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The global antibiotics market size was valued at USD 41.63 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 43.17 billion in 2025 to USD 58.24 billion in 2032 at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period.North America dominated the antibiotics market with a market share of 45.14% in 2024.
These drugs are a group of medicines used to treat bacterial infections in humans. Different generations of antibiotics are used to treat ailments related to skin, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, ear, and others. The global market is witnessing lower growth due to the stringent regulations in different countries that decrease the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance in humans. Several government agencies and regional healthcare organizations are taking initiatives to restrict the overuse and misuse of these products in these countries.
However, these are one of the essential medications for treating bacterial infections, and are thus leading to a significant rise in their consumption. The proper guidance and adequate usage increase the consumption of antibiotics to tackle various diseases. Thus, rising prevalence, increasing research and development activities, and rising number of prescriptions and consumption associated with antibiotics are propelling the market growth.
Key players in the market, such as Sandoz Group AG, Pfizer Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., and GSK plc, are increasing their branded and generic product offerings in the market. Also, increasing development to launch novel antibiotic is boosting the companies’ shares in the market.
Rising Prevalence of Bacterial Infections to Propel Market Growth
The increasing number of cases of bacterial infections across the globe is one of the major factors driving the global antibiotics market growth. These may include Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), respiratory infections, tuberculosis, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and others.
Similarly, rising cases of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) upsurge the demand for antibiotics drugs. The HAIs include surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and others. Such conditions increase the demand for antibiotic to treat bacterial infections and thus drive the market growth.
Moreover, the increasing antimicrobial drug resistance infections increases the demand for innovative treatment options to decrease antibiotic resistance in humans, leading to research and development for the launch of therapeutically effective antibiotics, which is also bolstering market growth.
Surging Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Expenditure Restricts Market Growth
The prolonged use of various antibacterial drugs, such as broad-spectrum antibiotics, has augmented the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) among patients. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
In contrast, AMR is increasing the cost of health expenditure, leading to an additional burden on the healthcare systems.
Development of Novel Advanced Therapies to Treat Antibiotic-resistant Infections Provides a Lucrative Market Opportunity
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant infections presents a significant challenge to global health. On the other hand, it is also creating lucrative opportunities within the antibiotics market for the development of novel advanced combination therapies. Due to the rising awareness about antibiotic-resistant infections, biopharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing advanced combination therapies. The clinical trial landscape for combination drugs is also expanding rapidly.
Decrease in Prescriptions of Antibiotics Due to AMR is Challenging Market Growth
Healthcare systems across the globe are facing key challenges due to the increase in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Additionally, a decrease in the prescriptions of antibiotics is also hampering the growth of the market.
Such initiatives lead to a decrease in the prescription rate and, thus, hampering the overall market growth.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs for Responsible Use is a Prominent Trend
Excessive use of antibiotics leads to an increase in the prevalence of resistant bacteria. The more frequent usage generates a huge opportunity for bacteria to develop resistance. This results in antibiotics potentially becoming ineffective when needed in the future.
Thus, to reduce the wastage of the drug and improve the effectiveness of these medications against bacteria, Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) have emerged as a pivotal global antibiotics market trend in the healthcare sector.
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The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the growth of the market in 2020. This was due to the disruptions in the delivery of essential healthcare services and a decrease in in-person primary care consultations and hospital visits. Also, there was a decline in prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sales of drugs came back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 with the increasing volume of patient visits to hospitals and clinics.
Increasing Generic Launches of Penicillin Boosted Segment's Growth
Based on drug class, the market is segmented into cephalosporin, penicillin, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and others.
The penicillin segment dominated the global antibiotics market share in 2024 driven by the rising prevalence of bacterial infections and increased sales of penicillin for numerous bacterial infections. Additionally, growing launches of generic penicillin are significantly boosting the adoption.
The cephalosporin segment is anticipated to expand at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.
This growth is attributable to the presence of different generations of cephalosporin with specific activity and indications, allowing healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate cephalosporin based on the type of infection and the susceptibility of the bacteria, thus boosting the adoption and growth of the segment. Moreover, rising regulatory approvals for the new generation of cephalosporin will boost the segment's growth in the market.
The fluoroquinolones segment is expected to grow with moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The segment's growth is augmented by rising generic launches associated with fluoroquinolones.
Macrolides, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and other drug classes have showcased marked variations in preference among healthcare providers in different countries. Also, increasing funding activities in the region for developing novel drug products is expected to boost the market segment's growth.
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Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Infections has contributed to Higher Share of the Segment
Based on application, this market is classified into skin infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, septicemia, ear infection, gastrointestinal infections, and others.
The respiratory infections segment dominated the application segment in 2024. This higher share is attributable to the growing prevalence of several respiratory infections, leading to the rising demand for effective products for treatment, in turn supplementing the segment's dominance.
The rising demand for drugs to treat these diseases is anticipated to boost segmental growth.
Furthermore, the Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) application segment is anticipated to hold the second-highest share of the market and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The rising incidence of UTIs due to poor sanitation in females and males, as well as the increasing number of drug approvals for UTI treatment, have boosted the segment's growth.
The ear infection segment is expected to grow with a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to increasing product launches for the treatment of bacterial ear infection.
Skin infections and gastrointestinal infections segments captured considerable market share in 2024 and are projected to secure an increased market share by the end of 2032. Potential pipeline candidates in clinical trials are anticipated to boost the growth of the segment.
Dominance of Parenteral Route of Administration is Attributed to an Increasing Incidence of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs)
Based on route of administration, the global market is classified as oral, parenteral, and others.
The parenteral segment held a major portion of the market in 2024. Rapid absorption and enhanced bioavailability of the parenteral dosage form and preference for severe infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections where high concentrations of antibiotics are required are boosting the growth of the segment. Additionally, new product launches and regulatory approval for parenteral dosage forms will boost the segment's growth.
On the other hand, the oral segment holds a significant share of the market. The convenience and effectiveness of oral dosage forms make it a preferred choice for healthcare providers and patients, which is the prominent factor projected to boost segmental growth during the forecast period.
The other routes of administration segment include inhaled, rectal, topical, and others. The rising demand for these products and increasing generics is anticipated to boost the adoption and growth of the market during the forecast period.
Rising Shift toward at-Home delivery to Exhibit High Growth of Online Pharmacy Segment in Near Future
The global market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy based on distribution channel.
Online pharmacy is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Owing to rising technological advancement and increasing demand for remote consultation, the segment is anticipated to witness strong growth in the coming years.
The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to hold a significant portion of the market, owing to the increasing shift of patients toward hospitals for a wide range of infectious disease treatments. Also, the growing number of prescriptions by general practitioners are expected to boost the distribution of antibiotic products by hospital pharmacies.
On the other hand, the retail pharmacy segment held a substantial portion of the market, owing to the rise in accessibility and convenience for patients to secure the drugs with proper guidance over AMR. These pharmacies also aim to offer primary care services, which is likely to boost the growth of the retail pharmacy segment.
On the basis of region, the global market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
North America Antibiotics Market Size, 2024 (USD Billion)
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North America’s market size stood at USD 18.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period. The rising cases of bacterial infectious diseases, the growing aging population, and the presence of advanced healthcare facilities boost the mindful adoption of these products and decrease antimicrobial resistance.
Additionally, the presence of key players in the market with advanced research and development facilities to launch new-aged products for multi-drug resistance infection propels market growth.
The U.S. dominated the North American region, owing to the rising prevalence and increasing consumption of these products in the country.
On the other hand, Europe held the second-largest share of the market. The advanced healthcare infrastructure and increasing investment in research and development activities are the key aspects driving the demand for these drugs in the European market.
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rising prevalence and high consumption of these products, coupled with the presence of affordable and effective generic drugs, collectively propel the market's growth in the region.
Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are projected to account for considerable market revenue share during the forecast period. The emerging healthcare sector and the increasing awareness about several bacterial infections are expected to augment the growth of the market in these regions during 2025-2032.
Key Players are focusing on Acquisitions and Collaborations to Strengthen their Market Position
This market represents a semi-fragmented structure with players such as Pfizer Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Sandoz Group AG, and Merck & Co., Inc. accounting for a substantial share in 2024. The top market players are focusing on generic launches and strategies, such as acquisitions and collaborations, to strengthen their positions globally.
Other key players with an important presence in the global market include GSK plc, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Bayer AG, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. These companies are anticipated to focus on research and development and new product launches to increase their market share during the forecast period.
The global antibiotics market research report provides detailed industry analysis. It focuses on key aspects, such as an overview of the advanced product, the rising number of several bacterial infections, key countries, and pricing analysis. Additionally, it includes key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and brand analysis. Besides these, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. Furthermore, the report comprises a detailed pipeline analysis of new drugs and the impact of COVID-19 on the market.
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ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
Study Period | 2019-2032 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2032 |
Historical Period | 2019-2023 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.4% from 2025-2032 |
Unit | Value (USD Billion) |
Segmentation | Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Region |
By Drug Class | · Penicillin · Cephalosporin · Aminoglycosides · Tetracycline · Macrolides · Fluoroquinolones · Sulfonamides · Others |
By Application | · Skin Infections · Respiratory Infections · Urinary Tract Infections · Septicemia · Ear Infection · Gastrointestinal Infections · Others |
By Route of Administration | · Oral · Parenteral · Others |
By Distribution Channel | · Hospital Pharmacy · Retail Pharmacy · Online Pharmacy |
By Region | · North America (By Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Country) - U.S. - Canada · Europe (By Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region) - U.K. - Germany - France - Italy - Spain - Scandinavia - Rest of Europe · Asia Pacific (By Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region) - Japan - China - India - Australia - Southeast Asia - Rest of Asia Pacific · Latin America (By Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region) - Brazil - Mexico - Rest of Latin America · Middle East & Africa (By Drug Class, Application, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region) - GCC - South Africa - Rest of the Middle East & Africa |
Fortune Business Insights says that the global market size was USD 41.63 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 58.24 billion by 2032.
In 2024, market value in North America stood at USD 18.79 billion.
Registering a CAGR of 4.4%, the market will exhibit steady growth over the forecast period (2025-2032).
The rising incidence of bacterial infections is the major factor driving the growth of the market.
Pfizer Inc., Abbott, Novartis AG, and Merck & Co., Inc. are some of the major players in the global market.
Pfizer Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Novartis AG, and Merck & Co., Inc. are some of the major players in the global market.
North America dominated the market in terms of share in 2024.
The increasing use of antibiotics in developing countries and the rising prescriptions around the globe are expected to drive the growth and adoption of the products.
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