Antifungal Drugs Industry Overview

In 2023, the global antifungal drugs market was valued at approximately USD 15.8 billion, with forecasts suggesting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is significantly driven by the rising prevalence of fungal infections, including aspergillosis and candidiasis. Fungal infections encompass both systemic and superficial infections, affecting areas such as the skin, eyes, mouth, and vagina. Antifungal drugs with fungicidal properties are primarily used to treat various fungal diseases, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and fungal meningitis. Additionally, the increasing occurrence of hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections and infectious diseases is expected to further support market expansion over the forecast period.

Fungal diseases present a serious public health challenge since they can impact anyone, with individuals who have weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients, facing a heightened risk. Opportunistic fungal infections pose a significant threat to these patients. According to data from the CDC, around 152,000 new cases of cryptococcal meningitis, a severe brain infection, are recorded globally each year, resulting in approximately 112,000 deaths annually. The majority of these deaths are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV/AIDS prevalence is high, underscoring the urgent need for potent antifungal treatments in these regions.

Rising awareness of fungal infections is anticipated to improve diagnostic rates, which, in turn, is likely to drive the adoption of antifungal treatments. In September 2022, the CDC organized Fungal Disease Awareness Week to emphasize the importance of antifungal therapies, reduce drug resistance, and encourage early recognition of fungal infections to help lower mortality rates. These awareness initiatives are bolstered by organizations such as the Aspergillosis Trust, which works to educate the public on aspergillosis. Platforms like aspergillosis.org have also introduced World Aspergillosis Day and are raising funds in collaboration with the Fungal Infection Trust to support affected patients. Such initiatives are essential in addressing the growing need for antifungal drugs and increasing treatment accessibility.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Antifungal Drugs Market

Regional Insights:

North America Market Dominance:

• In 2023, North America held a 40.9% market share, reflecting its dominance.
• The region's leadership is attributed to its highly developed healthcare infrastructure, better affordability of treatments, and increasing awareness about fungal infections.
• Key market players in North America are employing strategic initiatives to capture greater market share and enhance profitability.
• Companies in the U.S. are leveraging their commercialization capabilities to improve profit margins and drive growth in the market.
• A significant milestone occurred in March 2023 when Cidara and Melinta received FDA approval for REZZAYO (rezafungin for injection) to treat candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adults with limited options.
  • REZZAYO is a novel, once-weekly echinocandin and the first FDA-approved drug in this category in over a decade.
  • The drug offers potential improvements in managing fungal infections, as evidenced by clinical trials, fueling market growth in the U.S.

Asia Pacific Market Growth:

• Asia Pacific is poised for significant growth during the forecast period, driven by a large target population and rapidly developing healthcare facilities.
• Increasing investments by leading market players in the region are accelerating growth.
• The rising prevalence of fungal infections has created substantial demand for effective antifungal medications in the region.

Japan's Prevalence of Fungal Infections:

• Research studies from the NCBI indicate that fungal infections in Japan affect over 2.37 million people annually.
• Esophageal candidiasis and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis are among the most common fungal infections in the country.
• Serious fungal infections impact approximately 1.9% of Japan's population each year.
• Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis affects around 1,525 females per 100,000, making it a prominent health concern.

Market Drivers in Asia Pacific:

• The high burden of fungal infections underscores the need for effective antifungal medications and interventions.
• Major industry players are increasingly investing in the region, recognizing the untapped potential of its market.
• Advancements in healthcare infrastructure are facilitating better diagnosis and management of fungal infections.
• These combined factors are driving market expansion and boosting growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Browse through Grand View Research's  Pharmaceuticals Industry Research Reports.

• The global food allergy treatment market size was estimated at USD 6.87 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.27% from 2025 to 2030.
• The global phenylketonuria treatment market size was valued at USD 518.7 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2030.

Key Antifungal Drugs Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Pfizer, Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, etc.

• Pfizer, Inc. is engaged in discovery, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. It has a portfolio of vaccines and medicines. The company operates through two business segments: Essential Health (EH) and Innovative Health (IH).
• Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company involved in development, discovery, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription, branded, & over-the-counter vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and consumer care products for human & animal healthcare markets
• Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Astellas Pharma, Inc. are some of the emerging market participants in the antifungal drugs market.
• Astellas Pharma, Inc. is engaged in import/export, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceuticals. The company has products in the following segments: oncology, neurology, urology, nephrology, immunology, and women's health treatments.

Key Antifungal Drugs Companies:

• Novartis AG
• Pfizer, Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Sanofi
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Abbott
• Glenmark
• Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Astellas Pharma, Inc.

Order a free sample PDF of the Antifungal Drugs Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.