The global hospital infection therapeutics market size was exhibited at USD 12.77 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 15.86 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.19% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.
Hospital infections, also known as nosocomial infections, occur in a hospital setting and are not present or incubating before the patient's admission. Hospital infections can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These infections can range from mild to severe, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even death.
The hospital infection therapeutics market is focused on developing and selling drugs and treatments that target these infections. The market is driven by the growing incidence of hospital infections, increasing demand for effective treatment options, and the rising awareness of the need to prevent hospital infections.
Report Coverage | Details |
Market Size in 2024 | USD 13.05 Billion |
Market Size by 2033 | USD 15.86 Billion |
Growth Rate From 2024 to 2033 | CAGR of 2.19% |
Base Year | 2023 |
Forecast Period | 2024-2033 |
Segments Covered | By Drug Type and By Applications |
Market Analysis (Terms Used) | Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units) |
Regional Scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central and South America; the Middle East and Africa |
Key Companies Profiled | Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, AbbVie Inc., Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Allergan Plc., AstraZeneca and Others.. |
Increasing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
Hospital-acquired infections refer to infections acquired during hospitalization, often due to exposure to pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These infections can be challenging to treat and, in some cases, can lead to severe complications or even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HAIs affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide every year, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
In the United States alone, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately one in 31 hospital patients has an HAI, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in additional healthcare costs each year. As a result, there is a growing demand for effective treatments and preventive measures for HAIs.
This has led to increased investment in the research and development of new therapeutics and technologies to prevent and treat hospital infections. Additionally, regulatory agencies and healthcare organizations worldwide have introduced guidelines and initiatives to reduce the incidence of HAIs, further stimulating the growth of the hospital infection therapeutics Market.
Rising demand for advanced healthcare facilities
As healthcare facilities evolve and improve, the demand for advanced hospital infection therapeutics is also increasing. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are investing in advanced infection control technologies and solutions, which require advanced therapeutics to be effective. Moreover, the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries and procedures drives the demand for hospital infection therapeutics, as these procedures carry a high risk of infection.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a significant concern for the hospital infection therapeutics market as it limits the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it challenging to treat hospital-acquired infections. This is a global issue that affects both developed and developing countries.
The development of new antibiotics is slow, costly, and often not financially attractive for pharmaceutical companies, which creates a gap in the market for effective treatments. Additionally, regulatory agencies have become more stringent in their approval process for new antibiotics due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which significantly hinder the development and commercialization of new drugs.
Technological advancements
The technological advancements in diagnostics, drug delivery, and treatment monitoring are expected to create ample opportunity for the hospital infection therapeutics market. For instance, the development of rapid diagnostic tests and point-of-care devices helps healthcare professionals to quickly diagnose and treat hospital-acquired infections, which leads to better patient outcomes and reduces the risk of spreading infections.
Additionally, telemedicine and digital health platforms improve patient access to healthcare services and enable remote monitoring of patients with hospital-acquired infections. Moreover, the emergence of new drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, improves drug efficacy and reduces toxicity, enhancing hospital infection therapeutics' effectiveness.
Therefore, technological advancements create new opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative products and services that meet the growing demand for effective hospital infection therapeutics.
Antibiotics drugs dominated the hospital infection therapeutics market, representing the largest share due to their widespread use in managing HAIs such as BSIs, pneumonia, and SSIs. Penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and glycopeptides are commonly prescribed in hospital settings. The ability of antibiotics to provide rapid bacterial eradication makes them indispensable in emergency and ICU environments. Innovations such as beta-lactamase inhibitors and dual-action formulations have further strengthened this segment’s dominance.
Conversely, antifungal drugs are the fastest-growing segment, driven by the increase in fungal infections among immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Conditions like candidiasis and aspergillosis are becoming increasingly prevalent in hospital settings, necessitating potent antifungal agents. Drugs like echinocandins and azoles are seeing wider adoption, and research into novel antifungal classes, including ibrexafungerp, is expanding the market horizon.
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) hold the largest market share in the hospital infection therapeutics sector. These infections often arise from central venous catheters and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The critical nature of BSIs demands prompt therapeutic intervention, typically with broad-spectrum antibiotics followed by targeted treatment based on blood culture sensitivity. Drugs like vancomycin and linezolid are standard treatments, and the frequency of these infections in ICUs makes this segment highly lucrative.
In contrast, pneumonia is the fastest-growing application segment, particularly hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Patients on mechanical ventilation are highly susceptible to pneumonia caused by pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are often multidrug-resistant. The urgency for effective therapies has led to a rise in the use of inhaled antibiotics, combination regimens, and newer agents such as ceftazidime-avibactam, boosting the growth of this segment.
North America remains the dominant region in the hospital infection therapeutics market, primarily due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, robust pharmaceutical industry, and high awareness regarding infection control. The United States leads the region with stringent infection surveillance programs led by the CDC and widespread use of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Major pharmaceutical companies headquartered in this region—like Pfizer, Merck & Co., and Gilead—continue to pioneer new anti-infective therapies, reinforcing regional leadership.
Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, attributed to rising hospitalization rates, increased awareness of HAIs, and growing healthcare investments. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are witnessing a surge in HAIs, compelling governments and private sectors to invest in therapeutics. Moreover, supportive regulatory frameworks, local manufacturing capabilities, and a burgeoning generic pharmaceutical industry contribute to the rapid expansion of this region’s market.
In February 2025, Gilead Sciences announced Phase III trial results for a novel antifungal agent, demonstrating superior efficacy in treating invasive candidiasis, expanding its hospital infection portfolio.
Merck & Co., in January 2025, received FDA approval for a new combination antibiotic targeting complicated intra-abdominal infections in hospitalized patients.
Pfizer, in November 2024, launched a new awareness campaign in collaboration with the CDC to promote antimicrobial stewardship across U.S. hospitals.
Astellas Pharma, in October 2024, entered a joint venture with a South Korean biotech firm to develop next-generation antivirals for respiratory infections common in ICU patients.
In August 2024, Shionogi & Co. secured EU marketing authorization for its new cephalosporin antibiotic, designed specifically for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
Roche, in March 2025, unveiled its AI-driven diagnostic tool that enables rapid detection of resistant pathogens, allowing for timely and precise therapeutic interventions.
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global hospital infection therapeutics market.
By Drug Type
By Applications
By Region