Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSIs) Market – By Infection Type, By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025 – 2034

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Size

The global acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2025 to USD 2.1 billion in 2034 growing at a CAGR of 5%.
 

The market is experiencing growth due to the rising prevalence of ABSSSIs driven by the growing frequency of antibiotic-resistant MRSA infections. For instance, as per a research article published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents in 2022, the hospital incidence of ABSSSIs was 1.8 per 1,000 patient-days. This surge in resistant infections leading to growing incidence of ABSSSI increases the adoption of more effective antimicrobial therapies to manage the disease.
 

Another factor such as technological advancements in antibiotic formulations have also played a significant role by improved drug efficacy and treatment outcomes. With the introduction of novel glycopeptides, oxazolidinones, and lipopeptides has expanded the treatment option available with better targeting and efficacy towards resistant bacteria. For instance, in April 2024, U.S. FDA approved the novel antibiotic Zevtera, a ceftobiprole medocaril sodium in injection form for treating serious bacterial infections in adults and children, including acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infection (ABSSSI) in adults.
 

Such innovations enhance therapeutic effectiveness as well as contribute to minimizing the duration of hospitalization and associated costs. The growing awareness of early diagnosis and treatment among healthcare professionals and patients about the importance has further accelerated the adoption of targeted therapies. Moreover, increased government initiatives and healthcare expenditure are expanding access to medical care in developing nations, thereby contributing to the market's expansion.
 

Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) are rapidly progressive bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues which cause redness, swelling, and pain. Most of these infections are accompanied by zones of erythema and are caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, some of which are resistant to methicillin (MRSA). For treating ABSSSIs usually involves glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin), oxazolidinones (e.g., linezolid), and lipopeptides (e.g., daptomycin).
 

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Trends

• The increasing incidence of ABSSSIs is one of the key trends driving the growth of the market. The rise in the cases is driven by multiple factors, including the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and the growing incidence of multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains resulting in a need for better treatment alternatives.
   
• For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur every year in the U.S., contributing to the growing demand for effective therapies.
   
• Similarly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that antimicrobial resistance causes 33,000 deaths annually in Europe, spurring innovation in advanced antibiotics and combination therapies.
   
• These infections are prevalent in both community and healthcare settings, leading to greater demand for effective therapies. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have indicated that ABSSSIs alone represent almost 10% of all hospitalizations due to infectious diseases.
   
• The growing antibiotic resistance has further complicated treatment, driving innovation in advanced antibiotics and combination therapies to overcome these challenges, thereby contributing to the overall market growth.
   
• For instance, in October 2024, Recce Pharmaceuticals announced interim efficacy data and safety approval of RECCE 327 topical gel (R327G) for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI), including diabetic foot infections (DFI). Thus, the increasing efforts in development of novel drugs are expected to drive the growth of the market.
   

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Analysis

Based on the infection type, the global market is segmented into community-acquired ABSSSI and hospital- acquired ABSSSI. The community-acquired ABSSSI segment dominated the market with 64.3% of market share in 2024.
 

• Community-acquired infections are generally more common than hospital-acquired infections, affecting a larger portion of the population with conditions like cellulitis, abscesses, and impetigo which frequently occur outside healthcare settings, contributing to a greater number of cases.
   
• Due to the high risk to this population, several cases are being managed in outpatient settings, contributing to a larger market share for the community-acquired segment.
   
• Furthermore, the growth of this segment is attributed to the availability of effective oral antibiotics as they improve patient compliance with the treatment.
   
• Additionally, the shift towards outpatient care reduces hospitalization rates and cost associated with it, thus enhancing the accessibility of treatment, which in turn supports the growth of the community-acquired ABSSSI segment.
   

Based on the drug class, the global acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market is categorized into glycopeptides/lipoglycopeptides, oxazolidinones, beta-lactams, lipopeptide, tetracyclines, and other drug classes. The glycopeptides/lipoglycopeptides segment accounted for USD 438 million in 2024.
 

• Glycopeptides such as vancomycin, and lipoglycopeptides like telavancin, have become the primary treatment for infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant gram-positive pathogens. Therefore, with the rising antibiotic resistance globally, these classes of drugs remain highly effective in treating such severe and complicated ABSSSI cases, further solidifying their market share.
   
• Additionally, their broad spectrum of activity, targeting various gram-positive bacteria and making them essential in the management of these infections.
   
• The introduction of newer lipoglycopeptides, such as dalbavancin and oritavancin, has expanded the therapeutic options available for treating ABSSSIs, thereby driving the segmental growth.
   
• Further, the increasing incidence of infections caused by resistant gram-positive bacteria has accelerated the demand for effective treatments such as glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides, demonstrating its dominant position in market.
   

Based on the route of administration, the global acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market is divided into parenteral, oral, and topical. The parenteral segment held significant market share and is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2034.
 

• The parenteral antibiotics are the well-established route of administrating drugs for severe and complicated ABSSSIs, including hospital-acquired infections and those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens like MRSA.
   
• Their ability to treat patients by delivering medications directly into the bloodstream ensures rapid and effective treatment, thus makes them indispensable in critical care settings.
   
• Also, healthcare associated infections are increasing which means there is a greater need for treatment with parenteral antibiotics as they offer immediate therapeutic effects necessary for treating severe infections acquired in healthcare settings. This trend has significantly bolstered the demand for parenteral antibiotic formulations.
   
• Further, the growing availability of advanced drugs such as glycopeptides, lipoglycopeptides, and lipopeptides, are majorly administered intravenously, thereby driving the segment’s growth.
   
• Moreover, the launch of Xydalba (dalbavancin for injection), a 30-minute intravenous (IV) therapy for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Thus, the launch of such novel formulations are expected to drive the growth of this segment.
   

Based on the distribution channel, the global acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment held highest market share in 2024 and is poised to grow at 4.6% CAGR over the analysis period.
 

• Hospital pharmacies remain the main parenteral antibiotics suppliers which are vital in managing MRSA and complicated ABSSSIs. Their ability to store and dispense specialized therapies contributes to the highest market share.
   
• Also, the increase in healthcare associated infections also enhances the growth of the demand for hospital-administered antibiotics continues to grow, further solidifying the segment's dominance.
   
• Moreover, the growing global reliance on hospital pharmacies to manage complex cases due to the increasing rate of hospital visits for severe ABSSSIs will continue to sustain the growth of the segment over the analysis period.
   

In 2024, the U.S. acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market was valued at USD 476.3 million.
 

• The market growth is driven by a high incidence of infections and the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity which aggravate susceptibility to ABSSSIs. As well, the older population has been contributing to the rising number of cases due to skin infections as elderly individuals are more prone to such infections because of weakened immunity.
   
• Multidrug resistant pathogens including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is another factor that drives market growth. The lowered susceptibility to conventional antibiotics has resulted in an increased need for more sophisticated therapeutics. Pharmaceutical companies are shifting their focus towards creating novel treatment strategies which are further broadening the market.
   
• Moreover, the ABSSSIs burden in the healthcare system is evident, as there are about 750,000 hospitalizations per year in the U.S. This results in inpatient care expenses that are estimated to be 25 to 40% greater than for outpatient care.
   
• The increased efforts to optimize antibiotics have also altered the competition for the ABSSSI market. The WHO AWaRe program is an example of such initiatives that promote and enhance the use of antibiotics while ensuring the intended outcome of reduced healthcare costs.
   

In Europe bacterial skin and skin structure infections market, Germany is set to witness a remarkable growth in coming years.
 

• Germany boasts one of the most advanced healthcare systems that secure wide accessibility to leading diagnostic tools, treatment alternatives and hospitals. This infrastructure enables early detection and efficient handling of ABSSSIs.
   
• Also, improved understanding of symptoms associated with ABSSSI as well as hygienic practices among the public have increased access to outpatient care, hence promoting early diagnosis and treatments to reduce complications, thereby enhancing market potential.
   
• A growing number of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity in Germany is increasing vulnerability to ABSSSIs among the population. These conditions weaken the body immune system, rendering people susceptible to severe skin infections. As a result, there has been an increasing prevalence of such chronic ailments which drives the demand for effective ABSSSI treatments is expected to grow correspondingly.
   

Brazil is projected to experience significant growth in Latin America acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market throughout the analysis period.
 

• The expanding pharmaceutical industry in Brazil, which includes local manufacturing and global firm collaborations is aiding in the provision of affordable antibiotics and the introduction of innovative technologies for treating ABSSSI infections.
   
• Also, in Brazil, there is increasing public awareness towards the symptoms and prevention of skin infections. Educational campaigns and better access to medical services have enabled the public to seek medical assistance, resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
   
• Moreover, increasing ABSSSI incidence, development of the healthcare infrastructure, and rising infection rates of multi-drug-resistant organisms are expected to contribute to the growth of the market.
   

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Share

The global acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) market is experiencing significant growth, supported by an increase in chronic health diseases, life expectancy, as well as the onset of multi-drug-resistant organisms. Key players in the market are also strengthening their positions through product development, strategic partnerships, and geographical expansion. The top 5 players including Merck, Pfizer, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Melinta Therapeutics, and AbbVie accounted for 40% of market share and focus on novel antibiotic development as well as expanding market access through mergers and acquisitions. All these efforts intend to fill the gap in medical solutions for the ABSSSI treatment and take advantage of the increased use for more efficient treatment options.
 

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Market Companies

Some of the prominent players operating in the acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections industry include:

• AbbVie
• Basilea Pharmaceutica
• Cipher Pharmaceuticals
• Endo Pharmaceuticals
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Melinta Therapeutics
• Menarini Group
• Merck
• Nabriva Therapeutics
• Paratek Pharmaceuticals
• Pfizer
• Sandoz
   

Paladin Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Endo International plc, has introduced Xydalba (dalbavancin for injection) in Canada, which offers a single 30-minute intravenous therapy session or two sessions for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). This innovative step will further expand Paladin’s portfolio of infectious diseases and help Canadian patients suffering from ABSSSI.
 

Through consistent research and development efforts and strategic alliances, Merck is focusing on addressing antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant threat. The company is actively seeking advanced innovation in antibiotics as well as working with other entities to strengthen their portfolio for treating ABSSSI.
 

Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections News

• In October 2024, Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced dosing 15 patients in a Phase II trial for its RECCE 327 topical gel (R327G) targeting acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). This helped the company in advancing its innovative treatment pipeline and potentially capturing market share.
   
• In April 2024, the U.S. FDA approved Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) of Basilea Pharmaceutica for the treatment of adults with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia) (SAB). This launch helped the company to strengthen its product portfolio and boost revenue.
   
• In July 2021, AbbVie announced FDA approval of DALVANCE (dalbavancin) for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in pediatric patients from birth. This helped the company to expand its market reach and strengthen its position in the pediatric infectious disease segment.
   
• In March 2021, Melinta Therapeutics, LLC (Melinta), announced U.S. FDA approval for KIMYRSA (oritavancin) for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of designated Gram-positive microorganisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This approval has helped them to commercialize their product and generate revenue growth.
   

The acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Infection Type

• Community-acquired ABSSSI
• Hospital-acquired ABSSSI

Market, By Drug Class

• Glycopeptides/lipoglycopeptides
• Oxazolidinones
• Beta-lactams
• Lipopeptide
• Tetracyclines
• Other drug classes

Market, By Route of Administration

• Parenteral
• Oral
• Topical

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE