Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market Expected to Reach $2,126.91 Million by 2031—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market," The herpes simplex virus treatment market size was valued at $1,724.27 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach $2,126.91 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.1% from 2022 to 2031.  

Herpes is spread by close contact with an infected person by both saliva and skin. If a person develops sores, he/she is most likely to spread the herpes simplex virus to others. However, even if person is symptomless, he/she has the potential to infect others. The symptoms of herpes simplex virus (HSV) can vary depending on the type of herpes. Common symptoms of herpes simplex virus include blisters or sores, burning or itching, flu-like symptoms, and painful urination.   

Once a person is infected with the virus, it remains in the body for life and can cause outbreaks of painful blisters or sores. There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Some common antiviral medications used to treat herpes include Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Penciclovir, and Famciclovir.  

Increase in prevalence of herpes simplex virus drives the growth of global herpes simplex virus treatment market. Herpes simplex virus is a common infection affecting a large number of people worldwide. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 were infected with HSV-1, and over 400 million people were infected with HSV-2. This high prevalence of herpes simplex virus infection is a driving factor for the growth of the herpes simplex virus treatment market.  

The surge in prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HSV infections, is driving demand for STIs testing and treatment. In addition, increase in awareness of the importance of sexual health is leading to increased demand for HSV treatments, as patients seek to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission are the upcoming herpes simplex virus treatment market trends. This has reduced the stigma associated with HSV infections and has led to increase in demand for treatments that helps to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. In addition, some governments are taking initiative to increase awareness about sexually transmitted infections and improve access to healthcare, which is driving the growth of the market for herpes simplex virus treatment market forecast. 

Depending on type, the herpes simplex virus treatment market analysis is classified into herpes simplex virus-1 infection and herpes simplex virus-2 infection. The herpes simplex virus-1 segment contributed the herpes simplex virus treatment market share in 2021, and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period, owing to higher prevalence of herpes simplex virus-1 infection. However, the herpes simplex virus-2 infection segment exhibited highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to rise in the prevalence of herpes simplex virus infection-2 infection.   

Depending on drug class, the market is divided into acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. The valacyclovir segment accounted for the largest herpes simplex virus treatment market share in 2021. This is attributed to rise in demand for valacyclovir drug as it is an effective drug for herpes simplex virus infections, and reduces duration and severity of infection.  

Depending on distribution channel, the market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and online providers. The drug stores & retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2021, and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period, owing to availability of medications, including antivirals, which are the primary methods of treatment for herpes simplex virus infections in drug stores & retail pharmacies. However, the online providers segment exhibited the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to availability of a herpes simplex virus drug such as acyclovir and valacyclovir on e-commerce platforms which helps patients buy products at ease.  

Region wise, North America held the largest share in the global herpes simplex virus treatment market size in 2021, owing to strong presence of key players, ease of drug availability, well developed healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies in healthcare system, higher number of R&D activities and rise in awareness about early diagnosis of disease and treatment. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to increase in health awareness, development in healthcare infrastructure, rise in prevalence of herpes simplex virus, and surge in awareness about early diagnosis and treatment for herpes simplex virus. 

Key findings of the study  

• By type, the herpes simplex virus-1 infection segment was highest contributor to the herpes simplex virus treatment industry in 2021.  
• By drug, the valacyclovir segment highest contributor to the herpes simplex virus treatment industry in 2021.    
• By distribution channel, the drug stores & retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2021, and is expected to grow at a CAGR during the forecast period.  
• Region wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2021. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.