The global antiviral drugs market growth is stimulated by a growing focus toward therapeutic management of patients with SARS-Cov-2 and other viral diseases, the development of new treatments and drugs. The potential of antiviral therapies for treating COVID-19 patients is being investigated extensively. The drugs can potentially inhibit the entry of the virus and its replication. This can be crucial in preventing viral progression to the hyperinflammatory state, characterising the later stage of COVID-19.

The growing number of product launches and full-fledged R&D activities by several Asian pharmaceutical companies can prove to be beneficial for antiviral drug makers in APAC. For instance, in August 2020, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, an India-based generic drug manufacturer introduced its new antiviral drug, Avigan, intended to be used to treat COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms. The drug was developed in partnership with Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co, a Japanese drug company.

The HIV AIDS segment is anticipated to accrue a considerable revenue share of the overall Asia Pacific antiviral drugs market share through 2027. The segment was valued at $3.2 billion during 2020 and is progressing at a substantial CAGR. In 2018, more than 1.25 million individuals were suffering from HIV infection in China, as per the data of the World Health Organization (WHO). Infectious diseases are occurring frequently amongst Asian citizens. For instance, South Korea is a hotspot of infectious diseases. It might contribute handsomely toward the proliferation of the APAC antiviral drugs market size.

The paediatric segment in the APAC antiviral drugs market has been presenting considerable expansion prospects in recent times, thanks to the growing risk of HIV infection amongst children in India and China. The risk of hospital-acquired infections is particularly high amongst newborns. Newborns and children are highly vulnerable to infections due to their undeveloped immune systems. The high frequency of HIV infections is expected to drive the antiviral drugs market in the Asia Pacific.