Molluscum Contagiosum Market

Market Overview

The global molluscum contagiosum market size was valued at USD 2.31 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 3.50 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.75% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, there has been a surging prevalence and incidence of molluscum contagiosum worldwide, fostering the global molluscum contagiosum market expansion. Moreover, continual research and development activities leading to the development of new treatments that are more effective, safe, and convenient for patients are estimated to create opportunities for market growth.

Market Overview

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection caused by the poxvirus. It manifests as small, raised, flesh-colored, or pink bumps on the skin with a central indentation. These bumps often appear in clusters and can be itchy, sore, or tender. Molluscum contagiosum is very contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects like towels or clothing.

It commonly affects children, sexually active adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection typically resolves on its own within months to a few years without treatment. Still, medical intervention may be necessary to prevent its spread, alleviate symptoms, or address cosmetic concerns. Treatments include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgical procedures to remove the lesions. It's important to avoid scratching or picking at the bumps to prevent further spread and secondary bacterial infections.

Highlights

• Topical therapy dominates the therapy segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Molluscum Contagiosum Market Drivers

Prevalence and Incidence Rates 

The prevalence and incidence rates of molluscum contagiosum play a critical role in shaping the market dynamics for treatments. According to an article published in PubMed, molluscum contagiosum constitutes around one percent of all skin diagnoses globally, with its prevalence observed to be on the rise across all age demographics. Molluscum contagiosum has a prevalence of approximately 8000 cases per 100,000 individuals per year and an incidence of 1200-1400 cases per 100,000 individuals annually.

Molluscum contagiosum is a prevalent condition that impacts children and people with weakened immune systems. Molluscum contagiosum affects boys and girls in equal measure among children. Molluscum contagiosum is more common in men than women during adulthood. Molluscum contagiosum does not exhibit any racial predisposition. As these rates rise, the demand for effective therapies increases, driving market growth.

Moreover, factors contributing to prevalence and incidence include population demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare infrastructure. Higher rates of transmission among children and immunocompromised individuals contribute to the overall burden of the disease.

Global Molluscum Contagiosum Market Restraint

Self-Limiting Nature 

The self-limiting nature of molluscum contagiosum, wherein the infection typically resolves spontaneously without intervention, presents a significant restraint in the market. Despite causing discomfort and aesthetic concerns, the condition often clears within months to years. This natural resolution may dissuade individuals from seeking medical treatment or investing in costly interventions, reducing demand for specific therapies.

Healthcare providers may adopt a conservative approach, opting for watchful waiting rather than aggressive treatment, particularly in cases where the infection is asymptomatic or localized. Consequently, the market for molluscum contagiosum treatments faces challenges in penetrating consumer segments and generating sustained demand, as the perceived urgency for intervention is relatively low due to the condition's eventual resolution without medical intervention.

Global Molluscum Contagiosum Market Opportunities

Rising Research and Development 

Ongoing research and development efforts with positive results yield novel therapies with enhanced efficacy, safety, and patient convenience. Innovations encompass various modalities, including topical agents, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and immunomodulatory treatments. These advancements address unmet clinical needs by offering faster resolution, reduced adverse effects, and improved patient compliance. Additionally, advancements may include formulations optimized for specific patient populations, such as pediatric or immunocompromised individuals. Continuous innovation fosters competition among pharmaceutical companies, driving further investment in research and development.

In June 2021, Novan, Inc. announced positive findings regarding the effectiveness and safety of SB206, a topical antiviral gel, for treating molluscum contagiosum ("molluscum"). The results were derived from the B-SIMPLE4 pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial. The positive results of B-SIMPLE4 represent a substantial and transformative accomplishment for all employees, stakeholders, and, particularly, those affected by molluscum. The strong safety and highly significant effectiveness results give us confidence in our work towards developing a New Drug Application for the future launch of SB206, which will provide an effective treatment for patients who require it. This is estimated to create market expansion opportunities.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global molluscum contagiosum market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global molluscum contagiosum market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of Molluscum Contagiosum among children and adults is propelling market growth in North America. Molluscum is a prevalent and contagious skin illness caused by the molluscipoxvirus. It affects almost six million individuals in the United States every year, with the highest occurrence observed in children between the ages of one and 14. The availability of cutting-edge medical facilities and hefty healthcare costs also fuel the need for efficient therapies. For instance, as per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in 2022, healthcare spending in the United States increased by 4.1 percent, reaching a total of USD 4.5 trillion, which equates to USD 13,493 per person. Health spending constituted 17.3 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product.

Furthermore, there has also been a rise in the approval of novel treatment options by the regulatory authorities. For instance, in July 2023, Ycanth (cantharidin) was given approval by the FDA for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in both adult and pediatric patients aged two and above. This therapy is provided in the office and applied topically. Ycanth (formerly known as VP-102) is the inaugural FDA-approved remedy for molluscum, a highly transmissible viral skin illness. Verrica Pharmaceuticals created it. Thus, the factors above augment the regional market expansion.

Asia-Pacific witnesses a rising incidence of MC due to population density and changing lifestyles. Increased healthcare awareness and adoption of advanced therapies present growth opportunities in this region. Furthermore, there has also been a rise in the clinical trials conducted to develop novel treatment options for molluscum contagiosum.

For instance, in December 2023, Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company specializing in dermatology therapeutics for skin diseases that require medical interventions, announced that its partner, Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., has released favorable results from a Phase 3 trial of TO-208 (also known as VP-102 and marketed as YCANTH™ in the U.S.) for the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum ("molluscum") in Japan. The Phase 3 trial's top-line results indicate that many participants achieved complete clearance of all treated molluscum lesions at the end of the confirmatory study, which was the major measure of effectiveness. This outcome was statistically significant compared to the placebo. TO-208 exhibited good tolerability throughout the research. Consequently, these factors boost the regional market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global molluscum contagiosum market is segmented by therapy.

Based on therapy, the global molluscum contagiosum market is bifurcated into cryotherapy, curettage, immune-modulating therapies, topical therapies, and others. 

The topical therapy segment is estimated to dominate the global market. Topical therapy for molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection, targets the lesions while minimizing systemic side effects directly. Various agents, such as cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, salicylic acid, tretinoin, and imiquimod, may be used. Cantharidin is a common choice, applied directly to the lesions in a clinical setting, causing blistering and subsequent lesion removal. Podophyllotoxin, salicylic acid, and tretinoin are often applied at home, targeting the lesions' growth mechanisms or promoting their shedding.

Moreover, Imiquimod boosts the immune response locally, aiding in lesion clearance. These treatments typically require consistent application over several weeks to months, with regular monitoring for adverse effects and lesion response. While topical therapy is generally safe and non-invasive, it may cause local irritation or skin reactions. Its efficacy varies among individuals and lesion types, and it may not be suitable for extensive or immunocompromised cases. Close supervision by a healthcare provider is essential for optimal outcomes.

Cryotherapy is a commonly used treatment for molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). In this procedure, liquid nitrogen or another cryogen is applied directly to the molluscum lesions, causing freezing and destruction of the infected tissue. This method works by inducing necrosis of the infected cells, leading to the eventual sloughing off of the lesions. Cryotherapy effectively treats individual lesions and can be particularly useful when dealing with numerous or widespread outbreaks.

Moreover, the treatment is quick and minimally invasive, typically causing mild discomfort and temporary skin irritation. However, multiple treatment sessions may be required for complete resolution, and there's a risk of scarring or pigment changes in some cases. Thus, cryotherapy offers a convenient and effective option for managing molluscum contagiosum, especially in cases where other treatments have proven ineffective or impractical. Nevertheless, its success may vary depending on the individual's immune response and the extent of the infection.

Curettage, a technique involving scraping or scooping out tissue, is occasionally used to treat molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection. Typically, curettage is employed when other treatment methods like topical medications or cryotherapy have failed or are unsuitable for the patient. During curettage, a healthcare professional uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument known as a curette to remove the raised, dome-shaped lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum from the skin surface.

Moreover, the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Curettage physically removes the infected tissue, which can help accelerate the healing process by eliminating the source of the infection. However, there are risks associated with curettage, including scarring and potential recurrence of the lesions. Therefore, it's crucial for healthcare providers to carefully consider the appropriateness of curettage and discuss the potential benefits and risks with patients before proceeding with the procedure.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Verrica Pharmaceuticals partnered with Walgreens to offer Ycanth, a specialized pharmacy treatment for molluscum contagiosum. Walgreens has partnered with Verrica, adding to their existing specialty pharmacy, Nufactor. Nufactor has played a crucial role in raising awareness of Ycanth therapy among dermatological and pediatric medical practices with significant patient volume.
• January 2024- The FDA approved the use of berdazimer gel 10.3% from Ligand Pharmaceuticals in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum (MC) in individuals who are at least one year old, including both adults and children.