Prophylactic HIV Drugs Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The global prophylactic HIV drug market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.

The novel COVID-19 breakdown has augmented the need to evaluate the antiretroviral drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. The drugs such as lopinavir and ritonavir, which are used in combination to treat HIV, are repurposed to treat COVID-19 infections. Currently, several countries are evaluating the potential of these antiretroviral drugs for treating coronavirus infection. Manufacturers of HIV drugs have also increased research capabilities and are also increasing the manufacturing capabilities of these drugs as they are extensively used for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. Prophylactic HIV drugs are used for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The prevalence of HIV infection is rapidly increasing worldwide. The factors responsible for the growing prevalence rate include the widespread use of contaminated needles or syringes, unprotected sex, and, majorly, the lack of awareness about the mode of transmission. For instance, according to data published by the World Health Organization, 38 million people were living with HIV in 2019. In 2019, approximately 68% of adults and 53% of children living with HIV globally were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). The disease has mostly affected developing and underdeveloped countries on a larger scale due to the lack of adequate prevention measures and treatment facilities. The future growth of this market largely depends upon the treatment needs and unmet therapeutics present in Asian and African countries.

Several companies, such as Gilead Sciences Inc. and Cipla Inc., have also adopted patient education programs to reduce the adverse consequences of the infection. Moreover, several prophylactic HIV drugs for the treatment of HIV infection are currently in the pipeline. For instance, GS-9131 from Gilead Sciences is currently under Phase II, and it is being developed for the treatment of HIV with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) mechanism of action. However, lower penetration in an underdeveloped market and side effects associated with this drug, such as vomiting, nausea, tiredness, and diarrhea, may restrain the growth of the market.

Key Market Trends

Oral Drug Forms are Expected to Dominate the Dosage Form Segment of the Market Studied

The oral drug segment is expected to dominate the global prophylactic HIV drug market, over the forecast period. This can be attributed to new product development and the presence of a strong pipeline coupled with rising product approvals. For instance, in September 2019, Merck received the US Food and Drug Administration to expand the use of Pifeltro and Delstrigo to include the treatment for virologically suppressed HIV adults. Also, in 2018, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its SYMTUZA. It is the first and only complete, darunavir-based single-tablet regimen (STR) for the cure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in virologically suppressed adults. The oral route also has several pharmacokinetic advantages such as a higher rate of bioavailability, rapid drug delivery, and high efficacy. All these advantages are expected to propel segment growth.

The oral route is the most patient compliance route, and therefore, it is most widely adopted by the patients. Also, the development of promising new drugs and potential clinical pipeline candidates are some of the major factors expected to drive segment growth. The future growth of the market is anticipated to fuel by the launch of various potential pipeline candidates such as fostemsavir and PRO 140 and the launch of generic versions of various branded drugs such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets.

North America Represents the Largest Market in the Forecast Period

North America is one of the strongest regions and is also an important revenue contributor to the global HIV prophylactic drugs market. Heightened awareness of disease remittance therapies among patients, the presence of a technologically advanced healthcare framework, and supportive reimbursement policies are stimulating the growth of the region. As per the Department of Health & Human Services, an estimated 1.1 million people in the US are living with HIV. According to the HIV Surveillance Report 2019 by the Government of Canada, in 2019, over 2,122 HIV diagnoses were reported in Canada 5.6 per 100,000 population. The age group 30 to 39-years had the highest HIV diagnosis rate at 12.7 per 100,000 population. Moreover, easy access to quality healthcare and a strong clinical pipeline is projected to promote revenue growth in North America. In July 2019, Merck, a US-based company, reported positive topline results for its HIV drug candidate MK-8591 from its pipeline.

In addition, there is an increasing incidence of the United States and Canadian government approval, which is one of the major reasons propelling the growth. For instance, in September 2019, Merck received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for two new HIV-1 medicines: Delstrigo and Pifeltro, for the commercialization of drugs in Canada and the United States. Hence, owing to all the aforementioned factors, the North American region is anticipated to grow at high growth rates.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturers offering branded drugs dominate the global prophylactic HIV drugs market. Companies are focusing on building novel chemical entities and innovative molecules to consolidate their foothold. Some of the prominent market participants are Merck & Co. Inc., Mylan NV, Cipla Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Genentech Inc., and Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.

The introduction of generics and the strong clinical pipeline are anticipated to increase competition in the market. For instance, in October 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gilead Sciences’ Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets) for a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) indication. This will expand the range of treatment options for the millions of patients living with target diseases.

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