Vaginal Antifungals Market

Vaginal Antifungals Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The global vaginal antifungals market was valued at US$ 1 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to expand at 3.6% CAGR to reach a size of US$ 1.41 billion by the end of 2032. According to this new study by Persistence Market Research, the drug clotrimazole held a substantial market share of 33% in 2021.

Vulvovaginitis, or inflammation of the vulva and vagina, most frequently develops as a result of infectious pathogens among women of reproductive age. About one-third of these cases are caused by candidal vulvovaginitis.

• According to StatPearls Publishing (2022), one-third of all vulvovaginitis cases in women of reproductive age are caused by candidal vulvovaginitis, and 70% of women say they have experienced candidal vulvovaginitis at some stage of life.

Recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis affects 8% of women. This prevalence of vaginal fungal infections propels the demand for treatment options and provides manufacturers with opportunities for expansion in the global market.

Sales of vaginal antifungal drugs accounted for 6.9% share of the global antifungal drugs market in 2021.

Sales Analysis of Vaginal Antifungals (2017 to 2021) vs. Market Estimations (2022 to 2032)

Demand for vaginal antifungals increased at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2017 to 2021.

The lower female genital tract is frequently affected by vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC), which primarily affects immunocompetent women of childbearing age. Apart from other non-albicans species, Candida albicans is the pathogenic yeast that is most frequently associated with this fungal infection.

The emergence of VVC can be significantly influenced by a variety of lifestyle factors. Although some studies have suggested that consuming foods high in sugar and carbs, as well as dairy products, can promote fungal growth, the link between nutrition and the growth of candida is not well supported. Additionally, women who have diabetes mellitus are more likely to develop VVC. The risk of developing VVC increases due to fluctuating serum glucose levels. Genetic elements may potentially play a role in the emergence of VVC or a relapse.

The most typical issue with women's health is vaginal infections. The major reasons why standard antimicrobial treatment for such infections doesn't work as well as it should are inadequate diagnosis, incorrect therapies, and antibiotic resistance. The treatment for vaginal fungal infections now requires research and the introduction of innovative solutions.

Owed to the above-mentioned factors, the market for vaginal antifungals is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.6% between 2022 and 2032.

What Lucrative Opportunities Await Manufacturers of Vaginal Antifungals?

Millions of women experience vaginal infections such as candidiasis each year. They are caused by an overgrowth of pathogens, typically sexually transmitted, which may be aided by changes in the flora of the vagina. Antimicrobial therapies administered locally or systemically are the standard treatments for these infections.

However, a lot of work has gone into developing vaginal systems for the local delivery of antibiotics with an aim to minimize side effects and combat microbial resistance and infection recurrences. Numerous topical dosing forms have been proposed, including aerosols, lotions, suppositories, pills, gels, and creams, yet they are ineffective due to their inadequate penetration and quick evacuation from the vaginal canal.

Due to these factors, it is increasingly crucial to develop novel drug delivery methods that can stay in place and continually release active ingredients. To optimize drug delivery, absorption, retention, and biodistribution in vulvovaginal tissues, it may be possible to use nanosystems including nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles with variable surface properties.

This creates a valuable opportunity for expansion in drug development and manufacturing for vaginal antifungal suppliers and gives a positive outlook for overall market growth over the coming years.

Which Factors Present a Restrictive Outlook for Vaginal Antifungal Sales?

Several topical dose forms, including suppositories, aerosols, gels, ovules, creams, lotions, and tablets, have been proposed for vaginal drug delivery so far, but their efficacy is severely constrained by the poor permeability of the vaginal wall and the rapid removal of the vaginal canal, which are further influenced by the presence of hormones.

As a result, several frequent local administrations are necessary to make up for the rapid removal of the drug carrier, which increases adverse effects and decreases patient compliance. These factors make vaginal drug administration difficult, and the drug manufacturers’ focus is shifting towards the development of effective local treatment solutions that can stay in place and release active ingredients for a long time.

Moreover, self-medication for vaginal fungal infections and the adverse events associated with it further restrain the growth of the market. In addition, misdiagnosis of treatment conditions, as well as the delay in therapeutic administration are some of the other limitations associated with the adoption of vaginal antifungals.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes the United States a Prominent Market for Vaginal Antifungals?

The United States dominated the global market with a share of 33.5% in 2021. Rising awareness among the general public about the existing treatment modalities for vaginal fungal infections is fuelling the growth of the vaginal antifungals market.

In addition, the presence of reimbursement reforms within the U.S. healthcare system has further propelled the growth of the market for vaginal antifungals in the country.

How is the Market for Vaginal Antifungals Faring in China?

China held 8.9% share of the global market in 2021. The expanding consumer base in China's heavily populated, rapidly growing economy is supporting the expansion of the vaginal antifungals market.

The market for vaginal antifungals has been boosted by rising per capita income, rise in personal hygiene awareness, and improved access to healthcare. Moreover, limited data on the prevalence of vaginal fungal infections in the country gives drug manufacturers opportunities to explore the epidemiological status of vaginal infections in the country to support R&D in this area.

What is the Outlook for the Vaginal Antifungals Market in Germany?

Germany accounted for a share of 5.3% in the global vaginal antifungals market in 2021. More than 40% of women in Germany are reported to have at least four acute bouts of VVC over a 12-month period.

• Recurrent vaginal candidiasis is the second-most common fungal infection in Germany, behind fungal skin disorders, according to a study by Ruhnke et al. (2015). This figure represents a population of approximately 2.5 million people.
• The German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics states that all antimycotic medications for the treatment of VVC now on the market are equally effective, and the management of acute cases is generally successful.

All these factors are leading to the growth of the vaginal antifungals market in the country.

Category-wise Insights

Which Vaginal Antifungal Drug is Widely Adopted Globally?

Clotrimazole held a market share of 33% in 2021. Adults and children over the age of 12 can get vaginal clotrimazole treatment for vaginal yeast infections. The antifungal drug clotrimazole belongs to a group of drugs called imidazoles. It works by halting the development of infection-causing fungus.

Which is the Most Preferred Route of Administration for Vaginal Antifungals?

The oral route of administration held a share of 57.2% of the global market in 2021. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the growing preference for oral formulations in the treatment of vaginal fungal infections.

Moreover, despite non-conclusive evidence, it has been observed in several cases that the efficacy of oral drugs for vaginal fungal infections is greater than topical formulations. This impacts product adoption, thus giving the oral route of administration an advantage over other drug delivery routes.

Which Distribution Channel Accounts for High Sales of Vaginal Antifungals?

Retail pharmacies led with a market share of 39.1% in 2021. Most patients prefer over-the-counter medications or self-medication when diagnosed with vaginal fungal infections. Moreover, with a vast network of distributors, retail pharmacies hold a varied range of products, both branded and off-brand, which provides patients with a range of options to select from.

Competitive Landscape

The market for vaginal antifungals is fragmented. To launch innovative products, key players are enhancing their research and development operations, extending their efforts to improve their pipelined products, and expanding their product portfolios through strategic mergers and partnerships.

For instance:

• In July 2020, ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported the purchase of fluconazole tablets USP 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg from a private company for US$ 3 million.
• In January 2022, Lupin and Exeltis entered into a promotional agreement to improve access to SOLOSEC® (secnidazole) for adult women with bacterial vaginosis and adult patients with trichomoniasis.

Vaginal Antifungals Industry Report Scope

Vaginal Antifungals Industry Research Segments

By Drug:

• Fluconazole
• Nystatin
• Flucytosine
• Clotrimazole
• Ketoconazole
• Terbinafine
• Others

By Route of Administration:

• Oral
• Topical

By Distribution Channel:

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

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