October 2024
The echinocandin B market size was estimated at US$ 44.60 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 79.54 million by 2034, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2034. The increasing incidences of fungal infections, growing research and development, and increasing investments drive the market.
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Echinocandin B is a naturally occurring cyclic lipopeptide with a linoleoyl side chain belonging to the class of antifungal agents. It inhibits the synthesis of β-(1,3)-D-glucan, a major component of the fungal cell wall. Echinocandin B is a fermentation product of Aspergillus nidulans. Caspofungin, Micafungin, and Anidulafungin are antifungal drugs that are synthetically derived from echinocandin B.
The increasing incidences of fungal infections and growing research and development drive the market. More than one billion people in the world are affected by fungal infections annually. The demand for new drugs to treat fungal infections promotes the market. In addition, the increasing number of clinical trials and investments increase the demand for echinocandin B. The rising demand for natural compounds as active drug molecules potentiates the market.
In October 2023, Biosynth announced the acquisition of Pepceuticals, a British synthetic peptides manufacturer. The acquisition will strengthen Biosynth’s position in the market by acquiring the multi-kilogram good manufacturing practice (GMP) facilities and fill/finish capabilities of Pepceuticals.
In August 2023, Sandoz announced the acquisition of worldwide brand rights for the leading systemic antifungal drug Mycamine (micafungin sodium) from Astellas. The acquisition was made to reinforce Sandoz's global hospital offering and leading anti-infectives portfolio significantly. The sales of Mycamine were found to be $105 million for the year ending March 31, 2023.
Echinocandins are the first molecules approved for the treatment of fungal infections. Echinocandin B is a form of echinocandin. The urge for natural products as drugs increases the demand for echinocandins as anti-fungal agents. Researchers are developing novel derivatives of echinocandins to increase the potency of natural derivatives. Research is also developing novel drug delivery systems for targeted delivery and sustained release of echinocandin B in the body. Additionally, the role of echinocandin B in treating other disorders, such as viral disorders, is being studied. Since echinocandin B is extracted through the fermentation process from the fungus Aspergillus nidulans, novel methods are derived to ease the process of extraction of echinocandin B.
The major challenge of echinocandin B is its resistance to fungal organisms. Fungal species like Cryptococcus, Trichosporon, and zygomycetes are resistant to echinocandins. They also show weak activity against yeast forms of Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Coccidiodes. This reduces the biological effect of echinocandins on humans, limiting its use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, echinocandin resistance is a concerning clinical and public health threat, particularly when coupled with resistance to azole and amphotericin B.
North America dominated the echinocandin B market in 2023. The state-of-the-art research and development facilities, increasing incidences of fungal infections, and increasing incidences & collaborations drive the market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, ringworm, nail infections, and vaginal yeast are the most common fungal diseases in the US. It has been reported that pharmaceutical companies in the US and Canada invested around 14% to 50% of their revenues in pharmaceutical R&D activities. This promotes novel drug discovery and development, potentiating the echinocandin B market. Rezafungin was the recently approved drug for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis. Additionally, increasing investments & collaborations and the presence of key players augment the market growth.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow fastest in the echinocandin B market during the forecast period. The rising geriatric population, increasing incidences of fungal infections, and growing research & development activities drive the market. Around 182 Candida auris-associated hospitalizations and outbreaks were reported in China in 2023, compared with 33 in 2022. In India, more than 57 million people are affected by fungal diseases annually. The rising incidences of fungal infections demand the development of novel echinocandin B analogs for their treatment. The market is also driven by favorable infrastructure for manufacturing and increasing investments. The increasing number of clinical trials and patents augment the market.
By type, the powder segment held a dominant presence in the echinocandin B market in 2023. The demand for echinocandin B powder is higher due to its stability and ease of storage and transportation. Powders are comparatively lighter than liquids; hence, they are easily packaged and require less transportation costs. Powders can be dissolved in water and then consumed by the patients. The liquid segment is expected to grow fastest in the echinocandin B market during the forecast period. Liquids increase patient medication adherence as they are easily swallowed by children and the geriatric population. Echinocandin B is obtained in a liquid form through the fermentation process, eliminating the need for further extraction into powder form.
By application, the antifungal drugs segment dominated the echinocandin B market in 2023. The main application of echinocandin B is the treatment of fungal infections. Echinocandin B disrupts the formation of fungal cell walls by inhibiting the synthesis of β-(1,3)-D-glucan, a component of the cell wall. The increasing incidences of fungal infections boost the segment growth. The drug development segment is estimated to expand rapidly in the echinocandin B market over the coming years. The growing research and development activities and increasing investments in R&D activities potentiate the growth of the market. Echinocandin B is modified to develop its synthetic analog with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
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October 2024
October 2024
October 2024
October 2024
Deepa has certified the degree of Master’s in Pharmacy in the Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance department from Dr D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy. Her research is focused on the healthcare industry. She is the author or co-author of four Review Articles, which include Solid dispersion a strategic method for poorly soluble drugs and solubility improvement techniques for poorly soluble drugs, Herbal Drugs Used In Treatment Of Cataracts, Nano sponges And Their Application in Cancer Prevention and Ayurvedic Remedies of Peptic ulcer. She has also published a Research Article on the Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Tablets of Miconazole cocrystal which was published in GIS Science Journal Volume 9 Issue 8. Her passion for secondary research and desire to take on the challenge of solving unresolved issues is making her flourish is the in the research sector.