Asia Pacific Malaria Treatment Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Treatment, Route of Administration, and Distribution Channel

The Asia Pacific malaria treatment market was valued at US$ 631.37 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 5.17 billion by 2030; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 30.1% from 2022 to 2030.

Growing Strategic Initiatives by Market Players Fuel Asia Pacific Malaria Treatment Market

A few major players operating in the malaria treatment market are increasingly focusing on the adoption of various strategies such as product innovations, launches, and approvals; R&D investments; and mergers and acquisitions in order to remain competitive. A few of these initiatives are mentioned below:

In 2023, The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is included in the WHO's list of prequalified vaccines. Following the recommendations of the Malaria Policy Advisory Group and the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, the WHO recommended its introduction in October 2023 to prevent malaria in children. Prequalification is a requirement for UNICEF to purchase vaccinations and for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to provide financial support for their deployment, which means that more children will have access to vaccines as a crucial tool in the fight against malaria.

In March 2022, tafenoquine, a novel drug used to treat a specific strain of malaria, was licensed in Australia by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), which codeveloped the drug with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for children and adolescents. The drug is combined with the widely used antimalarial drug-chloroquine.

In December 2021, Zydus Cadila announced the plan to develop its antimalarial drug ZY19489 with Medicines for Malaria Venture, which received US FDA approval. According to the company, the Phase I trial of ZY19489 demonstrated a long half-life and the potential for a single-dose cure for malaria. In a separate malaria challenge trial, strong antimalarial activity was displayed after a single oral dose of ZY19489.

In January 2021, GSK, PATH, and Bharat Biotech (BBIL) declared that a product transfer agreement was signed for the malaria vaccine RTS,S/AS01E. The agreement included transferring the manufacturing of the RTS,S antigen portion of the vaccine and granting a license for all rights related to the malaria vaccine to BBIL. GSK retains production of the vaccine adjuvant (AS01E) and supplies it to BBIL.

Therefore, the abovementioned strategic initiatives by the market players are expected to provide growth opportunities for the malaria treatment market in the coming years.

Asia Pacific Malaria Treatment Market Overview

Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are among the major countries in the Rest of Asia Pacific. Most of these are low- and middle-income countries, with high healthcare expenditures. According to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases 2022 report, ~100-300 malaria cases (80% vivax) per annum are imported in Singapore. A joint secretariat headquartered in the regional hub of Singapore facilitates a cross-border collaboration between APLMA and Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN) to eliminate malaria from Asia Pacific with tailored solutions.

The Global Health Group report states that nearly one-third (32%) of total malaria cases in Malaysia occur in Peninsula Malaysia, and the majority of these are found in the Central, Southeastern, and northern coastal regions. For example, young working males are at high risk of getting infected with malaria, and nearly 50% of Malaysians diagnosed with malaria reportedly work in agriculture and other outdoor jobs. The program includes 100% confirmatory testing of suspected malaria cases, mandatory reporting of detected cases, integrated vector management, and string community participation, with a cadre of volunteer primary healthcare workers selected and trained in malaria diagnosis and treatment. Further, Malaysia is a country partner of the APMEN, a network composed of 18 Asia Pacific countries and other stakeholders working to eliminate malaria in the country.

Thus, the abovementioned factors will foster the growth of the malaria treatment market in this region.

Asia Pacific Malaria Treatment Market Segmentation

The Asia Pacific malaria treatment market is segmented based on treatment, route of administration, distribution channel, and country. Based on treatment, the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market is segmented into generic drugs, originators, vaccines, and others. The vaccines segment held the largest market share in 2022.

In terms of route of administration, the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market is bifurcated into oral and parenteral. The oral segment held a larger market share in 2022.

By distribution channel, the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market is segmented into direct tender, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. The direct tender segment held the largest market share in 2022.

Based on country, the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market is segmented into China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The Rest of Asia Pacific dominated the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market share in 2022.

Cipla Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Sanofi SA, GSK Plc, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc, AdvaCare Pharma USA LLC, and Lupin Ltd are some of the leading players operating in the Asia Pacific malaria treatment market.