Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market is Segmented By Medication (Polyenes (Natamycin , Amphotericin B), Azoles (Voriconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole , Fluconazole, Itraconazole), Fluorinated Pyrimidines), By Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, Intravenous), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy),  and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Overview

Global Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market reached US$ YY billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ YY million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of YY% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Fungal keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea, which can lead to blindness. It generally presents with a red, painful eye and blurred vision. It is an infective process of the cornea caused by any of the multiple pathologic fungi capable of invading the ocular surface. 

It is most typically a slow, relentless disease that must be differentiated from other types of corneal conditions with similar presentation, especially its bacterial counterpart, which accounts for the majority of microbial corneal infections. Flavus and A. fumigatus are the most common types of Aspergillus to cause fungal keratitis.

Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Scope

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Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Market Dynamics

The increasing burden of fungal keratitis

The increasing burden of fungal keratitis acts as a significant driver for market growth. Fungal keratitis is an important eye infection, especially in outdoor workers. In most cases, eye trauma, corticosteroid use, or contact lens usage are predisposing factors. Topical drugs are commonly used to treat fungal keratitis and surgery might be required in some rare cases.

For instance, In the United States, warmer regions in the south such as Florida, have a higher frequency of fungal keratitis than cooler regions in the north. In the United States, the most often isolated species causing fungal infections are Fusarium, Candida, and Aspergillus.

Additionally, according to the National Institute of Health Report 2022, male young adults had a higher incidence of fungal keratitis, which can be related to their increased outdoor activity and trauma history. Over 60% of the Chinese patients with fungal keratitis in this major study were male, and over 75% were in the 30- to 60-year-old age range.

Also, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the prevalence varies by region and is highest in South India (36.7% of corneal ulcers) but is also common in West India (36.3%) and East India (26.4%).  Fungal keratitis is a much less common cause of corneal ulcers in Northern India (7.3%).

Furthermore, significant growth drivers such as the growing awareness of fungal keratitis, and increasing clinical trials for treatment drugs are expected to drive the market in the forecast period.

Side effects associated with treatment drugs

Treatment drug such as Amphotericin B also interacts with cholesterol in human cell membranes, which is responsible for its toxicity. The most common side effects of amphotericin B include loss of potassium, loss of magnesium, nephrotoxicity, fevers, and anaphylaxis. Hence, the above factors are expected to hamper the market growth. 

Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Segment Analysis

The global fungal keratitis market is segmented based on medication, route of administration, distribution channel and region.

Medication accounted for approximately 56.7% of the market share. 

Fungal keratitis can be treated with prescription antifungal medicine for several months. Natamycin is currently considered the most effective medication against Fusarium and Aspergillus. Medications are expected to hold the largest market share over the period forecast owing to increasing new clinical trials and various research and developments for treatment drugs. 

For instance, according to clinicaltrials.com, on November 5, 2021, the University of California, San Francisco conducted a clinical trial on rose bengal electromagnetic activation with green light for acanthamoeba keratitis and fungal keratitis infection reduction. It is currently in phase 3 and the expected study completion date is July 2025. 

Additionally, the Phase 2/Phase 3 study on Combination Treatment of 1% Voriconazole and 5% Natamycin in Fungal Keratitis was finished at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute in India using a randomized double-masked clinical trial.

Global Fungal Keratitis Treatment Market Geographical Share

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global fungal keratitis treatment market share

The global fungal keratitis treatment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa. 

North America has maintained a significant market proportion due to factors such as the rising prevalence of fungal keratitis, and increasing healthcare expenditure, this trend is anticipated to continue throughout the forecast period.

For instance, the incidence of fungal keratitis varies according to geographic location and ranges from 2% of keratitis cases in New York to 35% in warm weather Florida. Also, in Toronto, Candida had been the most common species over a 20-year period and the poor clinical outcome was associated with low presenting visual acuity and previous corneal transplant.

Additionally, there are more than 900,000 physician visits and 58,000 emergency visits related to keratitis and contact lens use in the US, accounting for an estimated expenditure of around $175 million dollar in health care. Thus, owing to the above factors, it is expected to drive the region's growth.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global fungal keratitis treatment market. The onset of the pandemic in early 2020 led to widespread lockdowns and restrictions, impacting regular diagnoses, treatments, drug launches, and consultations worldwide. With the outbreak of the pandemic, many pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing units faced labor shortages and were unable to travel to work due to lockdown restrictions. Therefore, owing to the above factors, the fungal keratitis treatment market is expected to be moderately affected over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Harrow Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cayman Chemical Company, Matinas BioPharma Hldgs, Gilead Sciences Inc., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Xellia ApS, Merck KGaA, Pfizer Inc. among others.

Key Developments

• In July 2023, Harrow acquired Santen’s branded ophthalmic portfolio that includes U.S. and Canadian Commercial Rights to FLAREX, NATACYN, TOBRADEX ST, VERKAZIA, ZERVIATE, and Non-Prescription Brands FRESHKOTE and Cationorm PLUS.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global fungal keratitis market segmentation based on medication, route of administration, distribution channel, and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of fungal keratitis market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global fungal keratitis market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 63 figures, and 185 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies