Bacteria are small single-celled micro-organisms that vary greatly in structure and function. Bacteria have the ability to mutate quickly, due to their rapid reproducibility, forming new subtypes. A major problem caused by bacterial mutation is the development of resistance to antibiotics. The antibacterial market is mature with strong generic competition but continues to grow due to the introduction of innovative products. This report investigates the future antibacterial market. Classes included are: the penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and an ‘others’ group containing products which do not fall within these pharmacological categories.
