Prescription Drugs Segment, by Type to Account Largest Share in Bacterial Vaginosis Drug Market during 2024-2031

According to our new research study on "Bacterial Vaginosis Drug Market Forecast to 2031 - Global Analysis - by Type, Route of Administration, Dosage Form, Distribution Channel, and Geography," the market was valued at US$ 2.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 3.82 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 8.3% during 2024-2031. Rising prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, and the increased focus on developing novel and targeted therapies are contributing to the growing bacterial vaginosis drug market size. However, the high recurrence rate and treatment adherence challenges hampers the bacterial vaginosis drug market growth. Further, rising inclination toward microbiome therapies and probiotics are expected to bring in new bacterial vaginosis drug market trends in the coming years.

Bacterial Vaginosis Drug Market Analysis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition experienced by women of childbearing age, which is generally caused by changes in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina. BV is characterized by a decrease in Lactobacillus species and increase in anaerobic bacteria such as Urea plasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Prevotella species. Activities such as unprotected sexual intercourse and frequent douching further increase the risk of BV. Common symptoms of the condition include abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. According to the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology article published in ScienceDirect Journal in 2023, the global prevalence of BV ranges from 23% to 29%, and in pregnant women, it ranges from 11% to 49%. According to a report by Medscape in 2024, approximately one-third of adult women, i.e., ~22 million, in the US are affected by BV every year, and 10 million women visit clinics for vaginal discharge. BV poses risks such as preterm labor, miscarriage, and increased susceptibility to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The increasing incidence of BV, coupled with potential complications, encourages women to seek medical attention and pharmaceutical interventions, creating significant demand for effective drugs. The high chances of recurrence of BV lead to the development of treatment regimens to prevent relapses. As healthcare access improves globally, especially in emerging markets, a larger number of women are now seeking treatment for BV, driving the growth of the bacterial vaginosis drugs market.

Bacterial Vaginosis Drug Market Report Scope

The bacterial vaginosis drug market analysis has been carried out by considering the following segments: type, route of administration, dosage form, distribution channel, and geography.

Based on type, the market is segmented into prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. The prescription drugs segment held a larger bacterial vaginosis drug market share in 2024. Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection with common symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, odor, itching, and discomfort. Prescription medications are backed by a higher level of clinical support. These drugs are subjected to rigorous testing and clinical trials aimed at establishing their safety and efficacy, making them the standard of care for bacterial vaginosis. Healthcare professionals are more likely to prescribe prescription drugs after diagnosing the condition through clinical evaluation or laboratory testing. These factors create a stronger trust in prescription-based treatment.

Prescription treatments, including antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin, are more effective in eradicating the root cause of the infection by targeting specific bacterial imbalances; both of these antibiotics can be administered orally or vaginally. Healthcare providers generally prefer these prescription drugs owing to their precision in treatment, reducing the likelihood of recurrence and complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility, which can result from untreated or mismanaged bacterial vaginosis. Advancements in drug formulations, including extended-release versions and more convenient topical treatments, have improved patient adherence and satisfaction. In January 2024, Organon introduced XACIATO (clindamycin phosphate) vaginal gel 2%, which is now available by prescription for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

In terms of route of administration, the bacterial vaginosis drug market is categorized into oral, vaginal, and topical. The oral segment dominated the market in 2024. Oral drug delivery is a preferred and appropriate route of administration owing to convenience, enhanced treatment adherence, and drug formulation advancements. Oral medications, such as metronidazole and tinidazole, are increasingly preferred to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, where treatment duration is often extended. Advancements in pharmaceutical technology have led to improved, more effective oral formulations with fewer side effects and better tolerability, making them a desirable choice for both patients and healthcare providers. In September 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first single-dose oral treatment secnidazole (Solosec, Symbiomix Therapeutics) for females with bacterial vaginosis. Similarly, in February 2022, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. received the US FDA approval for its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). This approval allowed for the expanded use of SOLOSEC (secnidazole) in treating bacterial vaginosis in female patients aged 12 and older. The supplemental adolescent approval strengthens SOLOSEC's position as the first and only single-dose oral prescription antimicrobial agent approved for the treatment of both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.

In terms of dosage form, the bacterial vaginosis drug market is categorized into pills, creams, gel , solution/washes, and others. The pills segment dominated the market in 2024. Oral drug administration is easier for patients suffering from vaginosis compared to topical treatments. This ease of use encourages better treatment adherence, which is crucial for effective bacterial vaginosis treatment. The increasing number of treatment options available in the form of oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole (pill), is another factor benefiting the market for the pills segment. The drugs have proven efficacy in treating bacterial vaginosis and are often prescribed in pill form due to their reliable absorption and consistent therapeutic effect. Oral antibiotics are highly effective in targeting the bacteria responsible for bacterial vaginosis, making them a preferred choice for physicians and patients alike. With more women seeking out effective and simple solutions, oral medications, especially pills, have gained popularity because they provide a straightforward and less invasive treatment option compared to alternatives, including gels or creams.

In terms of distribution channel, the bacterial vaginosis drug market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2024. Hospital pharmacies are a crucial part of healthcare, and they cater to a unique inpatient setting, facilitating the timely supply of crucial medications to patients. These facilities strive to maintain and enhance a patient's medication management and maximize care quality. Hospital pharmacists serve as part of a patient-support system and are prepared to offer recommendations on adjunctive therapy if needed. As per the World Health Organization, they can interact more closely with prescribers and buyers to promote the rational use of drugs.

As hospitals are key healthcare providers for both primary and specialized care, they focus on being approachable to patients suffering from various health conditions, including bacterial vaginosis, facilitating better diagnosis, treatment, and drug management. Additionally, the growing awareness about bacterial vaginosis, coupled with improved diagnostic tools, has led to a higher number of patients seeking treatment for bacterial vaginosis, especially in hospital settings where advanced care is available. Hospital pharmacies cater primarily to patients undergoing treatments in the corresponding hospitals or those seeking prescription-based treatment for more severe cases of bacterial vaginosis.

Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi SA, Starpharma Holdings Limited, Viatris Inc, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Lupin Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Organon & Co, Duchesnay Inc., Canada are among the leading companies operating in the global bacterial vaginosis drug market.

Companies operating in the bacterial vaginosis drug market adopt various organic and inorganic strategies. Organic strategies mainly include product launches and product approvals. Acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships are among the inorganic growth strategies witnessed in the bacterial vaginosis drug market. These growth strategies allow the market players to expand their businesses and enhance their geographic presence, thereby contributing to the overall bacterial vaginosis drug market growth. Further, acquisition and partnership strategies help them strengthen their customer base and expand their product portfolios.

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