The global artemisinin market size was valued at USD 70.13 million in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 326.82 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 18.65% during the forecast period (2025–2033). The global artemisinin market is expected to experience steady growth due to its critical role in treating malaria, particularly in developing countries. Moreover, with rising investment in healthcare infrastructure and increased focus on infectious diseases, the market is poised to grow significantly.
Artemisinin is a naturally occurring compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is widely recognized for its potent antimalarial properties and is a key ingredient in many malaria treatments. Discovered by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou in the 1970s, this compound works by rapidly reducing the number of malaria parasites in the bloodstream.
Its effectiveness is heightened when used in combination therapies, such as Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), which are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating malaria. Beyond malaria, research is ongoing to explore its potential in treating other diseases like cancer.
The growing number of malaria cases, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, is a primary driver for the global market. The WHO has reported that in 2022, 95% of malaria cases and 96% of deaths occurred in the African region, signaling an urgent need for effective treatments like ACTs.
Additionally, global health organizations and governments continue to fund malaria treatment and prevention programs.
This rise in cases and funding is fueling the market's growth, ensuring that this market remains essential for malaria treatment.
One of the significant challenges for the global market is the emergence of drug-resistant malaria strains, particularly in Southeast Asia. Research published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases in 2023 reported that resistance to ACTs has been observed in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, posing a threat to global malaria eradication efforts. This resistance occurs due to mutations in the parasite's genome, making it less responsive to treatment with artemisinin.
As resistance spreads, the efficacy of ACTs diminishes, reducing the demand for artemisinin. Moreover, this poses a significant public health risk, potentially reversing the progress made in reducing malaria mortality. Governments and research institutions are under pressure to develop alternative treatments, which could affect the long-term demand for ACTs.
Beyond malaria treatment, artemisinin shows potential in various medical and industrial applications, presenting significant growth opportunities. Recent studies have explored the use of artemisinin derivatives in cancer treatment, given their ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted artemisinin's efficacy in targeting certain types of leukemia and breast cancer cells.
This discovery opens new avenues for the market, where artemisinin-based therapies could extend beyond infectious diseases into oncology. Additionally, this compound has been investigated for use in treating viral infections and autoimmune disorders, further diversifying its application. As research progresses, the demand for artemisinin in non-malaria therapeutic areas could significantly contribute to market expansion.
The global market is divided into plant-based and semi-synthetic artemisinin.
The semi-synthetic artemisinin segment is gaining traction due to its ability to stabilize the global supply chain, reducing dependency on agricultural production. Developed through biosynthetic processes, this method ensures a consistent, scalable, and cost-effective supply of artemisinin. It plays a crucial role in meeting the rising demand for artemisinin-based therapies, especially in malaria-endemic regions.
The global market is divided into antimalarial, anticancer, and antiviral treatments.
The anticancer segment is emerging as a promising application for this market, with studies showing its potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth, particularly in leukemia and breast cancer. Artemisinin derivatives target cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress, offering new therapeutic options in oncology. As research advances, this segment could significantly expand its market reach.
The global market is bifurcated into the pharmaceutical sector, research institutions, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and others.
The pharmaceuticals segment held a significant share of this market, driven by the high demand for antimalarial therapies, particularly ACTs. Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on scaling both plant-based and semi-synthetic artemisinin production to meet global demand. Additionally, its exploration of cancer and viral treatment applications is expected to further bolster the pharmaceutical sector's growth in this market.
The Asia-Pacific region holds a dominant position in the global artemisinin market, driven by the high incidence of malaria and increasing healthcare investments. According to the WHO, India alone accounts for approximately 85% of malaria cases in the Southeast Asia region, recording over 5.6 million malaria cases in 2022. Countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam are also experiencing significant malaria burdens, contributing to the continuous demand for artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
Additionally, government initiatives, such as India's National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2017-2022, aim to eliminate malaria by 2030, which will further fuel the market growth. Additionally, increased funding from global organizations like the Global Fund supports malaria control efforts, enhancing the region's treatment capabilities.
Furthermore, the rise in semi-synthetic artemisinin production in countries like China is also a significant factor contributing to market growth. China remains a leading producer of both plant-derived and synthetic artemisinin, with companies like Guilin Pharmaceutical playing a major role in global supply chains. This robust production infrastructure, combined with growing healthcare investments, positions the Asia-Pacific region as a key driver of the global artemisinin market.
The North American market shows limited growth compared to malaria-endemic regions, primarily due to the lower prevalence of the disease. According to the CDC, the U.S. reports around 2,000 malaria cases annually, mostly from travelers returning from malaria-prone regions. However, the growing interest in artemisinin's application beyond this mosquito-borne disease, such as in cancer research, is expected to drive demand.
Furthermore, advancements in semi-synthetic artemisinin production by companies like Sanofi in collaboration with U.S.-based research institutes provide additional market growth opportunities. As North American pharmaceutical companies increasingly explore artemisinin's broader therapeutic applications, including viral infections and autoimmune disorders, demand in the region is projected to grow modestly, with a focus on non-malarial uses.
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