The global vaginal fungi infections treatment market size was valued at USD 1,100 million in 2021 and is projected to reach around USD 1,500 million in 2030 exhibiting a CAGR of 5.0% in the forecasted period. The robust developing pipeline with recent sanctions of therapies in disease management, increasing disease burden, and introduction of new drugs, such as BREXAFEMME and VIVJOA, are among the prime factors boosting the industry growth. Conversely, side effects of intake of medicines acts as the hindrance in the vaginal fungi infections treatment market in the forecasted period.
Increasing incidence of vaginal fungi infections are boosting vaginal fungi infections treatment market growth. For example, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2018, about 1.4 million outpatient visits happen for vaginal candidiasis each year in the U.S. Furthermore, as per an article issued in Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) in February 2020, Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most prevailing human candida infection and approximately 75% women across the world are affected by it least once in their lifespan. Moreover, as per the same source, nearby 8% women around the world suffer from recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). As per an NCBI article, VVC is a common infection among women affecting around 138 million women annually worldwide.

According to an NCBI editorial, worldwide, complex VVC infects about 10-20% of women and 9% of women report recurrent VVC cases. Additionally, an increase in the prevalence of the disease is observed owing to growing diabetic patients and escalating antibiotic resistance cases amongst individuals. It is also expected that nearby 15% of such cases need special therapeutic considerations. Thus, the growing prevalence of the disease is boosting industry growth. The growing demand for better healing options is leading to inventions in R&D, new approvals, and introductions of drugs, thereby creating a profitable opportunity for industry growth.
Growing product launches and increasing product approvals are anticipated to boost growth of the global vaginal fungi infections treatment market during the forecasted period. For example, in December 2016, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories broadcasted the introduction of Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream, USP, in the U.S. It is the generic equal of Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream, produced by Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Furthermore, key players in the market are implementing various strategies, such as business expansion, to reinforce their market place, which, is anticipated to drive the global vaginal fungi infections treatment market growth. For example, in June 2016, Valeant Canada, a subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies Inc. declared that it is increasing its manufacturing and export capability in Canada.
The eruption of COVID-19 has unfavourably affected many nations owing to the lockdown imposed by governments to stop the spread of the virus. The pandemic has also hindered the production, development, and supply of drugs and other healthcare products, and the growth of the global vaginal fungi infections treatment market.
As a result, many orthopaedic doctors were organized to monitor patients suffering from coronavirus infection. Moreover, there has been an upsurge in the manufacture of drugs and research and development to manage such patients. The extensive new coronavirus all over the globe has slightly affected the growth of the market. The demand for drugs for vulvovaginal candidiasis was high owing to the increasing prevalence of candidiasis among patients who have suffered from COVID-19. This is as of the increase in healthcare-associated infections and bloodstream contaminations, particularly among those who were admitted to hospitals. Due to all these factors, the market has rapidly improved after the first quarter of 2020 and is further predicted to continue to grow.

Drug Class Insights
In 2021, the fluconazole segment ruled the vaginal fungi infections treatment market with the maximum revenue portion. Fungal diseases pose a critical threat to public health for definite reasons, owing to which the market players around the globe are dedicated on research & development of clinical use of fluconazole.
However, with the entry of BREXAFEMME and Mycovia in the space, Fluconazole share is anticipated to decline over the future years. However, these new drugs come with more pricing, which could slow down their market dispersion. Antimycotic agent, Clotrimazole, was first recorded under the brand name Canesten in Germany in 1973. Canesten is still amongst the major brand for the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Later, external cream, internal vaginal cream, and soft capsule (soft ovule) were accessible. The industry has the existence of various formulations under several trade names, such as Abzorb, Mycoderm-C, Surfaz, Orasep OT, Kansel, Candid-V, Imidil, and Cloben.
In several nations, mono preparations of clotrimazole are existing over the counter with an enclosed dose range of 100 to 500mg. Moreover, the drug is also available in combinations, such as clotrimazole with fluconazole for effective management of the disease. All such aspects support the industry's growth. FDA permitted nystatin in 1971, which is sold under numerous brand names, such as Mycostatin, Nystop, Pediaderm AF, Bio-Statin, Nystat, and Nilstat. It is presented in various forms, such as a tablet, ointment, troches, cream, and powder, for suspension. Nystatin has demonstrated effective in fluconazole-resistant Candida. The drug mimics the immunoregulatory role by growing the levels of IL-17 and IFN-gamma to increase antifungal immunity in the vagina. All these aspects are projected to drive industry growth.

Route of Administration Insights
The oral segment dominated the industry in 2021 and accounted for the maximum share of more than 42% of the total revenue. It is predicted to continue its share throughout the forecast period due to the common & suitable route of administration for azoles, good bioavailability, and use for anti-fungal drugs. Oral fluconazole is the most widespread prescription drug acclaimed as treatment and maintenance therapy. It is also active as short-duration therapy in recurrent VVC cases. Lately, the FDA has accepted two oral dosage regimes of VIVJOA (oteseconazole) to decrease incidences of recurrent VVC. The topical segment is projected to grow at a stable CAGR during the study period.
A strong existence of topical products such as over-the-counter and prescription formulations boost the demand in the market. OTCs include Miconazole cream, Clotrimazole cream, and Tioconazole ointment, while Butoconazole cream and Terconazole cream are recommendation formulations. Additionally, topical antifungal recommendations also include econazole and nystatin in the market for more than 30 years. As per the IDSA guidelines, simple VVC should be treated with topical antifungal agents. Moreover, oral azoles are unproductive in treating. Glabrata vulvovaginitis, thereby, is recommended for topical intravaginal boric acid or topical flucytosine cream.

Distribution Channel Insights
On the basis of distribution channels, the industry has been characterized into retail pharmacy, online pharmacy, and hospital pharmacy. The retail pharmacy segment is anticipated to observe the fastest CAGR of more than 4% during the forecasted period. As disease treatment, control and management take short- as well as long-term support of medicines, which increases the segment growth. The market has both prescription and OTC drugs, thereby pharmacists play a significant role by counselling patients and attaining their trust. Retail pharmacies are at comfort for most medicines, especially in the homecare location. All these factors are anticipated to fuel the segment's growth.
The online pharmacy distribution channel segment is also anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the estimated period. The inclination for online purchasing is high owing to the convenience and other profits, such as home delivery. During the pandemic, people experienced the comfort of delivery services and decreased travel time for prescription fill in retail stores. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced the online segment owing to the government limitations like nationwide lockdowns and stay-at-home guidelines to restraint the spread of the virus.

Region Insights
North America controlled the global industry in 2021 and accounted for the maximum share of more than 37% of the complete revenue. The region is anticipated to expand further at a steady growth rate preserving its leading position through the forecasted period. This supremacy can be accredited to the high disease occurrence, increase in patient awareness, augmented healthcare expenditure, and the existence of major players in the region. Advanced healing options, new approvals, introductions, and proactive government procedures further contribute to regional market growth.
On the other hand, Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth rate over the forecast years. The high growth rate can be credited to the increasing disease burden of VVC and growing testing rates. Positive changes, such as healthcare assistances by the government, augmented awareness among consumers, and inclination to avail medical treatments are also projected to drive growth in the region.

Key Companies Insights
The market for vaginal fungi infections treatment is moderately competitive. With the rising applications of Vaginal fungi infections treatment, new players are considering to enter the market. The companies are also involved in events like joint ventures, acquisitions, partnerships, mergers, and collaborations. These activities aid in growing the effect of the players in the Vaginal fungi infections treatment market, ultimately boosting the market growth.

Some of the key companies working in the global Vaginal fungi infections treatment market include:
• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Mycovia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
• Pfizer Inc.
• ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Lupin Limited
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc.
• Unique Pharmaceuticals
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
• PEPTONIC medical AB
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Aurobindo Pharma Limited
• SCYNEXIS, Inc.
• Other players

Some of the Recent Developments:
• In August 2022, VIVJOA an oral drug successfully received FDA approval. Mycovia Pharmaceuticals’ VIVJOA is an antifungal drug, which selectively prevents fungal CYP5.
• In June 2021, Scynexis, Inc. announced the FDA sanction for their latest drug BREXAFEMME (Ibrexafungerp) designated for VVC treatment.
• In February 2019, Aurobindo Pharma Limited acquired marketable operations and definite supportive structure of Apotex Inc. in five European countries.

Segments
By Drug Class
• Clotrimazole
• Nystatin
• Fluconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Terbinafine
• Terconazole
• Others

By Route of Administration
• Oral
• Intravenous
• Topical

By Distribution Channel
• Retail Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

By Geography
• North America
o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o U.K.
o Germany
o France
o Italy
o Spain
o Russia
• Asia-Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o South Korea
o ASEAN
• Latin America
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Colombia
• MEA
o South Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Egypt