Malaria Therapeutics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Drug Type (Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), Quinine, Chloroquine, Others), By Drug Formulation (Tablets, Capsules, Injectables, Others), By End User (Adults, Children, Pregnant Women, Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail pharmacies, Hospitals, Online pharmacies) By Region, and Competition Forecast 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.05 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	14.07%
Fastest Growing Segment	Quinine
Largest Market	Middle East & Africa
Market Size (2031)	USD 6.72 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Malaria Therapeutics Market will grow from USD 3.05 Billion in 2025 to USD 6.72 Billion by 2031 at a 14.07% CAGR. Malaria therapeutics encompass a specialized class of pharmaceutical agents, including artemisinin-based combination therapies and prophylactic drugs, designed to treat and prevent infections caused by Plasmodium parasites. The market is fundamentally driven by the persistent global disease burden, which sustains an urgent demand for effective treatment protocols and chemoprevention strategies. This necessity is reinforced by robust support from international health organizations and donor agencies that prioritize access to essential medicines in endemic regions. According to the World Health Organization, in 2024, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases globally, underscoring the critical public health requirements that propel the industry.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the escalating threat of antimalarial drug resistance, particularly the partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives observed in high-burden territories. This biological adaptation compromises the efficacy of standard-of-care regimens, necessitating the development of more complex and costly alternative treatments. Consequently, the reliance on existing affordable therapies is threatened, creating logistical and financial hurdles that restrict the broader commercial adoption of next-generation therapeutic solutions.

Key Market Drivers

A substantial driver propelling the Global Malaria Therapeutics Market is the surge in funding from international health organizations, which effectively subsidizes the procurement and distribution of essential antimalarials and prophylactic treatments. This financial influx is crucial for bridging the gap between the high cost of drug development and the low purchasing power of endemic regions, ensuring that novel therapies reach patient populations. For instance, according to The Global Fund, in January 2024, the organization approved US$9.2 billion in new grants to accelerate the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria over the 2024-2026 period. These investments directly support the scaling of intervention strategies, including the deployment of next-generation medical tools. Consequently, the market is witnessing rapid uptake of new preventive measures; according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in December 2024, more than 12 million malaria vaccine doses had been procured and delivered to endemic countries since the rollout began.

Simultaneously, the market is expanding due to the rising incidence of malaria in high-burden regions, a trend exacerbated by climate change and expanding mosquito habitats. Environmental shifts are extending the transmission season and geographical range of vectors, thereby increasing the volume of patients requiring immediate therapeutic intervention. This persistent demand creates a sustained commercial requirement for both artemisinin-based combination therapies and emerging alternative drugs. The urgency of this demand is highlighted by recent epidemiological data; according to the World Health Organization, in December 2024, global malaria cases increased by approximately 11 million in 2023 compared to the previous year. This upward trajectory in disease burden reinforces the critical need for continuous supply and innovation in therapeutic regimens to manage the growing patient load effectively.

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Key Market Challenges

Antimalarial drug resistance represents a formidable barrier significantly impeding the growth of the global malaria therapeutics market. This biological adaptation renders standard-of-care treatments, specifically artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasingly ineffective, which forces pharmaceutical developers to divert substantial capital toward the high-risk discovery of novel compounds. The necessity to replace established, low-cost generics with complex next-generation molecules creates severe financial strain and extends research timelines. Consequently, the market faces a productivity bottleneck where the scalability of affordable solutions is compromised, creating uncertainty for investors and delaying the commercial rollout of essential new medicines that are vital for revenue generation.

Furthermore, the spread of resistance necessitates rigorous and expensive surveillance mechanisms to monitor therapeutic efficacy, thereby draining healthcare budgets in endemic nations. This economic pressure reduces the available funds for purchasing advanced therapeutics, limiting the market penetration of newer, higher-priced drugs. The magnitude of this issue is evident in recent data regarding the spread of resistant strains. According to the World Health Organization, in 2024, partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives was confirmed or suspected in at least eight countries within the African region. This trend not only threatens clinical outcomes but also creates a volatile commercial environment where manufacturers must constantly adapt to the diminishing lifespan of their existing product portfolios.

Key Market Trends

The introduction of novel non-artemisinin drug classes constitutes a critical trend aimed at circumventing the widespread issue of partial resistance to standard artemisinin-based therapies. Pharmaceutical developers are prioritizing compounds with alternative mechanisms of action to ensure continued therapeutic efficacy against evolving parasite strains. This shift is exemplified by the advancement of next-generation combinations such as ganaplacide-lumefantrine, which are designed to clear infections independent of artemisinin susceptibility and block transmission. According to Novartis, November 2025, the Phase 3 clinical trial for this novel non-artemisinin candidate achieved a PCR-corrected efficacy of 97.4% in treating uncomplicated malaria, meeting the primary endpoint of non-inferiority to current standards.

Simultaneously, the market is experiencing a significant expansion of pediatric-specific dispersible formulations intended to improve treatment adherence and outcomes among the most vulnerable patient demographic. Manufacturers are increasingly moving away from adult tablets that require crushing, instead scaling the production of soluble, palatable options that ensure accurate dosing for children. This focus on child-friendly delivery systems has led to massive procurement volumes supported by global health partnerships to bridge the access gap in endemic countries. According to Medicines for Malaria Venture, April 2025, the cumulative global distribution of the pediatric treatment Coartem Dispersible reached a landmark 500 million courses, underscoring the industrial scale-up dedicated to reducing mortality in children under five.

Segmental Insights

The Quinine segment is currently identified as the fastest-growing category within the Global Malaria Therapeutics Market, driven by the resurgence of demand for effective treatments against drug-resistant strains. While Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies remain the standard of care, increasing instances of partial resistance have prompted healthcare providers to reintegrate Quinine as a critical second-line defense. Additionally, its established efficacy in managing severe Plasmodium falciparum cases and superior cost-effectiveness accelerate its adoption in resource-limited regions. This rapid expansion is further supported by clinical reliance on Quinine formulations when newer primary interventions are unavailable or compromised.

Regional Insights

The Middle East and Africa region maintains a dominant position in the global malaria therapeutics market, driven primarily by the high disease burden prevalent across Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization, this geographic area accounts for the vast majority of malaria cases worldwide, creating a substantial and continuous demand for antimalarial medications. This market leadership is further reinforced by significant international funding and procurement programs aimed at improving treatment access and reducing mortality rates. Consequently, the critical need for effective disease management ensures the region remains the central focus for therapeutic distribution globally.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Novartis announced positive topline results from the Phase III KALUMA clinical trial evaluating its novel malaria therapeutic, a combination of ganaplacide and lumefantrine. The study demonstrated that this new non-artemisinin formulation met the primary endpoint of non-inferiority compared to the current standard of care for treating uncomplicated malaria in adults and children. Developed in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture, the investigational treatment showed high efficacy and the potential to overcome emerging drug resistance. The company confirmed its intention to submit the data to health authorities for regulatory approval, positioning the drug as a critical innovation for future malaria elimination efforts.
• In July 2025, Novartis received regulatory approval from Swissmedic for a new dispersible formulation of its artemether-lumefantrine therapy, specifically designed for newborns and infants weighing less than five kilograms. This decision marked the first authorization of an antimalarial medicine tailored for this vulnerable weight group, addressing a significant gap in pediatric care. The product was developed in partnership with Medicines for Malaria Venture as part of the PAMAfrica consortium to ensure accurate dosing for the youngest patients. The company announced plans to supply the medicine on a not-for-profit basis to malaria-endemic countries to improve access and treatment outcomes for infants.
• In October 2024, AMIVAS Ireland Ltd launched its injectable artesunate product in the United Kingdom and Europe for the initial treatment of severe malaria in adults and children. This commercial rollout followed the product's licensure by the European Commission and the UK's regulatory body, establishing it as the only approved therapy of its kind in these markets. The company highlighted that the launch was intended to secure a regulated supply of the life-saving drug for travelers and military personnel returning from endemic regions. By making this treatment available, the company aims to support hospitals in reducing mortality rates associated with severe malaria cases.
• In July 2024, GSK and Medicines for Malaria Venture announced the commercial launch of a single-dose tafenoquine treatment in Brazil and Thailand for the prevention of Plasmodium vivax malaria relapse. This initiative introduced the first single-dose radical cure to these endemic nations, aligning with their national strategies for disease elimination. The therapeutic, which is co-administered with chloroquine, targets the dormant liver stage of the parasite to prevent recurring infections. The partners focused on expanding access to this simplified regimen, which is expected to improve patient adherence and treatment completion rates compared to the standard multi-day courses previously utilized in these regions.

Key Market Players

• Novartis AG
• Sanofi S.A
• Pfizer Inc
• GlaxoSmithKline Plc
• Merck & Co Inc
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
• Cipla Limited
• Ajanta Pharma Limited

By Drug Type	By Drug Formulation	By End User	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) Quinine Chloroquine Others	Tablets Capsules Injectables Others	Adults Children Pregnant Women Others	Retail pharmacies Hospitals Online pharmacies	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Malaria Therapeutics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Malaria Therapeutics Market, By Drug Type:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)
• Quinine
• Chloroquine
• Others

• Malaria Therapeutics Market, By Drug Formulation:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Injectables
• Others

• Malaria Therapeutics Market, By End User:

• Adults
• Children
• Pregnant Women
• Others

• Malaria Therapeutics Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Retail pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Online pharmacies

• Malaria Therapeutics Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE