GLOBAL OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDIASIS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Global oropharyngeal candidiasis market was valued at US$ 456 Mn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 630.4 Mn by 2031, exhibiting at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.  

Oropharyngeal candidiasis which is commonly known as oral thrush refers to a fungal infection that is caused by Candida fungi species such as Candida albicans in the oral cavity and oropharynx. It is one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Factors such as a weakened immune system due to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), diabetes, cancer treatments, and prolonged use of corticosteroids or antibiotics increases the risk of developing oral thrush.

Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market- Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for oropharyngeal candidiasis during the forecast period, accounting for over 35.7% of the market share in 2024. Global oropharyngeal candidiasis market is driven by the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS along with a growing elderly population that is susceptible to fungal infections. Moreover, increasingly aggressive tumor-directed therapies along with frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotic and corticosteroid therapies spur the risk of oral thrush.
• Asia Pacific market is expected to be the second-largest market for oropharyngeal candidiasis market, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2024. The development of novel drug molecules and therapies targeting drug-resistant candida strains presents lucrative opportunities for players in the long-run.
• Europe market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for oropharyngeal candidiasis market, with a share of 19.0% during the forecast period. The Europe oropharyngeal candidiasis market is driven by the rise in immunosuppressed patient population, increase in prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections, growth in research funding for rare diseases, and expansion of healthcare infrastructure.

             Figure 1. Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market Share (%), By Region, 2024

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Analyst View: Global oropharyngeal candidiasis market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Rising prevalence of candidiasis infections globally due to growing cases of HIV/AIDS and increasing cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy will drive the demand for anti-fungal drugs used for treating oropharyngeal candidiasis. The market is expected to face few challenges which can hinder the market growth. These include patent expiry of blockbuster drugs and lack of initiatives to create awareness about oral fungal infections in underdeveloped regions. There is a need for development of new molecule with low toxicity, improved tolerability, and higher efficacy.

Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market- Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS: Increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS across the globe is a key driver for the growth of the global oropharyngeal candidiasis market. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), there were around 39 million people living with HIV globally in 2022. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the worst affected region, every week, 4000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV globally in 2022. 3100 of these infections occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a frequent opportunistic infection in individuals with weakened immune systems such as HIV patients. Since HIV targets and depletes CD4 T cells, patients with uncontrolled HIV are highly susceptible to oral thrush. With a rising HIV patient pool globally and limited access to antiretroviral therapy in developing regions, the incidence of oral candidiasis as a direct consequence is expected to increase significantly.
• Rising research funding and projects: Global oropharyngeal candidiasis market is witnessing significant growth due to rising research funding and projects in this field. Governments and inter-governmental organizations across the world are increasingly investing in research related to oral and systemic fungal infections. Several biopharmaceutical companies and research centers are conducting late stage clinical trials as well as preclinical research for novel antifungal drugs and vaccine candidates to treat oropharyngeal candidiasis. Such continuous research and development (R&D) activities in the field are helping to deepen the understanding of disease pathogenesis as well as bring more innovative treatment solutions.
• Increasing number of healthcare facilities: Increasing number of healthcare facilities across various regions is a key growth driver for the global oropharyngeal candidiasis market. As more hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities are being established to provide improved access to medical care, the incidences of opportunistic infections like oral thrush among at-risk populations are also rising. As the worldwide healthcare infrastructure and access improves in the near future, the numbers of high-risk groups will keep on increasing, in turn, thereby boosting the demand for diagnostic tools and antifungal pharmaceuticals to manage oropharyngeal candidiasis. The market players have vast opportunities for innovation in drug delivery systems and newer drug classes to capitalize on the rising disease prevalence fueled by the expanding global healthcare sector.

Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market- Opportunities

• Untapped markets in developing countries: Untapped markets in developing countries present tremendous opportunities for growth in the global oropharyngeal candidiasis market. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that have witnessed significant economic development yet, still have gaps in access to healthcare, representing large consumer populations that have scarcely been reached. As exposure to antifungals remains more limited in developing nations as compared to developed markets, widespread education and awareness campaigns could unlock new patients. Partnerships between private pharmaceutical firms and international non-profits specializing in global public health could help disseminate knowledge about symptoms and treatment options for oral thrush to remote and resource-constrained areas. Telehealth initiatives bolstered by improving digital connectivity in emerging regions may further aid in diagnosis and treatment monitoring and support.
• Growing demand for generics: Growing demand for generic drugs presents a huge opportunity for the global oropharyngeal candidiasis market. As the patent cliff accelerates and blockbuster drug sales decline, more patients are being treated with low-cost generic alternatives. This has made generics the choice for both patients and healthcare providers globally. Increasing penetration of generics in developing nations is expected to prove particularly beneficial for oropharyngeal candidiasis patients in these regions. Wider availability of affordable generic antifungal medications could help in better management as well as prevention of recurrent infections. This will play a key role in reducing morbidity and enhancing quality of life.

Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market- Trends

• Increasing online purchase of drugs: The trend of purchasing drugs online has been steadily growing over the past few years. With rising online drug purchases, companies operating in this market are recognizing the need to enhance their direct-to-consumer strategies. Many are ramping up their own online sales channels or partnering with major pharmacies and websites to ensure their antifungal drug products can be easily obtained by patients searching virtually. This allows them to capture a portion of the expanding e-pharmacy demand and stay relevant as digital transformation of the healthcare industry progresses. At the same time, distribution is broadening beyond traditional pharmacy counters to internet platforms, mobile apps, and subscription
• Advent of combination therapies: The trend of combination therapies is significantly impacting the global oropharyngeal candidiasis market in positive ways. By combining drugs that have different mechanisms of action against Candida infections, combination regimens allow for synergistic anti-fungal activity. This helps to overcome resistance issues and provides broader spectrum of activity against various Candida species. Combination drugs for oropharyngeal candidiasis are more effective at treating both azole-susceptible and resistant Candida strains as compared to monotherapy. They also help to reduce the risk of developing resistance during the course of treatment. This improves clinical cure and relapse rates for patients. With combination regimens becoming the preferred approach for managing severe and recurrent Candida infections, drug manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing fixed-dose combination drug formulations.

Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market - Restraints

• Availability of alternative treatment: Availability of alternative treatment options is one of the major factors restraining the growth of the global oropharyngeal candidiasis Market. With continuous advancements in medical research and treatment, there are several new drugs and therapies available that can effectively treat oropharyngeal candidiasis caused by Candida. This has reduced the complete reliance on traditional antifungal medicines for the condition. The wide availability and acceptance of alternative treatments have given customers more choices and made them less dependent on store-bought antifungal drugs. This has negatively impacted the overall sales numbers of conventional antifungal pharmaceutical products. Moreover, herbal drugs and natural remedies do not require a prescription. This ease of access further reduces patient visits to doctors and subsequent prescription of medical antifungals.
• Side effects associated with drugs: Side effects associated with drugs that are being used for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) have significantly restrained the growth of the global market over the forecast period. Oral candidiasis is usually treated with antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan). However, several studies show that these drugs often cause undesirable side effects in patients such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. For many patients, especially those with compromised immune systems, these side effects from the drugs reduce their quality of life and ability to do normal daily activities.
• Counterbalance: The key market players need to focus on reducing the side effects of the drugs and get accepted by all the affected patients and thus effectively help in treating oropharyngeal candidiasis caused by Candida.

Figure 2. Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market Share (%), By Treatment, 2024

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Top Companies in Global Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Market

• Bayer AG
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Stellar Pharma
• Pfizer
• Wockhardt
• Ranbaxy Laboratories
• Bristol Laboratories
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
• GlaxoSmithKline

Definition: Oropharyngeal candidiasis which is also known as oral thrush or simply thrush, is a fungal infection that is caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, commonly Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus is normally found in small amounts in the human mouth, digestive tract, and skin. However, under certain circumstances, such as a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, or certain medical conditions, the fungus can multiply and lead to an infection.