Antiretroviral Protease Inhibitors Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Government investments: One of the fueling factors for the anti-retroviral protease inhibitors sector is government expenditure and in-person expenditure going into PI-based treatments. As per a report by UNAIDS in July 2024, in 2023, HIV resources across the globe were spent near USD 19.8 billion, down by 5% from 2022. However, funding gap highlights the need for increased investments to reach the goal of USD 29.3 billion. Government support must follow for further research, drug accessibility, and, its main purpose, to globally treat HIV and AIDS.
• Rising burden of chronic diseases: Another major driver for the anti-retroviral protease inhibitors market is the large consumer base, which is the expanding patient pool of HIV and AIDS. As per a report by UNAIDS in July 2025, in December 2024, 31.6 million people got access to antiretroviral therapy, while 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses. Increased treatment uptake across the world is due to growing awareness and efforts toward early diagnosis. Additionally, patient pool improvements and quality of life are further enhanced by the constant development of PI-based therapies that are driving market demand.
• Advancements in drug development: A constant flow of innovation in the formulation and delivery of these protease inhibitors has made it possible for treatments to become better, safer, and easier to administer. The advances, such as long-acting injectable therapies and fixed-dose combinations, ensure better patient adherence and minimize side effects, and hence promote market growth. Moreover, there is currently research directed at overcoming resistance and potentiating these protease inhibitors, which is paramount to the long-term efficacy of treatment.

Expansion of Global Access to Antiretroviral Therapy

Global Access to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV (2024)

Source: UNAIDS July 2025

Challenges

• Price controls by government: One of the major challenges hindering the growth in the anti-retroviral protease inhibitors market is the price controls and reimbursement barriers imposed by governments worldwide. The AMNOG (Arzneimittelmarkt-Neuordnungsgesetz) law in the country lowered prices for next-generation therapies, making it challenging for manufacturers to develop these PI inhibitors. Additionally, Health Canada reported reduced launch prices, further creating a significant hurdle for firms leveraging PI inhibitors.
• High Cost of Treatment: One of the major challenges facing the market is the high price associated with these therapies. The expensive drug-making and manufacturing processes put the treatment out of reach of millions of middle and low-income earners. This financial impediment results in lapses in patient adherence and, thereby, affects mass adoption of protease inhibitors, which is a setback in realizing the target of HIV control. Treatment regimen complexities and side effects also discourage patients from further following up on the treatment, thus negatively impacting market growth.