As Global Fungal Infections Soar, Market for Antifungals Heads for $7 Billion

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As Global Fungal Infections Soar, Market for Antifungals Heads for

$7 Billion

http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?

articleid=422070 & categoryid=10

NEW YORK, March 08, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- While the escalating

incidence of worldwide fungal infections may be an unintended

consequence of over-prescribing antibiotics that eliminate fungal-

killing bacteria when combined with the increase in individuals with

compromised immune systems, fungal infections -- now the third most

common hospital acquired infection with more than one billion people

suffering on a global scale -- are borderline epidemic.

Consequently, within five years rampant fungal infections will lead

to an over $7 billion prescription and OTC antifungal market to

combat these infections, according to Anti-Infectives: World Market,

2nd. Ed., Vol. I: Antifungals, a new report from medical market

research firm Kalorama Information.

Estimated at $5.8 billion in 2006, sales of antifungals slowed from

their peak in 2004 when they reached $5.9 billion. Product sales in

both systemic and topical market segments have faced increased

generic competition, which has limited sales growth in both

segments. However, the market is forecast to increase in product

demand and new drug development sales, growing by a CAGR of 4.1%

from 2006 to 2001.

The systemic segment -- including both oral and parenteral

medications -- which currently accounts for nearly 73% of the

market, is expected reach $5.4 billion in sales by 2011. Growth will

likely be due to continued increases in the incidence of fungal

conditions.

" We've certainly seen progress in the expanded use of the azoles

class of antifungals, and there is promise in the potential of

advances in infection imaging, yet industry-wide issues abound, "

notes Elder, the report's author. " Drug interactions and

resistance are widespread and reimbursement issues continue to

plague patients who seek relief from their suffering and often have

to go through several courses of different antifungals to eradicate

infections resisting treatment in their immune-compromised bodies. "

Anti-Infectives: World Market, 2nd. Ed., Vol. I: Antifungals

includes a review of products currently used and in development, in-

depth profiles of leading competitors, key issues and trends, and

U.S. and world incidence of fungal infections with associated sales

forecasts. It can be purchased directly from Kalorama Information by

visiting http://www.kaloramainformation.com/pub/1399435.html. It is

also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Kalorama Information

Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the

latest in independent market research on medical markets. For more

information, contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014 or , or visit

www.KaloramaInformation.com. tehart@...

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240-747-3014

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