Isoxazoline Drugs Market

Market Overview

The global isoxazoline drugs market size was valued at USD 1,305.76 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at USD 4905.31 million by 2030. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.00% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

Isoxazoline class of drugs are oral insecticides that received a license for ectoparasite treatment in companion animals such as dogs and cats. These drugs were first launched in 2013 as veterinary drugs against ticks and fleas in dogs. However, several studies have shown their efficiency against other veterinary and agricultural parasites. FDA-approved products in the isoxazoline drugs class are Bravecto, Credlio, Nexgard, and Simparica. 

These drugs are approved by the US FDA for tick and flea infestation. Some of them are also approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasite infections and control of ear mites. These drugs are ingested or applied topically. Most active ingredients were initially introduced for crop protection and later for companion animals. 

Innovations on the existing drugs for new indications in oral and topical formulations and growing awareness for ectoparasites prevention and control of fleas and ticks are likely to augment the market growth. The market is segmented into product type, pet type, and regions.

Market Dynamics

Rising Expenditure for Pet Care to Elevate the Growth of Isoxazoline Drugs Market

In recent years, a surge in the expenditure on pet animal care has been noted. According to the American Pet Products Association, Inc. (APPA), "Total of USD 97.1 billion was US Pet Industry Expenditure in 2019. Similarly, in 2020, USD 103.6 billion was the US Pet Industry Expenditure. In 2020, USD 31.4 billion was spent on vet care and product sales, and approximately USD 32.2 billion was estimated to be spent in 2021." 

Ticks and fleas commonly infest companion animals such as dogs and cats. Several commercially available drugs help prevent and control ticks and flea infestation among dogs and cats. Isoxazoline being among the new class of ectoparasite drugs for dogs and cats has growing demand in the market. Increasing expenditure on pet care and the rising adoption of pets is the primary factor propelling the demand for isoxazoline drugs.

FDA Warning Regarding Drugs Containing Isoxazoline to Impede Market Growth

Several products are available in the market to prevent and control ticks and fleas. Some of these products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US FDA. The US Food and Drug Administration considers these products safe and effective in cats and dogs. However, isoxazoline drugs need to be approved by the US FDA, EMA, and Canada Health to be used on animals.

In September 2018, the US FDA issued a warning against flea pills and chews associated with neurological problems. These products have neurological reactions such as ataxia, seizures, and muscle tremors in some dogs and cats. These regulations restrain the market growth of these drugs to a certain extent. 

Drug manufacturers are conducting surveys among pet owners and veterinarians related to the use and safety of isoxazoline drugs. According to these surveys, it was noted that isoxazoline neurotoxicity was not ticks and flea specific. Post these surveys, the manufacturers have updated the labels for these drugs. However, the US FDA considers isoxazoline drugs safe and effective for cats and dogs. 

Approval of Drugs for New Indication to Create Lucrative Market Growth 

Companies are investing in research for the API already available in the market for new indications. Through this, they will be able to expand the application of isoxazoline drugs in the market. For instance, in October 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted them additional marketing authorization for new indications for NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA. These were indicated for fighting 8 species of ticks that afflict dogs. The latest indications are against Ixodes hexagonus tick, most commonly reported in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global isoxazoline drugs market is segmented into fluralaner, sarolaner, lotilaner, and afoxolaner based on product type. Afoxolaner type of drug had higher sales than the other drugs available in the market and held the largest market share in 2021. 

Based on pet type, the market is categorized into dogs and cats. The adoption rate of dogs and cats surged during 2020–2021. According to a survey conducted by the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 45% of the household in the US owns at least one dog. In 2021, the dogs' segment acquired the majority of the share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.11% during the forecast period. 

Regional Analysis

Remarkable Growth Opportunities in Asia-Pacific

Americas has acquired the largest share of the isoxazoline drugs market in 2021 and a CAGR of 18.16% during the forecast period. The highest number of drug approvals and higher adoption rate are among the major factors contributing to the growth of the market. 

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to hold the highest market share in the isoxazoline drugs market. The rising adoption rate in countries such as India and China and growing awareness of pet care among the population are anticipated to propel the market during the projected period. Growing expenditure for pet care in India is likely to provide booming opportunities. According to the Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies, "the Indian animal healthcare market is estimated to be around Rs. 5,500 crores (USD 770 million) (2020).” 

Approximately 5% of the animal healthcare expenditure is spent on companion animals. The lack of isoxazoline manufacturers in these regions also presents an opportunity for well-established players. Moreover, companies are targeting to get the approval of their drugs in India and China. Such factors are anticipated to provide great opportunities to the manufacturers for expanding their reach in these developing countries. 

Recent Developments

• In January 2022, Zoetis received approval from the US FDA for a new label indication for Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for the treatment of tick infection in dogs. 
• In June 2021, Elanco launched Credelio Plus, a chewy monthly tablet for treating fleas, worms, and ticks in dogs. 
• In May 2021, Elanco introduced Credelio CAT, an oral ticks and flea product for cats. This drug starts killing fleas within 6 hours. 
• In May 2021, Zoetis announced US FDA approved a new label for Simparica chewables to prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infections for dogs at least six months of age or more. 
• In January 2021, Boehringer Ingelheim announced they received marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Commission for NexGard COMBO topical solution for cats.
• In July 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim launched NexGard, a ticks and flea repellent in India. 
• In July 2020, Merck Animal Health received US FDA approval for BRAVECTO (fluralaner) 1-MONTH Chews for dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older. This product is indicated for treating and preventing flea infestations and tick infestations (Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus). It is also indicated for treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick). 
• In February 2020, Zoetis received US FDA approval for Simparica Trio, which provides protection from fleas and ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. 
• In May 2019, Merck Animal Health announced the launch of BRAVECTO Cares, an educational campaign. Through this campaign, they showcased the critical role that service dogs play and the importance of keeping them healthy, including protecting them from ticks and fleas.
• In November 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that they received approval to expand the label claims for NexGard to treat two severe skin diseases in dogs. These new approvals include the treatment of cutaneous diseases demodicosis and sarcoptic mange in Australia and Europe. 
• In August 2018, NecGard SPECTRA was launched in China as the first oral endoectocide for the treatment of ticks in dogs. 

Isoxazoline Drugs Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Fluralaner
• Sarolaner
• Lotilaner
• Afoxolaner

By Pet Type

• Dogs
• Cats

By Regions

• Americas
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• The Middle East and Africa