Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market By Drug Type (Antibiotics Drugs, Antiviral Drugs, Antifungal Drugs, and Others), By Application (Bloodstream Infections, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Surgical Site Infections, Pneumonia, Urinary Tract Infections, and Others), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market size is expected to be worth around USD 19.3 billion by 2033 from USD 12.4 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

The growing incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) drives the expansion of the hospital infection therapeutics market. These infections, such as hospital-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, pose significant risks to patient safety, prompting increased demand for effective treatments.

The market benefits from advancements in antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and antifungal therapies designed to combat resistant pathogens. The approval process for new drugs has accelerated, with Innoviva, Inc. receiving a Priority Review from the USFDA in December 2022 for its SUL-DUR. The application is based on phase 3 ATTACK trial results, which demonstrated the drug’s efficacy in treating serious infections like hospital-acquired pneumonia and bacteremia.

Opportunities in the market stem from rising investments in research and development, the emergence of novel therapeutics, and the ongoing need for specialized treatments in critical care settings. Additionally, the trend toward personalized medicine and targeted therapies continues to shape the market’s trajectory, offering more precise infection control solutions.

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the market for Hospital Infection Therapeutics generated a revenue of USD 12.4 billion, with a CAGR of 4.5%, and is expected to reach USD 19.3 billion by the year 2033.
• The drug type segment is divided into antibiotics drugs, antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs, and others, with antibiotics drugs taking the lead in 2023 with a market share of 41.7%.
• Considering application, the market is divided into bloodstream infections, gastrointestinal disorders, surgical site infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and others. Among these, bloodstream infections held a significant share of 34.9%.
• North America led the market by securing a market share of 39.8% in 2023.

Drug Type Analysis

The antibiotics drugs segment had a tremendous growth rate, with a revenue share of 41.7%. Increasing incidences of bacterial infections, particularly drug-resistant strains such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), drive demand for more effective antibiotic treatments.

As bacterial infections become harder to treat with existing drugs, pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in developing next-generation antibiotics. The need for antibiotics in treating hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections also supports the segment’s expansion.

Additionally, rising awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare settings is projected to boost demand. Regulatory support for accelerated approvals of novel antibiotics further stimulates market growth. The segment is expected to remain dominant due to its crucial role in combating infections in hospital environments.

Application Analysis

The bloodstream infections segment grew at a substantial rate, generating a revenue portion of 34.9%. Rising incidences of sepsis and bacteremia in hospitalized patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems or undergoing invasive procedures, contribute to this segment’s expansion. Bloodstream infections are often life-threatening and require urgent treatment, leading to increased demand for effective therapeutics.

Advanced diagnostic technologies enabling early detection of bloodstream infections support the timely administration of treatments, driving this segment’s growth. Increasing use of central venous catheters and other invasive devices in hospitals, which elevate the risk of bloodstream infections, further boosts the demand for targeted therapies. Additionally, the growing emphasis on preventing hospital-acquired infections is likely to enhance investments in research and development, propelling the growth of the bloodstream infections segment.

Key Market Segments

By Drug Type

• Antibiotics Drugs
• Antiviral Drugs
• Antifungal Drugs
• Others

By Application

• Bloodstream Infections
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Surgical Site Infections
• Pneumonia
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Others

Drivers

Growing Occurrence of Hospital-acquired Infections

Rising occurrences of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) drive the growth of the hospital infection therapeutics market. HAIs, such as bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated infections, have become a significant healthcare concern.

As per data published by the United States Department of Health & Human Services in November 2022, 30,389 cases of catheter line-associated bloodstream infections were reported in acute care hospitals in the U.S. in 2021, along with over 1,995 cases of ventilator-associated infections. These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for effective therapeutics to manage and treat such infections.

With an increasing number of patients contracting infections during hospital stays, demand for specialized therapies and advanced treatment options is expected to rise. Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing targeted drugs to address the growing threat of HAIs, further driving market expansion.

Restraints

Surging Cost of Clinical Trials

Rising clinical trial costs hamper the growth of the hospital infection therapeutics market. The development of new drugs requires extensive testing to ensure safety and efficacy, and the cost of conducting these trials continues to escalate. Increasing regulatory demands and the complexity of trial designs add to the financial burden on pharmaceutical companies.

Clinical trials for hospital infection therapeutics, particularly for multi-drug-resistant infections, involve a high degree of complexity, often requiring specialized patient populations and longer trial durations. These factors significantly impede the ability of companies to bring new therapeutics to market quickly and affordably. The growing financial burden restricts the ability of smaller companies to compete, further slowing the introduction of innovative therapies into the market.

Opportunities

Increasing R&D Initiatives

Increasing research and development (R&D) initiatives present a significant opportunity for the hospital infection therapeutics market. Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop more effective treatments for hospital-acquired infections, addressing the growing global need for innovative solutions.

In March 2022, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Verity Pharmaceuticals International Ltd. launched VIBATIV (telavancin) injection in Puerto Rico, U.S., to treat hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia. This launch exemplifies the growing focus on R&D in creating targeted therapies for hospital infections.

As more companies allocate resources to developing advanced drugs, the market is anticipated to see a surge in novel treatment options, improving patient outcomes and driving market growth. The increasing collaboration between research institutions and pharmaceutical firms further accelerates innovation in the field.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors significantly influence the hospital infection therapeutics market. Economic downturns or instability may reduce healthcare spending, limiting access to advanced treatments and delaying drug development. Additionally, trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions can disrupt the supply chain for essential medicines, leading to shortages in certain regions.

However, these challenges also create opportunities for local manufacturers to step in and meet the demand for therapeutics. Conversely, periods of economic growth and governmental prioritization of healthcare can boost investments in research and development, accelerating the launch of new drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness around infection control, prompting many governments to allocate more resources to combat hospital-acquired infections.

Global collaborations in healthcare research, supported by macroeconomic stability, are likely to further drive innovation and growth in this market.

Latest Trends

Development of Combination Antibiotics

A recent trend in the hospital infection therapeutics market is the development of combination antibiotics to combat multi-drug-resistant (MDR) infections. In January 2023, Alkem Laboratories launched Zidavi, an antibiotic combining ceftazidime and avibactam, specifically designed for treating hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs).

This trend reflects the growing need for more robust therapeutic options as traditional antibiotics lose their efficacy against resistant bacterial strains. The combination of ceftazidime, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and avibactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, provides enhanced effectiveness by overcoming bacterial defense mechanisms that resist standard treatments.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market

North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 39.8% owing to rising hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rates and an increase in surgical procedures. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) published in June 2022 showed that over 110,000 joint replacement surgeries were conducted in 2020-2021, with more than 7,300 performed as day surgeries. Such a high volume of procedures increases the risk of infections, driving the demand for effective infection therapeutics.

The aging population, higher prevalence of chronic conditions, and the increased use of invasive devices, such as catheters and ventilators, further contribute to the market’s expansion. Additionally, strong government regulations focusing on infection control and the presence of key pharmaceutical players investing in new treatments fuel the market’s growth in this region.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The hospital infection therapeutics market is projected to grow significantly in Asia Pacific during the forecast period due to increasing healthcare investments and rising awareness of hospital-acquired infections. The growing population, coupled with higher rates of hospitalization, is likely to drive demand for advanced infection treatments.

Countries such as China, India, and Japan are anticipated to see rising cases of healthcare-associated infections due to the increased number of surgeries and longer hospital stays. Expanding healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives focused on improving infection control measures, and the development of new antibiotics are expected to support market growth. Furthermore, rising medical tourism in the region, along with the focus on enhancing patient outcomes, is projected to further drive demand for infection therapeutics in Asia Pacific.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Netherland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Market Share and Key Players Analysis

The major players in the Hospital Infection Therapeutics market are actively engaged in the development and introduction of innovative products, as well as implementing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing their competitive positioning. Key players in the hospital infection therapeutics market focus on expanding their product portfolios by developing innovative antibiotics and combination therapies to combat drug-resistant infections. They invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of evolving bacterial strains.

Strategic partnerships and acquisitions help these companies enhance their market presence and access new technologies. Companies also pursue regulatory approvals for fast-tracked drug development to bring new therapies to market quickly. Additionally, they focus on global expansion to reach underserved markets and address rising infection rates worldwide. 

Top Key Players in the Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market

• Sanofi
• Pfizer Inc.
• Innoviva, Inc.
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC
• GlaxoSmithKline Plc.
• Gilead
• Hoffmann-La Roche AG
• Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
• Bayer AG
• AbbVie Inc.
• Abbott Laboratories

Recent Developments

• In December 2023: Roche entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire Carmot Therapeutics, Inc., a privately owned company based in Berkeley, California. This acquisition strengthens Roche’s capabilities in drug development, particularly in advancing therapeutics for hospital infections. Roche’s growing focus on expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions directly contributes to the hospital infection therapeutics market by increasing its capacity for innovation and the development of novel treatments.
• In October 2023: Gilead announced a collaboration with Assembly Biosciences to accelerate research and development of novel antiviral therapies, initially targeting herpesviruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV). This partnership emphasizes the growing demand for effective antiviral treatments and enhances the therapeutic options available for hospital infections, thereby driving growth in the market.
• In March 2023: GSK plc and SCYNEXIS, Inc. signed an exclusive license agreement for Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp tablets), a US FDA-approved antifungal drug for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and reducing recurrent VVC cases. This strategic collaboration underscores the increasing need for antifungal therapies in hospitals, highlighting its contribution to the expansion of the hospital infection therapeutics market by addressing fungal infections in healthcare settings.
• In March 2023: Hikma Pharmaceuticals launched Cefazolin for Injection, a drug designed to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and perioperative prophylaxis. The launch of this versatile antibiotic contributes to the growth of the hospital infection therapeutics market by offering solutions for a wide range of hospital-acquired infections.
• In June 2023: Pfizer released data from late-stage studies comparing its experimental antibiotic combination of aztreonam-avibactam (ATM-AVI) with metronidazole to older antibiotics meropenem and colistin for treating complicated intra-abdominal infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia. The development of new combination therapies targeting resistant hospital infections drives innovation and supports growth in the hospital infection therapeutics market by addressing evolving bacterial threats.
• In 2021, Sanofi announced that it had met the primary objective of its MELODY Phase III study of nirsevimab for lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV in healthy newborns. The introduction of nirsevimab as a novel treatment for RSV in over two decades showcases the pharmaceutical industry’s focus on addressing respiratory infections, contributing to the overall growth of the hospital infection therapeutics market.

Report Scope