Strep Throat Treatment Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Treatment Type (Antibiotics, Pain Relievers, Probiotic Therapies, Herbal/Natural Remedies and Other Treatment Types), Route of Administration (Oral, Topical and Injectable), Disease Type

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Strep Throat Treatment Market is accounted for $2.26 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $3.88 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Strep throat treatment primarily involves the use of antibiotics to eliminate the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria responsible for the infection. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include amoxicillin or penicillin, but patients with allergies may also be treated with cephalexin or azithromycin. The severity and duration of symptoms can be lessened, complications like rheumatic fever can be avoided, and the chance of infecting others is decreased with early antibiotic treatment. Moreover, supportive care can help manage symptoms like fever, inflammation, and sore throat. It includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotic treatment for group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is essential to reduce symptom duration, prevent complications, and limit transmission. Penicillin or amoxicillin is the recommended first-line therapy due to their efficacy, narrow spectrum, and low cost.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing streptococcal infection prevalence

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus or GAS, is the causative agent of strep throat, a common bacterial infection that primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. The CDC estimates that millions of mild cases, such as strep throat, and between 11,000 and 24,000 cases of invasive GAS disease occur each year in the United States. In low- and middle-income nations where access to healthcare may be restricted, the burden is even greater globally. Additionally, the market for supportive therapies, diagnostics, and antibiotics is constantly active due to this enduring prevalence.

Restraint:

Over prescription and incorrect diagnosis of antibiotics

A major barrier to the market for strep throat treatments is the common misdiagnosis of sore throats. Antibiotics are often prescribed without adequate testing, even though many sore throats are viral rather than bacterial. The effectiveness of treatment is compromised because this not only results in needless drug use but also fuels antibiotic resistance. In outpatient settings in the United States, up to 30% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, according to the CDC. Furthermore, regulatory pressure and tighter prescription guidelines brought about by this over prescription can indirectly stifle market expansion by reducing the sale of indiscriminate antibiotics.

Opportunity:

Developments in at-home and quick diagnostics

The development of quick and at-home strep throat diagnostic kits has been prompted by the move toward self-testing and decentralization of care. Similar to home COVID-19 or pregnancy tests, consumers can now self-test for streptococcal infections using over-the-counter kits owing to developments in digital health and molecular diagnostics. Moreover, these developments facilitate early detection and treatment and lessen the strain on clinical infrastructure, particularly in isolated or resource-constrained locations. Businesses can take advantage of this expanding consumer-driven market by investing in diagnostic solutions that are easy to use, precise, and reasonably priced.

Threat:

Generic competition and market saturation

A small number of well-known antibiotics that have been used for decades dominate the market for strep throat treatments. There are inexpensive generic versions of many of these medications, including amoxicillin and penicillin. This deters significant pharmaceutical investment and innovation in this field by resulting in fierce price competition and narrow profit margins. Additionally, lack of unique products can impede market expansion and increase reliance on bulk purchasing agreements or public-sector tenders, which aren't always profitable.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the market for strep throat treatments. On the one hand, strep throat and other common respiratory infections have become much less common as a result of the widespread adoption of preventive measures like mask wearing, social distancing, and better hygiene. The pandemic, however, hastened the uptake of telemedicine and at-home diagnostic instruments, opening up new avenues for the diagnosis and prescription of strep throat remedies. Furthermore, the management and treatment of strep throat has also changed over time as a result of changes in prescribing practices and healthcare-seeking behaviour brought about by heightened public awareness of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.

The oral segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The oral segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Due to their demonstrated effectiveness, simplicity of use, affordability, and high patient compliance, oral antibiotics—especially penicillin and amoxicillin—are the first-line treatment for strep throat. When it comes to outpatient treatment, the majority of patients—adults and children alike—prefer oral medications over inject able or topical ones. Since oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and suspensions are widely accessible and don't need a medical professional's supervision, they can be used even in environments with limited resources. Moreover, their widespread availability and ease of use help explain why they are so popular in the world of strep throat remedies.

The acute strep throat segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the acute strep throat segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. The rising incidence of Group A Streptococcus infections worldwide, especially in children and adolescents who are most susceptible to acute strep throat, is what is driving this segment's growth. The expansion of point-of-care testing and growing knowledge of early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment facilitate quicker acute infection detection and management. Additionally, in order to avoid complications like rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, medical professionals are giving priority to acute cases, which raises the need for treatment.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by a strong healthcare system, a high level of infectious disease awareness, and easy access to services for diagnosis and treatment. The high incidence of strep throat in the area, particularly in school-age children, contributes to the ongoing need for quick diagnostic tests and antibiotics. Market expansion is further supported by a strong institutional and governmental emphasis on routine health examinations, antibiotic stewardship, and early diagnosis. Furthermore, the availability and innovation of treatments are improved by the presence of top pharmaceutical companies and continuous research and development.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR because of its sizable and expanding population, increased knowledge of infectious diseases, and easier access to medical care. Strep throat and other respiratory tract infections are on the rise in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia, especially in young people and the elderly. The market is expanding as a result of government efforts to improve primary healthcare, as well as increased access to antibiotics and healthcare outreach in rural areas. Additionally, the region's market is expanding quickly due to rising investments in telehealth, diagnostic infrastructure, and public health initiatives.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Strep Throat Treatment Market include Bayer AG, GSK plc (GlaxoSmithKline), Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Melinta Therapeutics, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mylan N.V. (Viatris), Sandoz, Cipla Ltd. and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Key Developments:

In March 2025, Bayer and Suzhou Puhe BioPharma Co.,Ltd announced that they have entered into a global license agreement for Puhe BioPharma’s oral, small molecule PRMT5 inhibitor that selectively targets MTAP-deleted tumors. Under the agreement, Bayer obtains an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize the MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor.

In March 2025, Merck and Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced that the companies have entered into an exclusive license agreement for HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), inhibitor currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial in China. Under the agreement, Hengrui Pharma has granted Merck exclusive rights to develop manufacture and commercialize HRS-5346 worldwide, excluding Greater China region.

In December 2024, Abbott Laboratories and DexCom they have reached an agreement to settle all patent disputes between them related to continuous glucose monitoring devices. The agreement will dismiss all pending cases in courts and patent offices worldwide, along with a provision preventing legal action between the companies for patent and appearance disputes for the next 10 years.

Treatment Types Covered:
• Antibiotics
• Pain Relievers
• Probiotic Therapies
• Herbal/Natural Remedies
• Other Treatment Types

Route of Administrations Covered:
• Oral
• Topical
• Injectable

Disease Types Covered:
• Acute Strep Throat
• Pharyngitis
• Tonsillitis
• Laryngitis
• Other Disease Types

Distribution Channels Covered:
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy

Diagnosis Methods Covered:
• Antibody Test
• Physical Examination
• Throat Culture
• Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RADTs)

End Users Covered:
• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Diagnostic Laboratories
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements Show more