As Global Fungal Infections Soar, Market for Antifungals Heads for $7 Billion

New York, March 8, 2007 — While the escalating incidence of worldwide fungal infections may be an unintended consequence of over-prescribing antibiotics that eliminate fungal-killing bacteria when combined with the increase in individuals with compromised immune systems, fungal infections—now the third most common hospital acquired infection with more than one billion people suffering on a global scale—are borderline epidemic. Consequently, within five years rampant fungal infections will lead to an over $7 billion prescription and OTC antifungal market to combat these infections, according to Anti-Infectives: World Market, 2nd. Ed., Vol. I: Antifungals, a new report from medical market research firm Kalorama Information.

Estimated at $5.8 billion in 2006, sales of antifungals slowed from their peak in 2004 when they reached $5.9 billion. Product sales in both systemic and topical market segments have faced increased generic competition, which has limited sales growth in both segments. However, the market is forecast to increase in product demand and new drug development sales, growing by a CAGR of 4.1% from 2006 to 2001.

The systemic segment—including both oral and parenteral medications—which currently accounts for nearly 73% of the market, is expected reach $5.4 billion in sales by 2011. Growth will likely be due to continued increases in the incidence of fungal conditions.

“We’ve certainly seen progress in the expanded use of the azoles class of antifungals, and there is promise in the potential of advances in infection imaging, yet industry-wide issues abound,” notes Melissa Elder, the report’s author. “Drug interactions and resistance are widespread and reimbursement issues continue to plague patients who seek relief from their suffering and often have to go through several courses of different antifungals to eradicate infections resisting treatment in their immune-compromised bodies.”

Anti-Infectives: World Market, 2nd. Ed., Vol. I: Antifungals includes a review of products currently used and in development, in-depth profiles of leading competitors, key issues and trends, and U.S. and world incidence of fungal infections with associated sales forecasts.

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