targeting specific vulnerabilities in the malaria parasite's lifecycle, researchers aim to develop drugs that are less prone to resistance and more effective against drug-resistant strains.
R&D efforts are directed towards improving the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of existing anti-malarial drugs. This involves optimizing drug formulations, exploring drug delivery technologies, and conducting clinical trials to assess efficacy and safety profiles in diverse patient populations. By enhancing the therapeutic profile of anti-malarial drugs, researchers seek to minimize adverse effects, improve patient compliance, and prolong the usefulness of existing treatments.
R&D plays a crucial role in the development of diagnostics and surveillance tools for malaria. This includes the development of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), molecular diagnostic assays, and surveillance systems for monitoring drug resistance and disease transmission. By enhancing diagnostic capabilities, researchers aim to facilitate early detection and treatment of malaria cases, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
Restraints:
- Limited Access
- Drug Affordability
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Pandemic Impact - The diversion of resources, personnel, and funding towards pandemic response measures has strained malaria control programs in many endemic regions, leading to disruptions in essential services such as vector control, diagnosis, and distribution of anti-malarial drugs.
Travel restrictions and lockdown measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 have hindered access to healthcare facilities, particularly in remote and underserved communities where malaria transmission is highest. This has resulted in delays in diagnosis and treatment, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality from malaria. Moreover, the economic repercussions of the pandemic have exacerbated poverty and food insecurity, further increasing the vulnerability of at-risk populations to malaria infection.
Supply chain disruptions have also impacted the availability of anti-malarial drugs and other essential commodities, leading to stockouts and shortages in some regions. This has compromised the ability of healthcare systems to provide timely and adequate treatment to patients, potentially contributing to the development of drug resistance and worsening disease outcomes.
The diversion of research and development efforts towards COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics has diverted attention and resources away from efforts to develop new anti-malarial drugs and combat emerging drug resistance. The pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of global health challenges and the need for coordinated, multisectoral responses to address both infectious diseases like malaria and emerging threats like COVID-19.
Opportunities:
- Innovative Therapies
- Public-Private Partnerships
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Expanded Distribution Networks - The opportunity lies in leveraging innovative strategies and partnerships to overcome logistical challenges and reach populations in need. This includes establishing robust supply chains that can navigate diverse terrain and overcome obstacles such as inadequate transportation infrastructure and remote geographical locations. Collaborations with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies play a pivotal role in identifying distribution gaps and implementing targeted interventions to address them.
Advancements in technology offer opportunities to enhance distribution networks through digital platforms and mobile health initiatives. Mobile applications can be utilized for inventory management, real-time tracking of drug shipments, and remote monitoring of treatment adherence, thereby optimizing resource allocation and improving healthcare delivery efficiency. Additionally, community health workers equipped with smartphones can serve as frontline distributors, bringing anti-malarial drugs directly to the doorstep of affected populations.
Expanded distribution networks also facilitate the rapid deployment of anti-malarial drugs during outbreaks and humanitarian crises, ensuring timely access to treatment for displaced populations and refugees. This flexibility is essential in mitigating the spread of malaria and preventing outbreaks from escalating into larger public health emergencies.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market include:
- Cipla
- Novartis AG
- Strides Pharma Science Limited
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- GlaxoSmithKline PLC
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
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Drug Class
- Market Snapshot, By Malaria Type
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Drug Resistance
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Public Health Initiatives
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Research & Development
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- Restraints
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Limited Access
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Drug Affordability
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Pandemic Impact
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- Opportunities
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Innovative Therapies
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Public-Private Partnerships
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Expanded Distribution Networks
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, By Drug Class, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Aryl amino alcohol compounds
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Antifolate compounds
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Artemisinin compounds
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Others
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- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, By Maleria Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Plasmodium Falciparum
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Plasmodium Vivax
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Plasmodium Malarie
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Plasmodium Ovale
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- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Hospitals
- Specialty Clinics
- Homecare
- Others
- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Anti-malarial Drugs Market, By Drug Class, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Cipla
- Novartis AG
- Strides Pharma Science Limited
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- GlaxoSmithKline PLC
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market