Anti-Infectives and Antimicrobials Review and Outlook 2011

submitted by Albert Gomez

pharmalive.com - July 2011

Steady Growth Anticipated

The global market for anti-infective drugs is anticipated to exceed $100 billion by 2015, driven by significant unmet needs, growing patient populations, better diagnostics, and innovative new drugs. Because viruses mutate rapidly and acquire drug resistance, the antiviral pipeline needs to be continuously replenished with better treatments. 

Six infectious diseases account for half of all premature deaths worldwide: pneumonia, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, malaria, measles, and HIV/AIDS. Antimicrobials have been the standard for treating infectious diseases for more than 70 years and have greatly reduced illness and death from such diseases.

The market for antimicrobial dressings is estimated to be more than $200 million in the United States. This segment is predicted to have an annual growth rate of more than 15% during the next five years to reach more than $750 million.

Prophylactic antimicrobial and anti-infective agents are poised to experience the most growth. Surgical-site infections top 500,000 cases each year. MRSA infections cause more deaths each year than HIV/AIDS. Dressings that can guard or cause a barrier to pathogens without fostering additional drug-resistant strain bacteria offer huge potential for growth in this market.

Revolutionary Products

Derma Sciences, in collaboration with QuickMed Technologies, released Bioguard Barrier Dressings to the market in 2010 for prophylactic use and managing infections. Bioguard Conforming Bandages virtually eradicate pathogens within the dressing, helping to prevent wound infections and reduce cross-contamination.

Optimer Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval in May 2011 for its antibacterial drug Dificid tablets. These tablets are indicated for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in patients 18 years of age or older.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class, anti-infective Aganocide compounds for the topical treatment and prevention of antibiotic-resistant infections. NovaBay is developing commercial opportunities for its Aganocide portfolio of anti-infectives in four healthcare markets: dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, and hospital infections. Each of these contain patient populations that are poorly served or have no FDA-approved treatments available.

http://www.pharmalive.com/special_reports/details.cfm?reportID=353