Global Antiparasitic Drugs (2026-2031) - Rising Prevalence of Parasitic Infections Drives Market Growth
Dublin, Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Antiparasitic Drugs - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
Antiparasitic Drugs Market to Reach USD 35.75 Billion by 2031 as Treatment Demand and R&D Investment Rise
The global antiparasitic drugs market is expected to increase from USD 25.97 billion in 2025 to USD 27.39 billion in 2026. The market is forecast to reach USD 35.75 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 5.47% from 2026 to 2031. Growth is being supported by expanding mass drug-administration programs, the climate-driven spread of vector-borne diseases, and continued investment in novel antiparasitic therapies.
Mass Drug-Administration Campaigns Support Market Growth
Mass drug-administration initiatives now reach more than 860 million people annually. Triple-drug regimens have achieved coverage of approximately 74%, exceeding the World Health Organization benchmark of 65%. India's large-scale program alone covers 175 million residents across 111 districts, creating sustained demand for anthelmintic drugs.
Community-directed delivery programs are also improving treatment adherence in remote and underserved areas. These recurring public health campaigns generate reliable procurement cycles for drug manufacturers while helping participating countries accelerate disease-elimination targets. Strong early outcomes from triple-drug strategies are also encouraging further donor support.
Climate Change Expands the Burden of Vector-Borne Diseases
Rising temperatures are extending the geographic ranges of mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the incidence of malaria, babesiosis, Lyme disease, and other vector-borne infections in previously low-risk areas. Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of infectious disease cases worldwide and cause approximately 700,000 deaths annually.
This changing disease environment is increasing demand for preventive and therapeutic products. Pharmaceutical research pipelines are placing greater emphasis on broad-spectrum drugs and combination therapies, particularly for populations with limited prior immunity.
Drug Resistance Creates an Urgent Need for Innovation
Escalating helminth drug resistance remains a significant market challenge. Resistance-related ?-tubulin mutations are increasingly prevalent in regions with frequent mass treatment cycles. Albendazole efficacy against Trichuris trichiura has fallen to 38.6% in some settings, leading to greater use of higher doses and more expensive combination regimens.
The limited availability of new mechanisms of action could affect global neglected-disease elimination goals. In response, research programs are advancing new anthelmintic classes, long-acting macrocyclic lactones, multi-mechanism compounds, and treatments designed to bypass established resistance pathways. Artificial intelligence-enabled screening platforms are also helping identify promising chemotypes for future development.
Anthelmintics Lead the Antiparasitic Drugs Market
Anthelmintics accounted for 54.27% of the global antiparasitic drugs market in 2025, reflecting the widespread burden of helminth infections. Benzimidazoles continued to dominate sales, although resistance concerns are increasing interest in macrocyclic lactones, imidazothiazoles, and enzymatic-pathway inhibitors.
Antiprotozoal drugs are projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.36%, supported by advanced delivery platforms and the repurposing of compounds that target protozoal metabolism. Artemisinin-based combination therapies remain central to malaria treatment, while pipeline candidates targeting resistant Plasmodium strains are expected to broaden therapeutic options. Biologic therapies under development for leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis may further strengthen segment growth.
Second-generation benzimidazole nano-formulations are improving solubility and bioavailability, helping extend established product life cycles. Research into polymer-based implants could enable macrocyclic lactones to be released over several months, improving adherence in endemic regions with limited healthcare access.
Long-Acting Formulations Reshape Drug Delivery
Injectable products represented 42.35% of the antiparasitic drugs market in 2025, supported by their role in acute, hospital-managed infections. Intravenous artesunate remains the only treatment option for severe malaria in the United States, reinforcing hospital-centered demand.
Topical products and implants are forecast to record the fastest route-of-administration growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.72%. Sustained-release patches, polymeric implants, and subdermal devices can simplify dosing and improve treatment compliance. Long-acting moxidectin formulations are being developed to maintain therapeutic plasma levels for up to six months after a single dose.
Oral therapies remain important because of their convenience, although absorption limitations continue to affect highly lipophilic drugs such as ivermectin. Nano-emulsions, solid dispersions, and other formulation technologies are being evaluated to improve bioavailability. Transdermal microneedle arrays are also under investigation as an alternative to conventional injections in low-resource settings.
Regional Antiparasitic Drugs Market Outlook
North America held 39.75% of the global market in 2025, supported by advanced research capabilities, stringent quality standards, and early adoption of next-generation treatments. The region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.39%, with innovation focused on premium formulations and combination therapies addressing resistant infections.
Asia-Pacific is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.32%, making it one of the fastest-growing regional markets. High disease prevalence, broader healthcare access, government purchasing programs, and a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base are contributing to growth. India's lymphatic filariasis campaign demonstrates the scale of public-sector demand, while China remains influential in global active pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains.
Europe is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.05%, supported by strong antimicrobial stewardship and environmental oversight. Sustainability requirements are encouraging the adoption of greener pharmaceutical development and manufacturing practices. The Middle East, Africa, and South America also present volume-driven opportunities through mass drug-administration programs and pooled procurement initiatives, although funding and healthcare access constraints remain important considerations.
Key Topics Covered:
1 Introduction
1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2 Research Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Market Landscape
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Expansion of Mass Drug-Administration (MDA) Campaigns
4.2.2 Climate-Driven Spread of Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases
4.2.3 Accelerating R&D Funding for Novel Anthelmintic Classes
4.2.4 Commercialization of Long-Acting Human Macrocyclic Lactones
4.2.5 Government-Mandated Leishmaniasis Treatment Programs
4.2.6 Rising International Travel & Migration Boosting Imported Parasitic Cases
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Escalating Helminth Drug Resistance
4.3.2 Integrated Vector Management Dampening Prophylactic Volumes
4.3.3 Eco-Toxicology Scrutiny Slowing Isoxazoline Approvals
4.3.4 API Supply Disruptions in Benzimidazole Manufacturing Hubs
4.4 Supply-Chain Analysis
4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes
4.5.5 Competitive Rivalry
5 Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value, USD)
5.1 By Drug Type
5.1.1 Anthelmintics
5.1.1.1 Benzimidazoles
5.1.1.2 Macrocyclic Lactones
5.1.1.3 Imidazothiazoles
5.1.1.4 Other Anthelmintics
5.1.2 Antiprotozoals
5.1.3 Antimalarials
5.1.3.1 ACTs
5.1.3.2 Nitroimidazoles
5.1.3.3 Other Antimalarials
5.1.4 Others
5.2 By Route of Administration
5.2.1 Oral
5.2.2 Injectable
5.2.3 Topical & Implants
5.3 By Distribution Channel
5.3.1 Hospital Pharmacy
5.3.2 Retail Pharmacy
5.3.3 Online Pharmacy
5.4 By End-User
5.4.1 Hospitals
5.4.2 Clinics
5.4.3 Home-Care Settings
5.5 By Geography (Value)
5.5.1 North America
5.5.1.1 United States
5.5.1.2 Canada
5.5.1.3 Mexico
5.5.2 Europe
5.5.2.1 Germany
5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
5.5.2.3 France
5.5.2.4 Italy
5.5.2.5 Spain
5.5.2.6 Rest of Europe
5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
5.5.3.1 China
5.5.3.2 India
5.5.3.3 Japan
5.5.3.4 Australia
5.5.3.5 South Korea
5.5.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.5.4 Middle East & Africa
5.5.4.1 GCC
5.5.4.2 South Africa
5.5.4.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa
5.5.5 South America
5.5.5.1 Brazil
5.5.5.2 Argentina
5.5.5.3 Rest of South America
6 Competitive Landscape
6.1 Market Concentration
6.2 Competitive Benchmarking
6.3 Market Share Analysis
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)
6.4.1 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals
6.4.2 Alkem Laboratories Limited
6.4.3 Bayer AG
6.4.4 Cipla Ltd
6.4.5 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
6.4.6 Fresenius Kabi
6.4.7 GSK plc
6.4.8 Ipca Laboratories Ltd
6.4.9 J.B. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited
6.4.10 Johnson & Johnson
6.4.11 Lupin Ltd
6.4.12 Mankind Pharma Ltd
6.4.13 Merck & Co., Inc.
6.4.14 Novartis AG
6.4.15 Pfizer Inc.
6.4.16 Sanofi S.A.
6.4.17 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
6.4.18 Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
6.4.19 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
6.4.20 Zydus Lifesciences Ltd
7 Market Opportunities & Future Outlook
7.1 White-space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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