Liver Fluke Treatment Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The liver fluke treatment market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on the market. Due to the temporary shutdown of production facilities, export restrictions, increased demand for COVID-19 medication, disruptions in the supply of goods, and interruptions in services, the impact of the outbreak in its initial phase on the liver fluke drugs market was substantial. Additionally, clinical trials of the drug were reduced as more and more companies delayed the start of many new courses in several countries.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a decline in outpatient services for patients with infectious diseases, which also impacted the market growth. For instance, as per the article published by NCMI in September 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic affected liver fluke infection prevention, testing, treatment, and vaccination services globally. Similarly, as per the data published by the WHO, in 2020, most malaria-endemic countries faced moderate disruptions in anti-parasitic service delivery. As a result of the resumed services and procedures, the liver fluke treatment market is recovering from the effect of COVID-19, and it is expected to regain its full potential during the forecast period.

The increasing cases of liver fluke in cattle, sheep, and humans are propelling the growth of the market. As per the study published by NCBI in December 2021, the prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle was found to be 90.13% in 2021. In addition, as per another study published by NCBI in July 2022, the prevalence of Fasciola spp infection in livestock ranged from 9.1% to 37.67% in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa in the last six decades (1960-2021). Additionally, according to data released by the CDC in September 2021, the number of infected people was expected to exceed two million worldwide in 2021.

Increasing cases of liver fluke infection in humans and animals and growing awareness of liver fluke infections among the population are the key driving factors for liver fluke treatment market growth. However, the requirement for long treatment cycles for liver fluke infection is likely to hamper the growth of the market.

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Trends

Triclabendazole Segment is Expected to Hold a Major Market Share in the Liver Fluke Treatment Market

Triclabendazole is a benzimidazole compound used routinely in veterinary practice to treat fascioliasis. Triclabendazole is highly effective compared to other drugs. The CDC and WHO consider it first-line therapy for liver fluke infections. Triclabendazole is an oral anthelmintic used in the treatment of chronic fascioliasis. It is generally well tolerated but can be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and mild liver test abnormalities, which are probably due to the expulsion of dead or dying flukes rather than hepatic injury due to therapy.

The increasing prevalence of fascioliasis is driving the market growth. According to WHO estimates in April 2021, at least 2.4 million people worldwide were infected with fascioliasis in more than 70 countries. Several million more were at risk, especially in countries where sheep and cattle were raised. In addition, infection is present in domestic animals in almost all countries where cattle and sheep are reared.

Triclabendazole is metabolized in the liver, largely by CYP 1A2 and 2C19, and it is theoretically susceptible to drug-drug interactions. Even with repeated dosing, there have been no reports of serious adverse events from triclabendazole therapy. Thus, the increasing use of the drug for treatment purposes is boosting the growth of the market.

North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period

North America is expected to hold a significant share of the global liver fluke treatment market due to the increasing prevalence of fasciola hepatica infections in cattle and sheep in this region. In September 2020, a study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene estimated that veterinary disease is prevalent in multiple areas of the United States. The Fasciola hepatica infection rate is very high in California, especially in sheep and cattle. The same source also stated that in its nearby areas, 90% of adult cattle were infected with Fasciola hepatica in 2020.

In addition, according to the study published by the University of Saskatchewan in Canada in March 2021, the Fasciola hepatica infection is found in cattle only specifically in dairy cattle around Quebec City. There is a high prevalence of this infection in the Quebec area. However, it is very limited in Alberta and other regions of Canada.

Several players in the market are focusing on developing and launching novel therapeutic drugs with minimal side effects to cater to the increasing demand for effective liver fluke treatment solutions in North America. For instance, in January 2021, Novartis received USFDA approval for its new liver fluke treatment drug, Egaten (triclabendazole), for patients six years of age and older in the United States. Thus, the rise in the number of drug approvals in the region is expected to drive growth in the North American market.

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Competitor Analysis

The liver fluke treatment market is competitive and consists of several major players. Some of the leading market players include Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Elanco (Bayer AG), Endo International PLC (Par Pharmaceutical), Romark Laboratories L.C, Zoetis Inc., Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc., Merck & Co. (Schering-Plough Corporation), and AdvaCare Pharma.

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