Report Overview

The global antibiotics market was pegged at US$ 40.0 billion in 2021 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.

Market Fundamentals 

Antibiotics are a group of secondary metabolites called produced by microbes, animals, or plants. A variety of structural classes, including beta-lactams, macrolides, and polyether, are used in some of them to provide anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anthelmintic, anti-tumor, or immunosuppressive effects. They are used to treat a variety of illnesses, including strep throat, ear infections, skin infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and others. Drugs that are bacteriostatic hinder bacterial growth and differentiation whereas bactericidal antibiotics destroy bacteria.

Different antibiotics have recently been utilised therapeutically and in other fields, such agriculture and animal husbandry. Antibiotics cause cytotoxicity or cytostasis in germs, which enables the body's defensive system to get rid of pathogens. These drugs work by preventing the creation of bacterial cells, proteins, DNA, and RNA, among other processes. Off-label medications are being created and used because of rising antibiotic demand across several industries.

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Market Dynamics

The global market for antibiotics is expanding due to rising antibiotic usage in low and middle-income countries, significant pharmaceutical company investments in research and development, and an increase in the occurrence of infectious diseases. Urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory infections, tuberculosis (TB), and skin infections are examples of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections, which now have a high global cost, are predicted to be the most common cause of years of life lost globally by 2050. However, it is anticipated that the rise in drug approval costs and the development of antibiotic resistance will restrain market expansion.

Market Ecosystem

The global antibiotics market has been analysed from five perspectives by drug class, drug origin, spectrum, distribution channel, and region. 

Antibiotics Market by Drug Class

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Based on drug class, the global antibiotics market has been segmented into penicillin, cephalosporin, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and others. Penicillin held the largest revenue share and anticipated to continue dominating the market during the projection period owing to the highest prescription rate and the highest amount of generic manufacturers in the market. Infections like pharyngitis, skin infections, bronchitis, gonorrhea, and ear infections are treated with these drugs as a first line of defense. After penicillin, cephalosporin emerged as the second-largest medication class segment, and it is anticipated to expand significantly over the course of the forecast period.

Antibiotics Market by Drug Origin

 On the basis of drug origin, the global antibiotics market has been segmented into natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. The fastest expanding segment is semi-synthetic antibiotics, derived from natural antibiotics and have certain unique yet beneficial properties. They are more effective across a broad spectrum, have less adverse effects, and can combat microorganisms that are resistant to the original drug. Ampicillin is an example of a semisynthetic drug origin.

Antibiotics Market by Spectrum

Based on spectrum, the global antibiotics market has been segmented into narrow and broad spectrum. The segment for broad-spectrum antibiotics is anticipated to increase at the fastest rate throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that broad-spectrum antibiotics treat a variety of illnesses, aiding in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotics Market by Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the global antibiotics market has been segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Due to the rising availability of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospital pharmacies, an increase in hospital admissions for bacterial and infectious diseases, and the implementation of strict policies to regulate antibiotic use in hospitals, the hospital pharmacies segment is anticipated to experience significantly high revenue growth over the forecast period.

Antibiotics Market by Region

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region and is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period. The increased usage of antibiotics, rise in the occurrence of infectious diseases, and rise in government initiatives to create novel medicines to treat infections with drug resistance can all be attributable to the market growth. This is brought on by increased use of digital imaging in low- and middle-income nations, a large population with untapped development potential, and an increase in the number of foreign companies competing in the market alongside small, successful domestic start-ups. Growing market demand for novel treatment alternatives, rising laboratory costs, and improved healthcare facilities are predicted to fuel the regional industry.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the key players operating the market global antibiotics market include 

• Pfizer Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC.
• Sanofi S.A.
• Abbott Laboratories Inc. 
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Novartis International AG 
• Mylan N.V.
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Allergan Plc. 
• Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
• Nabriva Therapeutics plc.

Companies in the antibiotics market are concentrating on corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions, and cutting-edge technological advancements to secure a leading position in the worldwide market. For instance, July 2019, two Pfizer subsidiaries, Mylan and Upjohn, merged to form a new champion for global health that is uniquely positioned to satisfy demand for medicines around the world. Combining a trusted brand like Upjohn with Mylan's would result in a long-lasting, distinctive, and wide range of pharmaceuticals. It will also increase geographic reach and worldwide scale, including leadership positions in China and other developing countries.

Strategic development

• In October 2021, Novartis subsidiary Sandoz finalised the $500 million acquisition of the cephalosporin antibiotics division of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The deal gave Sandoz access to GSK's Fortum, Zinnat, and Zinacef brands, which are offered in more than 100 markets.
• In July 2021, Massachusetts-based biotech Spero Therapeutics announced a licencing and equity investment arrangement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.
• February 2021, Binnopharm Group, a Sistema Group company, announced to purchase Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' antibacterial medications sold in Russia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus under the Ciprolet and Levolet brands. In this regard, Dr. Reddy's and The Binnopharm Group, one of Russia's leading pharmaceutical makers, have signed a contract.

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