Hydroxychloroquine Market Size Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking By Drug Type (Anti-malarial Hydroxychloroquine Drug, Anti-rheumatic Hydroxychloroquine Drug, Lupus Suppressant Hydroxychloroquine Drug, Anti COVID 19 Hydroxychloroquine Drug)- Global Review 2021 to 2031

Market Snapshot

Global sales of hydroxychloroquine are expected to reach US$ 3.6 Bn in 2021. Fact.MR still the hydroxychloroquine market to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 4% across the 2021-2031 forecast period. Demand is expected to emerge the strongest in the anti-malarial segment, clocking a CAGR of 5% across the forecast period.

Key Points Addressed in Hydroxychloroquine Industry Analysis

• Market Estimates and Forecasts (2016-2031)
• Key Drivers and Restraints Shaping Market Growth
• Segment-wise, Country-wise, and Region-wise Analysis
• Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
• Brand Share and Market Share Analysis
• Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
• COVID-19 Impact on Hydroxychloroquine and How to Navigate
• Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies

Hydroxychloroquine Consumption Analysis 2016-2020 vs. Outlook 2021-2031

According to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, from 2016 to 2020, the global market for hydroxychloroquine exhibited a CAGR of around 3%. Applications to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, discoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and more.

The market received significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous clinical trials undertaken by pharmaceutical companies to develop a potential antiviral oral medicine. Key players such as Novartis, Sanofi, and Zydus Cadila invested copious funds to sanction various clinical trials to verify hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness.

However, a few months into the studies revealed no significant impact of the drug on patients, prompting a cessation of all research funding. However, the quest for eradicating diseases such as malaria and lupus are keeping growth prospects elevated. Based on aforementioned trends, global demand for hydroxychloroquine is poised to reach US$ 5.3 Bn by the end of the 2021-2031 forecast period.

Increasing Burden of Malaria Providing Traction to Hydroxychloroquine Consumption?

In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. As per the report, the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 409,000, with children aged below 5 years being the most vulnerable. Total funding for malaria control and elimination reached US$ 3 billion in the same year.

A significant portion of this funding was directed towards providing anti-malarial medicines and funding more research on developing powerful drugs. These factors have played an instrumental role in augmenting demand for hydroxychloroquine drugs.

To achieve global eradication, the W.H.O has initiated the Global Malaria Programme (GMP), which is responsible for coordinating global efforts to control and eliminate this disease. Hence, production of hydroxychloroquine will surge manifold in the upcoming decade.

How did the Quest for Finding a Cure for COVID-19 Heighten HCQ Prospects?

In response to the emergence of novel viruses, the medical industry decided to employ HCQ drugs to treat them. Even though researchers were unsure of COVID-19's results, they decided to treat it with HCQs or azithromycin.

Researchers used an interrupted time series (ITS) design, analyzing sales of antibiotics used with azithromycin alone or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in India's private healthcare sector. For instance, a clinical trial was conducted by Utah Health in Salt Lake City to test the effectiveness of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine. 300 patients were included in the first trial that suspected COVID-19. Several patients were treated with azithromycin or hydroxychloroquine to determine whether they changed the severity of COVID-19. Researchers tested both drugs and determined which one reduced hospitalization rates among outpatients.

30 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 confirmed in February 2020 were included in a study at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center in China. Patients in the experimental group received 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine daily in addition to standard care for five days, whereas control group patients received only standard care. No substitute was used. Although mortality rates were statistically similar, the researchers found that viral loads had decreased.

Country-wise Analysis

What is the market situation for hydroxychloroquine in U.S market?

Amid rising prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients, the U.S is experiencing an upward sloping curve for hydroxychloroquine drugs in recent years. The country accounted for 30% of systemic lupus erythematosus in 2019, thus impelling consumption of HCQ.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, numerous clinical trials attempted to advocate hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness in alleviating the adverse effects of the pandemic. However, the trials were suspended from June 2020, with the Food & Drug Administration revoking emergency use authorization to use HCQ in certain hospitalized patients.

In spite of this, hydroxychloroquine usage is expected to remain elevated, especially for treating malaria, the incidence of which has spiked in the U.S. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that about 2,000 cases are detected annually in the U.S. Fact.MR expects the country to account for over 1/3rd of the global revenue through 2031.

Why is India an Emergent Market for Hydroxychloroquine?

India is touted to emerge as one of the most opportunistic markets for hydroxychloroquine in the future. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) projects that the country accounts for 70% of the global hydroxychloroquine supply, with a production capacity of 40 tons per month.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfurled, the country experienced a 100% year-over-year increase in production, driven by a short-term spurt in demand, particularly from the U.S, based on preliminary investigations about the possible positive impact of the drug on infected patients.

However, the primary growth driver is expected to be the increased prevalence of malaria. Severe Malaria Observatory states that close to 1.3 billion people are at elevated risk of contracting malaria, accounting for 2% of the global burden of the disease. Fact.MR expects the market to account for 60% of global HCQ demand in until 2031.

Category-wise Insights

How has Hydroxychloroquine been used as a Lupus Suppressant?

Hydroxychloroquine infused drug formulations are extensively deployed to treat lupus, helping alleviate pain and inflammation, preventing lupus flares and assisting in lupus skin problems, and lowering dosage of other lupus medicines.

Most people with lupus are required to consume hydroxychloroquine throughout their lives, as there are minimal documented side effects. In addition, the drug is effective in preventing blood clots and organ damage from lupus. Fact.MR expects the segment to expand at around 4.5% CAGR through 2031

Why are Hydroxychloroquine Drugs Preferred as Anti-Malarials?

While the precise anti-malarial action mechanism of hydroxychloroquine are not completely clear, it is known to block the detoxification process in the Plasmodium parasite. The drug attacks either the lysosome or nucleus of the protozoan, effectively eliminating it from the body.

The drug is typically ingested 1 to 2 weeks prior to traveling to an area where malaria is highly prevalent. According to Fact.MR, the anti-malarial segment is anticipated to register a growth rate of around 5% from 2021-2031.

Competitive Landscape

Strategic collaborations enable manufacturers to increase production and meet consumer demand which will increase revenue and market share. New products and technologies will enable end-users to benefit from products that are eco-friendly by nature.

• On March 5th, 2021, Aspen Pharmaceutical Corporation received R $20 million from BNDES in connection with its hydroxychloroquine manufacturing. A total of R $ 153 million was invested in research activities and expanded production capacity by the company in 2020 as part of two loan agreements with BNDES. Two firms had already reached several agreements concerning the manufacture of drugs on the market.
• In July 2021, Sanofi and Asahi Kasei Pharma signed a license agreement to transfer sales rights for Plaquenil tablets 200 mg, an immunomodulator in Japan. The merger centered on treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus in Japan. Upon the execution of the agreement, the company will transfer the marketing rights to Plaquenil® to Asahi Kasei Pharma on October 1, 2021

Report Scope

Key Segments Covered

• Drug Type

  • Anti-malarial Hydroxychloroquine Drug
  • Anti-rheumatic Hydroxychloroquine Drug
  • Lupus Suppressant Hydroxychloroquine Drug
  • Anti COVID 19 Hydroxychloroquine Drug
  • Other Hydroxychloroquine Drugs