The acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) market comprises anti-infective drugs that are used to treat skin and soft tissue bacterial infections. Some common ABSSSI include impetigo, cellulitis, cutaneous abscesses, and skin infections following surgeries or traumatic injuries. These infections are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcal species. The first line treatment involves systemic antibacterials such as cephalosporins and combination of β-lactams. The β-lactam class of antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls.

The global Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3,466.6 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.

Increased prescriptions of generic drugs and growing prevalence of skin infections are some of the key factors driving the market growth.

Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the ABSSSI market are Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Pfizer, Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sandoz Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., AbbVie, Inc., Melinta Therapeutics, Inc., Accord Healthcare Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. These players are focusing on developing effective antibacterial drugs with new mechanisms of action to address the rising antimicrobial resistance issue.

The growing incidence of various skin infections due to climatic changes, pollution, and poor hygiene is increasing the demand for ABSSSI drugs globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 650 million new cases of impetigo occur annually, making it one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide.

Technological advancements are allowing faster diagnosis of skin infections through advanced molecular diagnostic tools. Companies are investing in R&D for better antimicrobial agents and new drug delivery systems for topical treatment of ABSSSI.

Market Trends
Increasing generic competition: Patent expirations of major drugs are leading to launch of cheap generics, putting pricing pressure on innovator companies. For instance, generics for Zyvox (linezolid) were launched after its patent expired in 2015.

Combination therapy demand: The FDA has approved several combination drugs to combat antibiotic resistance such as Sulperazon (ceftolozane/tazobactam) and Zerbaxa (ceftolozane/tazobactam).

Market Opportunities
Emerging economies: Countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and others represent major opportunities owing to their huge population susceptible to skin infections.

New molecular entities: Companies are engaged in developing novel classes of antibacterials with activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria through open innovation models.

In conclusion, the global ABSSSI market is growing steadily due to rising skin infection incidence and new product launches. However, antibiotic resistance continues to pose a major threat requiring continuous innovations.

Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) market. On the one hand, the diversion of medical resources towards treatment of COVID-19 patients reduced accessibility to ABSSSI therapies in 2020 and 2021. This led to delayed diagnosis and treatment for several non-COVID patients. However, as the pandemic progressed, telemedicine emerged as an important tool to facilitate remote diagnosis and management of ABSSSI cases. This helped reduce the negative impact to some extent. Going forward, as healthcare systems recover, the market is expected to regain momentum. Pharmaceutical companies are also focusing on development of newer drug formulations such as long-acting injectables to improve treatment adherence. This is anticipated to drive market growth in the forecast period.

Geographical Regions with Highest Value Concentration in Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market
North America accounts for the largest share of the ABSSSI market in terms of value. This is attributed to factors such as the rising prevalence of skin infections, robust reimbursement structure, and technological advancements in therapeutics. Within the region, the US makes the highest contribution owing to its well-developed healthcare sector and growing healthcare spending. Europe is the second major market supported by the presence of prominent pharmaceutical companies and favorable research environment. Asia Pacific is expected to showcase strong growth in the upcoming years backed by improving access to healthcare facilities and increasing disposable incomes in developing countries.

Fastest Growing Region in Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market
The Asia Pacific region is poised to emerge as the fastest growing market for ABSSSI during the forecast period. This can be attributed to factors such as the growing pharmaceutical industry in India and China, rising medical tourism, increasing healthcare expenditures, and rapid urbanization. A significant patient population base further contributes to market growth. Government efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure accessibility will also support regional expansion. With major players entering emerging markets through strategic collaborations, the availability of advanced treatment options is projected to increase in Asia Pacific.