Zoster Treatment Market Size & Share, by Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, Intravenous); Drug Class; Distribution Channel - SWOT Analysis, Competitive Strategic Insights, Regional Trends 2025-2037

  • Report ID: 3620
  • Published Date: Jul 02, 2025
  • Report Format: PDF, PPT

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 Size
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Growth Drivers

  • 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.

  • 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

  • North America (U.S., and Canada)  
  • Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific)  
  • Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, NORDIC, Rest of Europe)  
  • Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Rest of Latin America)  
  • Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC North Africa, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa) 

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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  

  • Antivirals
  • Corticosteroids
  • Analgesics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Local Anesthetics

Route of Administration  

  • Oral
  • Topical
  • Intravenous

Distribution Channel 

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
Vishnu Nair
Vishnu Nair
Head - Global Business Development

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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

Zoster Treatment Market Share
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Key Zoster Treatment Market Players:

    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:

    • Company Overview
    • Business Strategy
    • Key Product Offerings
    • Financial Performance
    • Key Performance Indicators
    • Risk Analysis
    • Recent Development
    • Regional Presence
    • SWOT Analysis

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In 2025, the industry size of zoster treatment is evaluated at USD 6.9 billion.

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.

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 major players in the market are GSK plc, Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi S.A., Pfizer Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., BioNTech SE, SK Bioscience Co., Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, CSL Limited, Moderna, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., Serum Institute of India, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Green Cross Corp., Pharmaniaga Berhad, Novartis AG, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.
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