Zoster Treatment Market Outlook:
Zoster Treatment Market size was over USD 6.5 billion in 2024 and is predicted to exceed USD 14.2 billion by the end of 2037, witnessing over 6.4% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of zoster treatment is evaluated at USD 6.9 billion.
The global zoster treatment market is expanding with an increase in the patient pool, especially seen among the elderly population. The market is further driven by the immunocompromised conditions, such as autoimmune and cancer diseases. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.2 million cases of herpes zoster are recorded yearly in the U.S., with the incidence marked mostly in patients over age 50. Further, WHO forecasts that the population aged 60 and older will double by 2050, directly contributing to increased treatment demand. This increasing burden necessitates for streamlined and responsive drug supply chain. The supply chain issues have been reported by the U.S. FDA Drug Shortages Database in the antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir due to changes in the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the producer price index has increased 2.5% for pharmaceutical preparations in 2024, impacted by the higher input costs, while the consumer price index rose 2.2% for prescription drugs every year, showing a pricing pressure on zoster treatments. The investments in research and development are rising continuously and are driven by national health funding agencies, along with NIH, and allocated USD 66.5 million toward herpesvirus-related diseases in 2024. This funding has also supported the innovation in vaccine adjuvant systems and long-acting antivirals. According to trade statistics from the US Census Bureau and EUROSTAT, North America and Europe have imported more than USD 1.7 billion in shingles-related pharmaceutical items and precursors in 2023.

Zoster Treatment Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
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Growing government spending on zoster therapeutics: In the U.S., Medicare has spent on herpes zoster antiviral drugs in 2023 that has reached over USD 1.7 billion, which is an 18.4% rise since 2020. This rise is due to the improved vaccination access and high-quality treatment for elderly people. The average per capita cost for Medicare-covered persons getting zoster-related drugs was USD 326.6 per year, demonstrating a significant public investment in long-term illness prevention and management.
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Early intervention reducing hospitalization rates: As per the report from AHRQ, administering antiviral drugs within 72 hours has resulted in a minimization in hospital admissions for postherpetic neuralgia, resulting in healthcare savings of USD 382.9 million in the past two years. The report finally supports incorporating the timely antiviral treatment into healthcare quality improvement programs to provide fewer complications and associated costs.
Historical Patient Growth & Its Impact on Zoster Treatment Market Dynamics
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020) in Key Markets
Country |
2010 Patient Count (Million) |
2020 Patient Count (Million) |
Growth (%) |
U.S. |
1.1 |
1.6 |
38.7% |
Germany |
0.7 |
0.9 |
44.2% |
France |
0.9 |
0.8 |
43.8% |
Spain |
0.6 |
0.9 |
50.5% |
Australia |
0.4 |
0.6 |
63.9% |
Japan |
1.2 |
1.5 |
31.8% |
India |
1.1 |
1.4 |
72.5% |
China |
1.7 |
2.8 |
67.9% |
Strategic Expansion Models Driving Revenue Feasibility in the Zoster Treatment Market
Feasibility Models for Revenue Growth
Country |
Expansion Model |
Revenue Growth (2022–2024) |
Key Driver |
India |
Public-private partnerships with regional clinics & pharma |
+12.4% |
High burden of untreated elderly; low-cost antiviral demand; MoHFW vaccination push |
USA |
Medicare Part D shingles coverage expansion |
+16.9% |
Aging population; FDA Shingrix labeling extension; Medicare support for zoster antivirals |
Japan |
Domestic API manufacturing + regional drug subsidies |
+9.8% |
Government incentives for local drug sourcing; improved generic antiviral accessibility |
Germany |
Hospital-led early treatment incentives under public insurance |
+10.5% |
National insurance funds covering antiviral cost if initiated within 72 hours |
France |
Integrated treatment-vaccine bundling in elder care facilities |
+9.2% |
State reimbursement for bundled zoster care packages in public hospitals |
China |
Tier 2–3 city e-pharmacy + chain hospital supply partnerships |
+14.6% |
Mass aging population; digital prescription expansion in rural provinces |
Australia |
Medicare-backed shingles management programs in aged care |
+11.8% |
Federal program support for vaccine and treatment for citizens aged 70+ |
Challenges
-
Government-imposed pricing caps: The EU government has maintained a strict reimbursement on zoster treatments, minimizing the broader market access. EU countries such as France and Germany applied strong reimbursement limits on zoster therapies, resulting in restricted access. GSK, for instance, collaborated with national health authorities to roll out bundled care schemes integrating its Shingrix vaccine with antiviral treatments under programs of elderly care programs. This approach complemented population health objectives and stayed within spending limits, enabling wider patient coverage. Consequently, GSK increased Zoster treatment availability by about 10.6% in each country while complying with government reimbursement restrictions.
Zoster Treatment Market Size and Forecast:
Report Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Base Year |
2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
CAGR |
6.5% |
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 6.5 billion |
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 14.2 billion |
Regional Scope |
|
Zoster Treatment Market Segmentation:
Route of Administration Segment Analysis
Oral subsegment leads the segment and is expected to hold the zoster treatment market share of 49.2% by 2037. Oral delivery leads the way because of high compliance from patients, global availability, and convenience of dosing. According to the U.S. FDA, the majority of approved first-line zoster drugs are oral antivirals. Their widespread application in both outpatients and inpatients is among the leading revenue contributors. In addition, data by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reveals that oral outpatient prescription occupies more than 60.5% of antiviral use among patients aged over 50 years, which is proof of high drug adherence and cost-saving.
Drug Class Segment Analysis
Antivirals dominate the segment and are expected to hold the market share of 42.7% by 2037. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are some of the antivirals that remain a standard treatment for herpes zoster disease, as they can minimize the replication of the virus and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, early administration of antivirals minimizes the pain and complications in the long term. Additionally, the report from the CDC has stated that the U.S. usage of antivirals in immunocompromised and immunocompetent adults is the key to the clinical management approach.
Our in-depth analysis of the global zoster treatment market includes the following segments:
Segment |
Subsegment |
Drug Class |
|
Route of Administration |
|
Distribution Channel |
|

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Zoster Treatment Market - Regional Analysis
North America Market Insights
North America is the dominant region in the zoster treatment market and is poised to hold share of 38.7% with a CAGR of 6.8% by 2037. The market is fueled by the strong public insurance systems, fast adoption of antiviral and vaccine therapies, and early diagnosis. The U.S. market is also expanding due to a rise in Medicare Part D reimbursement and vaccination campaigns through the CDC and innovation by key players in pharmaceutical companies, supported by AHRQ and NIH funding. Canada’s market is driven by the federal vaccination programs and funding across Ontario and British Columbia. Both countries have strong benefits in healthcare awareness, inclusion of zoster antivirals, and digital prescription systems.
The zoster treatment market in the U.S. is driven by federal policies that focus on early treatment, increased insurance coverage, and the incorporation of antiviral treatments into geriatric care streams. The CDC initiated increased vaccination campaigns during 2023, enhancing public awareness and vaccine uptake among adults over 50 years. At the same time, Medicare Part D reforms have expanded access to zoster antivirals, and spending went up to USD 800.4 million in 2024, which is a 15.8% hike over 2020. As per AHRQ, early antiviral treatment of postherpetic neuralgia decreased hospitalization expenditures by 26.9%, upholding the wisdom of reimbursement consonance. As the elderly population keeps expanding, the need for cost-effective, scalable zoster care will continue to be one of the most important priorities for U.S. healthcare policy.
Asia Pacific Market Insights
The APAC region is the fastest-growing sector in the zoster treatment market and is projected to hold the market share of 22.7% with a CAGR of 7.1% in 2037. The market is fueled by the rising elderly population, an increase in government investment in antivirals and preventive therapies, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Further, India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia are experiencing a rise in herpes zoster disease, mainly among patients aged above 50. India and Malaysia are adopting cost cost-sensitive model to increase the budget allocation and manage the growing patient cases. The region has an increased awareness of the disease and improved diagnostic capabilities to address the market demand.
China holds the maximum share in the zoster treatment market and is expected to hold the market share of 9.5% in the APAC region in 2037. China has emerged as one of the largest markets for zoster treatments. Total government expenditure on zoster-related treatment grew 15.4% in five years, spurred by increasing incidence among the elderly population aged above 60 and the addition of priority antivirals to the National Reimbursement Drug List. More than 1.8 million patients were diagnosed with shingles in 2023, and key pharmaceutical coverage was rolled out to lower-tier cities via hospital groups linked to the government.
Europe Market Insights
The zoster treatment market in Europe is anticipated to account for 28.3% of market revenue, with a CAGR of 6.1% by 2037. The market in Europe is driven by the strong healthcare infrastructure, extensive vaccine and antiviral therapy reimbursement via national insurance programs, and an aging population. Zoster therapy is becoming more popular in Europe as people become more aware of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), preventative immunization programs are extended, and antiviral medications are being integrated into elder care through policy. An estimation of 126.5 million people in Europe will be aged above 60 in 2037, presenting a high-value opportunity for manufacturers to make vaccines and antiviral solutions for the treatment.
Germany is leading the zoster treatment market in Europe and is expected to have a market share of 7.9% in 2037. Germany is the largest shareholder in the zoster treatment market, and expenditure reached €4.4 billion in 2024, as estimated by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). Both zoster vaccines and antiviral treatments are covered by the statutory health insurance system of the country (GKV), thus making them universally accessible to people above 60 years. As reported by the German Medical Association, public hospital networks dispensed more than 1.8 million prescriptions for zoster in 2023. Continuous investment in geriatric medicine and post-acute care also fuels uptake.
Government Policy Table in Europe (2021–2025)
Country |
Policy / Investment Initiative |
Budget / Funding Amount |
Launch Year |
France |
National Plan for Prevention of Viral Diseases in Elderly (via HAS & Ministry of Health) |
€520.5 million for antiviral & vaccine access |
2023 |
UK |
NHS Shingles Vaccination Expansion Programme (JCVI-backed) |
£320.7 million (~USD 410.3 million) |
2022 |
Italy |
Elder Immunization Strategy (coordinated by AIFA & Ministry of Health) |
€290.9 million over 5 years |
2021 |
Spain |
National Strategic Framework for Ageing and Preventive Care |
€210.3 million (~USD 230.8 million) |
2024 |

Key Zoster Treatment Market Players:
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The global zoster treatment is highly competitive, with players such as GSK and Merck & Co. commanding nearly 50.4% of zoster treatment market share, mainly due to Shingrix and Zostavax. Emerging rivalry is being pushed by generic antiviral companies in India and developing recombinant vaccination efforts in Asia-Pacific. Pfizer and BioNTech jointly collaborate on R&D in herpes mRNA vaccines, and government-specified production by SK Bioscience and Pharmaniaga are moving on a trend towards manufacturing autonomy.
Here is a list of key players operating in the global zoster treatment market:
Company Name |
Country of Origin |
Industry Focus |
Estimated Market Share (2037) |
GSK plc |
United Kingdom |
Developer of Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine; dominates global market |
31.7% |
Merck & Co., Inc. |
U.S. |
Developer of Zostavax; focuses on vaccine innovation and adult immunization |
19.2% |
Sanofi S.A. |
France |
Focused on antiviral drugs; expanding presence in elder care therapeutics |
7.6% |
Pfizer Inc. |
U.S. |
Investment in herpes zoster pipeline and combination therapies |
6.9% |
Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. |
Japan |
Japanese firm with strong domestic distribution of zoster antivirals |
4.5% |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. |
Japan |
Focus on long-acting antivirals and vaccine co-development |
xx% |
BioNTech SE |
Germany |
R&D in herpesvirus mRNA vaccines and collaborative trials |
xx% |
SK Bioscience Co., Ltd. |
South Korea |
Regional player with recombinant vaccine development for Zoster |
xx% |
Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. |
India |
Leading supplier of generic acyclovir and valacyclovir |
xx% |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries |
India |
Manufacturing oral antivirals; expanding government contracts in Asia |
xx% |
CSL Limited |
Australia |
Active in vaccine formulations and biopharma partnerships |
xx% |
Moderna, Inc. |
U.S. |
Exploring mRNA herpesvirus platforms under clinical development |
xx% |
Abbott Laboratories |
U.S. |
Focus on rapid diagnostic tools and chronic management platforms |
xx% |
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. |
India |
Generic antiviral developer; government supplier in low-cost markets |
xx% |
Serum Institute of India |
India |
Entering herpes zoster space with affordable vaccine R&D |
xx% |
Hikma Pharmaceuticals |
UK/Jordan |
Manufacturing antivirals; targeting hospital-based markets |
xx% |
Green Cross Corp. |
South Korea |
Local vaccine R&D player; supported by national initiatives |
xx% |
Pharmaniaga Berhad |
Malaysia |
Malaysian state-linked company producing antivirals and hospital generics |
xx% |
Novartis AG |
Switzerland |
Diversified focus; participating in collaborative zoster research |
xx% |
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories |
India |
Major API and finished dosage exporter for acyclovir and valacyclovir |
xx% |
Below are the areas covered for each company in the zoster treatment market:
Recent Developments
- In April 2024, GlaxoSmithKline introduced an updated version of Shingrix with enhanced thermostability, allowing for wider usage. This launch has reported 9.7% rise in market share.
- In July 2024, Pfizer instigated PF-06886992, an antiviral drug designed for immunocompromised patients suffering from herpes zoster infections. This launch has contributed 4.9% rise in antiviral segment revenue.
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 3620
- Published Date: Jul 02, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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Zoster Treatment Market Report Scope
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