Chancroid Treatment Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Drug (Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, and Others), By Route of Administration (Oral and Parenteral), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects the genital area. Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and is characterized by painful ulcers in the genitals and lymph node swelling in the groin. Chancroid can be found as a cofactor of other STIs, including HIV. Chancroid can be diagnosed through bacterial culturing using specialized media. The diagnosis is typically done by using differential diagnosis techniques through the ruling out of the other STIs, such as the herpes simplex virus and Treponema pallidum. Additionally, the morphological changes, such as painful genital sores and swollen lymph nodes in the groin, indicate the presence of chancroids. Oral or intramuscular antibiotics treat chancroids.

The current treatment options for chancroids include FDA-approved antibiotics, such as azithromycin, and off-label antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin. The global chancroid treatment market is poised for growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing incidence of chancroid and the wide availability of azithromycin.

Furthermore, the increasing awareness and screening efforts for sexually transmitted infections are expected to increase the market growth. Healthcare organizations and government agencies are implementing programs to educate the public about the risks of the contraction of chancroid and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as promoting regular testing for early detection. These approaches are expected to increase the number of diagnosed cases and subsequently surge the treatment for chancroid. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant forms of Haemophilus ducreyi infection can limit the market growth as antibiotics are the only treatment for the infection.

The global chancroid treatment market, along with other STIs, faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During COVID-19, the resources were diverted from other healthcare areas, potentially impacting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chancroid and other STIs. In 2021, the relaxation of the lockdown resulted in increased doctor visits, diagnostics, and treatment, which boosted the market growth. The global chancroid treatment market is expected to witness stable growth after the COVID-19-related pandemic recovery. 

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview: Regulatory Scenario By Key Countries/ Region
• Incidence of Chancroid, By Key Countries/ Region, 2023
• Key Industry Developments- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
• Pipeline Analysis By Key Players

Analysis by Drug

Based on drug, the market is segmented into azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and others. The azithromycin segment generated significant revenue in 2023. Azithromycin is an approved drug that healthcare professionals most prefer as it is highly effective and has minimal side effects. These factors are expected to boost the segment growth. Furthermore, the wide availability of azithromycin across the various distribution channels is anticipated to drive the growth of the retail pharmacies segment in the market.

The ceftriaxone segment is projected to experience considerable growth in the upcoming years due to the increase in the prescription of these medications and the higher rate of diagnoses of this infection. The rising government recommendation of off-label antibiotics to control chancroid infection is expected to drive the segment growth.

• For instance, in 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched guidelines to control STIs, which recommend a few off-label drugs, including ceftriaxone, to control chancroid. Such recommendations are expected to increase the usage of off-label drugs.

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest share in 2023. The high prevalence of chancroid in these regions is increasing the demand for treatment options. Additionally, the growing awareness among the population about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chancroid, is driving the growth of the chancroid treatment market in the region. The advancements in the development of new and more effective treatment options for chancroid are expected to increase the number of drug launches for the treatment of chancroid, which is expected to drive market growth. Furthermore, the rising number of generic product launches and the rising prevalence of the disease are the factors driving the growth of the segment.

• For instance, in April 2023, Zydus Lifesciences Limited received FDA approval for oral azithromycin tablets 500mg to treat infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sexually transmitted diseases, including chancroid.

The Asia Pacific chancroid treatment market is anticipated to grow due to government initiatives that focus on sexual health and the prevention and treatment of STIs, including chancroid treatment. These initiatives aim to increase access to treatment and promote awareness of chancroid. Additionally, the availability of affordable generics is expected to boost the market further in the coming years.

Key Players Covered

• The report includes key players, such as Pfizer Inc., Mayne Pharma, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mylan Laboratories Inc., Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., and Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2021, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd launched Generic Erythromycin Tablets USP to treat various bacterial infections, including chancroid, in the U.S.
• In April 2020, Alembic Limited launched Zithromax, a generic azithromycin in 250 mg and 500 mg doses for treating various bacterial infections, including chlamydia.
• In February 2020, Aurobindo Pharma received FDA approval to manufacture and market oral azithromycin tablets to treat patients with mild to moderate infections, including chancroid in the U.S.