ANTIVIRAL DRUGS MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

Global antiviral drugs market is estimated to be valued at USD 63.66 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 89.95 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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The global antiviral drugs market is witnessing increasing demand for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that can treat multiple viral infections. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the market as pharmaceutical companies are fast-tracking development of antiviral drugs for coronavirus. Technological advancements in drug delivery systems and approval of combination therapies are also expected to present lucrative opportunities in the coming years.

Increasing Research and Development Activities by Key Market Players

Increasing research and development activities by key market players is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast market. For instance, in March 2021, Pfizer, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, announced the initiation of Phase 1 study in healthy adults to evaluate the safety and tolerability of an investigational, novel oral antiviral therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Rising government investments in key companies to promote research and development for the treatment of viral infection is expected to offer a lucrative opportunity for the market players to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of viral infection. For instance, in July 2020, Novavax (a biotechnology company) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company, received US$ 2 billion funding from the U.S. federal government to manufacture drugs and vaccines against COVID-19.

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High cost of hepatitis drugs is a major barrier for many patients to receive treatment for this disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved direct-acting antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis C disease.

The high cost drugs for hepatitis C –

Harvoni costs US$ 94,500 for a 12-week treatment

Mavyret costs US$ 39,600 for a 12-week treatment

Technivie costs US$ 76,653 for a 12-week treatment

Such high cost treatment is a major restraining factor for the antiviral drugs market.

Market Opportunity – Increasing Focus on Combination Therapies

Increasing focus on combination therapies is indeed a great opportunity for growth in the global antiviral drugs market. As researchers gain a deeper understanding of viral biology and mechanisms of drug resistance, combination therapies are seen as a more effective clinical strategy compared to monotherapies. Instead of targeting a single viral protein or mechanism, combinations can act on multiple viral lifecycle stages or pathways simultaneously. This makes the development of resistance much more challenging for the virus.

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Drug Class segment is sub-segmented into DNA polymerase inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, and others. The DNA polymerase inhibitors sub-segment is estimated to hold 36.2% of the market share in 2024 owing to its proven record of effectiveness against a wide range of viruses. DNA polymerase is an essential enzyme that viruses hijack to replicate their genetic material. By inhibiting this enzyme, polymerase inhibitors like acyclovir and ganciclovir can effectively interrupt the replication cycle of viruses. They are frontline treatment options for viruses like herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) where blocking the viral polymerase is critical. The success of polymerase inhibitors against established viruses like HSV and CMV has encouraged research into developing new variants that target emerging viruses. Some recent examples include brincidofovir approved to treat adenovirus and baloxavir marboxil under review for flu. Their mechanism of inhibiting a crucial conserved viral function makes polymerase inhibitors applicable across many RNA and DNA viruses. Established brands like acyclovir also enjoy strong familiarity with patients and doctors after decades of safe use, enhancing their preference and sales.

Insights, By Type: Accessibility of Branded Drugs

Type segment is sub-segmented into branded and generics. The branded sub-segment is estimated to hold 53.8% of the market share in 2024 due to greater access and availability compared to generics. While generics offer lower costs, most new antiviral innovations are introduced first as branded products protected by patents. This exclusivity period gives brands several years to capture market share before patents expire. During the patent life, branded antivirals can secure preferential listings and reimbursement in treatment guidelines globally, supported by extensive marketing campaigns towards doctors and public. Their recognition and prescribing familiarity make brands the default options frequently prescribed even when low-cost generics emerge later. Several top-selling brands also dominate in formulations tailored for specific patient groups like pediatric medicines further enhancing their reach.

Insights, By Distribution Channel: Pivotal Role of Hospitals, Hospital pharmacies are the main distribution channel

Distribution Channel segment is sub-segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies sub-segment is estimated to hold 35.6% of the market share in 2024. This is because a significant proportion of antiviral therapy, especially for serious viral infections, requires medical supervision that can only be provided during hospitalization. For many endemic viral diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, herpes, and influenza, hospitals play a central role in confirming diagnoses, administering intravenous or critical care antiviral regimens, conducting resistance testing, and managing complications or comorbidities under specialist supervision. Treating opportunistic viral infections in immunocompromised patients or severe viral illnesses also typically necessitates a hospital environment with monitoring and emergency response capabilities. Hospitals also take the lead in quickly procuring and stocking newly approved antivirals to combat emerging public health threats nationally or locally. This rapid availability within established treatment centers allows hospitals to act as key access points in outbreak situations, coordinating large-scale prophylaxis and compassionate use programs as needed. Such centralized facilities additionally handle antiviral administration for in-patients unable to receive medication independently.

Regional Insights

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North America remains the dominant region in the global antiviral drugs market is estimated to hold 39.2% of the market share in 2024. With a robust healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare expenditure, the U.S. market alone contributes to over 40% of revenues. Presence of major pharmaceutical companies and strong R&D capabilities have enabled North America to introduce new and innovative drug formulations at regular intervals. This has allowed companies to gain sizeable market shares and establish their market leadership positions within the region over the years. Additionally, favorable regulatory environment and faster approval timelines for new drugs provide an edge to companies operating out of this region.

However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market for antiviral drugs. Factors such as improving healthcare infrastructure, rising affordability among consumers, and increasing awareness about treatment of viral infections are driving the growth. Countries like India, China and Japan are at the forefront and contributing significantly to the overall region's revenues. For instance, India's large population base accompanied with rising income levels is benefitting pharmaceutical companies to gain higher volumes sales. Meanwhile, China is utilizing its large talent pool and low-cost advantage to produce affordable generic drugs for both domestic consumption as well as exports to other Asian markets. This is gradually increasing the Asia Pacific region's importance in the global supply chain network.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In April 2023, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted Fast Track designation for its investigational COVID-19 oral antiviral ensitrelvir (Generic name: ensitrelvir fumaric acid, Code No.: S-217622, hereafter “ensitrelvir”). FDA Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of potential new therapies that treat serious conditions and fulfill an unmet medical need
• In May 2022, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that PostEra, a biotechnology company specializing in machine learning for preclinical drug discovery, had been awarded USD 68 million as part of the agency’s efforts to develop antiviral drugs to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In December 2021, Cipla, a pharmaceutical company, announced that it had been granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) permission by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for the launch of Molnupiravir in the country. Cipla plans to launch Molnupiravir under the brand name Cipmolnu.
• In November 2021, Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company, and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a United Nations-backed public health organization working to increase access to life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries, announced license agreement for Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment candidate PF-07321332, which is administered in combination with low dose ritonavir (PF-07321332; ritonavir). The agreement will enable MPP to facilitate additional production and distribution of the investigational antiviral, pending regulatory authorization or approval, by granting sub-licenses to qualified generic medicine manufacturers, with the goal of facilitating greater access to the global population.

*Definition: Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used for treating viral infections. They are designed to target specific viruses or a broad range of viruses, and work by interfering with the viral replication process inside host cell. They are able to enter cells infected with a virus and interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis and/or regulation. Antiviral drugs do not directly destroy the virus but prevent the infection process by blocking viral attachment, preventing genetic copying of the virus, or inhibiting viral protein production.

Market Segmentation

• Drug Class Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • DNA Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Neuraminidase Inhibitors
  • Others
•  Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Branded
  • Generics
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis
  • Herpes
  • Influenza
  • Others
•  Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • AbbVie Inc.
  • GSK plc
  • Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  • Cipla
  • Aurobindo Pharma
  • Gilead Sciences, Inc. 
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • Zydus Group
  • Atea Pharmaceuticals
  • Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
  • Arbutus Biopharma
  • Divi's Laboratories Limited
  • RedHill Biopharma Ltd.
  • ViiV Healthcare Pty Ltd.