Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The herpes simplex virus treatment market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.12% during the forecast period.

Herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a common illness that can result in painful blisters or ulcers. Oral herpes and cold sores are two common illnesses caused by Type 1 (HSV-1) that are mostly transmitted through oral contact. The majority of people have HSV-1 infection. Genital herpes is caused by type 2 (HSV-2) and is transmitted during intercourse. It might be upsetting to experience recurrent oral or genital herpes symptoms. Additionally, genital herpes may affect sexual relationships and be stigmatizing.

Growth drivers for Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Market

The increased frequency of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, the accessibility of antiviral drugs, and the rise in antiviral resistance are some of the factors propelling the expansion of the herpes simplex virus treatment industry. Further driving herpes simplex virus treatment market expansion are technological developments in research and diagnostics, as well as the creation of vaccines and topical microbicides as preventative measures. The market for HSV therapy is expanding due to several factors, including rising patient awareness, the incorporation of telemedicine and digital health, shifting demographics, continuous research and development initiatives, and herpes simplex virus treatment market expansion in developing nations.

Growing prevalence of herpes simplex virus

As per the World Health Organization estimates published in April 2023, the primary source of oral herpes, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, is thought to affect 3.7 billion persons under 50 (67%) worldwide. The primary cause of genital herpes, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, affects an estimated 491 million persons aged 15 to 49 globally (13%). The majority of herpes infections are asymptomatic or go undiagnosed, but painful blisters or ulcers that might eventually reoccur are signs of herpes. The risk of contracting and spreading HIV infection is elevated in individuals with HSV-2 infection.

Increasing emphasis on herpes simplex virus treatment

The growing awareness of possible medications for the treatment is fueling the herpes simplex virus treatment market. First-time or recurring herpes outbreaks are frequently treated with medications. They cannot eliminate the illness, but they can lessen its severity and duration. When treatment for recurring episodes is initiated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, the best results are achieved. Commonly prescribed antiviral medications include valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir. Those who have excruciating pain or recurring outbreaks often, or who wish to reduce their risk of spreading herpes to others, are frequently advised to seek treatment. Medication for soreness pain management includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Medications such as lidocaine and benzocaine might be used to numb the afflicted region.

Increasing R&D initiatives

The chronic nature, broad incidence, and viral latency of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections make research and development (R&D) efforts for HSV therapy imperative. Research into latent virus reservoirs, antiviral resistance, and the development of more potent antiviral medications are all ongoing. Recent research studies have shown that HSV replication requires certain cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKS). There are many ways that pharmacological CDK inhibitors (PCIs) might stop HSV-1 infection. The PCIs halt the production of viral DNA and the immediate, and early stimulation of gene expression.

Growing utilization of virologic tests

Since HSV may be detected from vaginal ulcers or other mucocutaneous lesions, HSV NAAT assays are the most sensitive diagnostics; they are becoming more and more accessible. Although there are several FDA-cleared assays for HSV detection, their sensitivity ranges from 90.9% to 100%. Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and systemic diseases (such as meningitis, encephalitis, and newborn herpes) are also best diagnosed by PCR. However, blood HSV PCR testing should not be used to detect genital herpes infections unless there is a risk of a widespread infection (for example, hepatitis). In these situations, the sole virologic test available is viral culture.

Improvement in diagnostic technologies

The accuracy and efficacy of herpes simplex virus (HSV) detection and therapy have been completely transformed by developments in diagnostic technology. Rapid and accurate findings are provided by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, including point-of-care solutions, which help with early diagnosis and treatment commencement. The history of a patient's exposure is established by serological testing, and the types of viruses and possible resistance to antivirals are revealed by genetic sequencing methods. Microfluidics and biosensors are examples of emerging technologies that show promise for even quicker and more affordable diagnostics.

The herpes simplex virus treatment market in the North American region is anticipated to grow steadily.

Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, are the mainstay of the herpes simplex virus treatment market in North America. These drugs are intended to control and lessen the symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2. While suppressive therapy entails taking antiviral medicine every day to lessen the frequency and severity of recurring outbreaks, episodic therapy is used to treat symptoms during outbreaks. Reducing the risk of transmission requires preventive measures, such as safe sexual practices and talking to partners about HSV status.

Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment Clinical Trials

• In September 2023, the National Institutes of Health unveiled the Strategic Plan for Herpes Simplex Virus Research in response to the ongoing health risks posed by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2. The strategy was prepared by an NIH-wide HSV Working Group, which took into account input from over 100 members of the advocacy and scientific sectors as well as interested public stakeholders.
• In December 2022, BNT163, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine candidate for the prevention of vaginal lesions caused by HSV-2 and maybe HSV-1, was dosed to the first patient in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical research project, according to a statement released by BioNTech SE. The trial (NCT05432583) assessed BNT163's immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability.

Market Key Developments

• In May 2023, Vyjuvek, a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vector-based gene therapy, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat wounds in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) who have mutations in the collagen type VII alpha 1 chain (COL7A1) gene and are at least six months of age.
• In February 2023, CIBINQO® (abrocitinib) had a broader indication as the FDA approved Pfizer Inc.'s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). This allows adolescents (12 to <18 years old) with refractory, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) whose disease is not adequately controlled with other systemic drug products, including biologics, or when use of those therapies is not advised.

Segmentation:

By Treatment

• Herpes Simplex Virus-1
• Herpes Simplex Virus-2

By Drug

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Others

By End-User

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others