The global vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) market is growing rapidly due to the increasing prevalence and awareness of the condition.
VVC, commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection, occurs when the fungus Candida penetrates the muscular lining of the vagina and causes an inflammatory response.
Up to 75% of women will have at least one vaginal infection during their life. Recurrent VVC, defined as four or more episodes of VVC, impacts nearly 8% of women aged between 15 and 60 globally.
Increasing antibiotic resistance, a growing diabetic population and heightened hygiene awareness are also expected to drive growth in the VVC treatment market.
According to a market analysis by Moore Financial Consulting, the global VVC market is set to reach US$2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.25%.
The data shows that all women with recurrent VVC will buy a combination of over-the-counter and prescription antifungal treatments, typically including oral agents. Among women with non-recurrent VVC, 55.2% will choose prescription antifungals, 37% will opt for over-the-counter options, 5.6% will use both, and the remainder will not purchase any treatment.
In 2023, North America led the VVC market, contributing over 40% of global revenue, with the US projected to remain a dominant force due to its high prevalence rates, research efforts, and healthcare expenditure.
Europe is also a significant market, bolstered by its robust healthcare infrastructure and investments in biopharmaceutical research and development.
Emerging therapies
As demand for VVC treatments rises, the need for more effective and targeted therapeutics has led to innovations in antifungal medications, along with new drug approvals.
Notable players in the VVC market include Mycovia Pharmaceuticals, which received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for VIVJOA in August 2022, a treatment for recurrent VVC.
Scynexis is also making strides, with its Phase 3 clinical trial of ibrexafungerp, formerly known as SCY-078, for recurrent VVC, which is being tested against a placebo in a multi-center study.
Ege University, in September 2023, initiated Phase 3 trials for EVEGYN A and Gynomax XL Vaginal Ovule, focusing on treating various vaginal infections, while Sano Chemicals launched Phase 1 clinical trials for Occidiofungin, a promising fungicide aimed at curing recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
Additionally, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA reported positive Phase 2 trial results in January 2024 for Miconazole Domiphen-Bromide (MCZ-DB), showing excellent safety and tolerability for treating acute vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Taking a unique approach to VVC treatment is Zero Candida Ltd (TSX-V:ZCT). The firm has developed an AI-driven, tampon-like medical device that uses controlled blue light at a wavelength of 405 nanometers to eradicate the Candida fungus with 99.999% efficacy from a single overnight treatment. This non-chemical approach promises to be free of side effects, unlike traditional antifungal medications.
Zero Candida has successfully completed a safety trial of its preclinical device in large animals (sheep) and is finalizing the device for human use in upcoming trials at hospitals in Israel and Europe.
Moore’s estimates for the VVC market growth align with Zero Candida’s own projections. There is a clear demand for innovation in the sector, according to Zero Candida CEO Eli Ben Haroosh told Proactive.
"Traditional treatments are not fully addressing the needs of women suffering from VVC, and the Moore Report highlights this significant gap,” the CEO said.
With increasing market demand and ongoing advancements in antifungal treatments and novel therapies, the VVC sector is poised for continued innovation, offering more effective and patient-friendly solutions.