Global Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Market Trends and Prospects

I. Introduction

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral illness caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. After an initial chickenpox infection, the virus stays latent in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, resulting in shingles. The illness is distinguished by a severe, blistering rash that is frequently accompanied by burning or tingling feelings. Complications may include postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), visual impairment, and neurological difficulties.

The worldwide shingles market is expanding due to aging populations, increased knowledge of the illness, and improved access to preventative vaccinations and antiviral therapies. Shingrix, Zostavax, and SkyZoster vaccinations are available on the market, as are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, as well as newer choices such as Amenamevir. The worldwide herpes zoster market is projected to rise at a CAGR of over 8% over the next decade, owing to increased healthcare spending and improved immunization programs (Databridge, 2022).

 II. Factors Driving Market Growth

 a. Rising Incidence of Shingles

The key driver of the shingles market is the disease's rising prevalence, particularly among older adults and immunocompromised patients. According to data from the United States, one in every three people will have shingles at some point in their lives, and the risk increases with age. Diseases that weaken the immune system such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, as well as immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy, make people more susceptible to the virus (US CDC, 2024).

 b. Growing Awareness and Preventive Measures

Health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have conducted awareness efforts to increase public understanding of shingles and its implications. Many countries are introducing herpes zoster vaccination programs into national immunization schedules, resulting in increased vaccine uptake.

 c. Advancements in Vaccination Technology

The development of recombinant vaccines, such as Shingrix, has greatly altered the shingles business. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) developed Shingrix, which has showed over 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles and PHN. Unlike its predecessor, Zostavax, which is a live attenuated vaccine, Shingrix is an adjuvanted recombinant vaccine, making it safer and more effective, especially for immunocompromised people (GSK, 2022).

 d. New Drug Mechanisms

Helicase-primase complex inhibitor, has the potential to reduce viral replication more efficiently than traditional nucleoside analogs. The approval and expansion of novel medicines such as Amenamevir are projected to boost market growth (Maruho, 2017).

 e. Increasing Healthcare Expenditure and Access to Treatment

Increased healthcare spending globally improves availability to vaccinations and antiviral drugs. Governments and commercial healthcare providers are investing in immunization programs, pharmaceutical research, and public health activities to lower the prevalence of shingles and associated consequences. Emerging nations, notably those in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are seeing a growth in the use of shingles treatments, such as the new live-attenuated vaccine SkyZoster, as healthcare infrastructure and insurance coverage improves (GVR, n.d.).

 III. Market Segmentation

 a. By Product Type

Vaccines: Shingrix, Zostavax, SkyZoster, and other pipeline vaccines. 

Antiviral Medications: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, Amenamevir. 

Pain Management Drugs: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin), and opioid analgesics for PHN.

 b. By Age Group

50–59 years: Increasing vaccination rates in this age group due to new recommendations.

60+ years: Largest patient segment, driving demand for vaccines and antivirals.

 c. By Region

North America dominates the market due to high vaccination rates, advantageous reimbursement regulations, and modern healthcare infrastructure.

Europe: Rapid expansion owing to national vaccination programs and increased awareness.

The Asia-Pacific is the fastest developing area with a predicted CAGR of 16.3% from 2024 to 2030, due to increased healthcare spending and vaccination uptake (GVR, n.d.).IV. Competitive Landscape 

The worldwide industry is extremely competitive, with major pharmaceutical firms investing in vaccine research and antiviral treatments. Key players are:

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is the market leader with Shingrix, which has set a new standard for shingles prevention ha. ving a market share of 93.7%of the total vaccine revenue (GVR, n.d.).

Merck & Co. manufactures Zostavax, which is still widely used despite its diminishing popularity due to Shingrix's improved effectiveness.

SK bioscience’s live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine has the highest market share in South Korea, and was approved in Thailand in May 2020. SKYZoster was also approved by Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency in January 2023 (SKB, 2023).

Maruho Co., Ltd. developed Amenamevir, a medication with a new mechanism of action, for shingles. 

Other companies, including Pfizer, Sanofi, and Moderna, are researching novel vaccines and antiviral medicines.

 V. Future Trends and Opportunities

 a. Better Vaccines

Research is ongoing to create better shingles vaccines with longer-lasting protection and fewer adverse effects. The mRNA-based vaccines, similar to those produced for COVID-19, are being investigated as possible options for prevention (Hamzelou, 2023).

 b. Expansion of Preventive Healthcare Programs

Many nations are increasing their immunization programs to include regular shingles vaccine for persons over 50. Vaccine coverage is also expanding, making them more available to a wider population.

 c. Personalized Medicine and Targeted Therapies

Advances in genetics and personalized medicine are enabling tailored medicines that might enhance treatment results. Research into the genetic and immunological variables that influence shingles susceptibility may lead to more targeted treatment options.

 d. Digital Health Solutions

Telemedicine and digital health platforms are increasingly being used to diagnose and manage shingles. Patients may now chat with healthcare specialists remotely about their symptoms and get prescriptions for antiviral drugs without having to visit a clinic.

VI. Conclusion

 The global market for shingles (herpes zoster) is expected to grow due to an older population, rising vaccination rates, and breakthroughs in antiviral medicines. The emergence of extremely successful vaccinations like Shingrix and new antiviral therapies like Amenamevir is changing the face of shingles prevention and therapy. As healthcare systems promote preventative medicine and enhance treatment access, the market is likely to develop steadily in the coming years.

The industry has a bright future due to continuous research into next-generation vaccines, new medicines, and individualized treatment options. Expanding vaccination programs and increasing healthcare spending will fuel the market's growth, eventually lessening the burden of shingles-related consequences on worldwide healthcare systems.

 VII. Sources

Databridge. (2022, November). Shingles treatment market analysis & industry growth: 2030. Data Bridge Market Research. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-shingles-treatment-market

GSK. (2022, October 19). New data show shingrix can provide at least 10 years of protection against shingles in adults aged 50 years and over. gsk.com. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/new-data-show-shingrix-can-provide-at-least-10-years-of-protection-against-shingles-in-adults-aged-50-years-and-over/

GVR. (n.d.). Shingles vaccine market size, share: Industry Report, 2030. Shingles Vaccine Market Size, Share | Industry Report, 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/shingles-vaccine-market-report

Hamzelou, J. (2023, August 21). What’s next for mRNA vaccines? MIT Technology Review. https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/05/1066274/whats-next-mrna-vaccines/

Maruho Co., Ltd. (2017, July 3). Maruho receives manufacturing and marketing approval for Anti-Herpes Virus Agent “Amenalief ® Tab. 200mg” in Japan. Maruho.co.jp. https://www.maruho.co.jp/english/release/nek5p40000001vpv-att/20170703_pr_eng.pdf

SKB. (2023, February 28). SK bioscience’s Herpes Zoster Vaccine Secures the Highest Market Share in South Korea. www.skbioscience.com. https://www.skbioscience.com/en/news/news_01_01?mode=view&id=169& 

US CDC. (2024, April 12). Shingles facts and stats. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html