Liver Fluke Treatment Market Size - By Drug Type, By Formulation Type, By Application, By End Use, Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Size

The global liver fluke treatment market was estimated at USD 618.8 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 642.7 million in 2025 to USD 979.1 million in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.8%. The market is expanding due to the increasing occurrences of liver fluke infection paired with advancement in antiparasitic drug technology.
 

For instance, the report by the World Health Organization states that over 600 million people are at risk of being infected with liver fluke, with over 17 million people already infected. Thus, there is an increase in demand for accurate diagnostic instruments as well as new therapeutics for treatment, which positively impacts market growth. Also, the market share is supported with improvement in diagnostic technologies such as PCR testing which has enhanced the early diagnosis of liver fluke infection.
 

The development of novel anthelmintic drugs, such as triclabendazole, expanded the availability of drugs for liver fluke treatment. Additionally, the market growth is driven by the growing trend of preventive measures in endemic region with the increase in investments in healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical R&D activities supporting the development of new drugs and treatment protocols for liver fluke infections.
 

For instance, the global pharmaceutical spending is expected to reach USD 2.3 Tn in 2024, driven by existing branded medicines in the leading developed markets, which will grow by USD 385Bn, with a portion directed towards antiparasitic drug research. This has led to the emergence of a range of treatment options, which enhances the expansion of the liver fluke treatment market.
 

Liver fluke treatment encompasses both medical and veterinary strategies for identifying, administering, and eradicating parasitic infections caused by liver flukes. These parasites invade the liver, bile ducts, and gall bladder of humans and animals, resulting in a variety of health problems. The treatment includes the use of antiparasitic medications, supportive therapies and preventive measures to eradicate parasites and control related symptoms or complications.
 

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Trends

• The new drug Triclabendazole is included in the WHO essential medicine list (EML) and is being actively distributed in endemic regions through subsidized programs which increases treatment uptake. The expected increase in market growth will stem from the new drug’s acceptance which is usually accelerated by the approval of regulatory bodies.
   
• In addition, the ongoing research for the development of combination therapies to improve the efficacy of drugs and combat resistance contribute to market growth.
   
• Additionally, the introduction of advanced diagnostic tools improves the detection and treatment of liver fluke infections. The development of rapid antigen test kits and PCR based diagnostic test kits increases accuracy and speed, thereby raising the demand for therapeutics options.
   
• For example, Norbrook stated in October 2024 that in collaboration with the University of Liverpool Global Access Diagnostics (GADx), Norbrook developed this novel solution and would commence sales for a liver fluke diagnostic test. This diagnostic device will allow farmers to better manage the health of their livestock. Each test kit for liver fluke contains adequate quantity to perform 10 individual tests.
   
• Further, the liver fluke control measures taken by primary healthcare personnel have a direct impact on cost reduction. The frequent approval of new drugs by the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency, increases the amounts of drugs available on the market, which is likely to affect the pricing and availability of drugs for the treatment of liver flukes.
   

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Analysis

Based on drug type, the global liver fluke treatment market is divided into triclabendazole, praziquantel, bithionol, albendazole, nitazoxanide and other drug types. The triclabendazole segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 256.8 million in 2024, growing from USD 247.5 million in 2023 and USD 238.8 million in 2022.
 

• The rise in liver fluke infection cases, particularly in endemic regions such as some parts of Southeast Asia, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, increases the demand for effective treatment options which, in turn, increases market growth for triclabendazole. For instance, WHO and Novartis Pharma have come to an agreement in which Novartis donates triclabendazole for the treatment of fascioliasis in endemic nations.
   
• Also, the effectiveness and safety of triclabendazole in the treatment of liver fluke infections, particularly fasciola hepatica, has ensured its continued use in human and veterinary medicine. As per the report published in National Library of Medicine, the data of clinical trials conducted over a 25-year period, with numerous case reports, demonstrated that triclabendazole has high efficacy in the treatment of human fascioliasis in adults and children and in all stages and forms of infection.
   
• Furthermore, triclabendazole's cost is another asset, as it is cost effective than many other anti-parasitic medications. This price makes it appealing in lower- and middle-income countries that suffer from high rates of liver fluke infections. Triclabendazole's cost effectively increases accessibility to the medication in rural and underserved regions, which is an important factor.

Based on the formulation type, the global liver fluke treatment market is categorized into tablets, injections and oral suspension. The tablets segment accounted for the highest market share of 41.4% in 2024 and is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 4.7% during the analysis period.
 

• Tablets have a longer shelf life and less stringent storage requirements than liquid formulations or biologics. This is particularly important for distribution to remote areas where refrigeration may not be available.
   
• Controlled release and improved bioavailability are easier to attain with modern pharmaceutical technologies. With the use of sustained-release excipients, the therapeutic effects of modern tablet formulations along with the period in which the dosage is taken is greatly improved.
   
• In addition, there is high awareness of the tablets used for the treatment of liver fluke infections in several regions due to established regulations and guidelines set by various bodies such as the U.S. FDA, EMA, and WHO. This promotes use and market availability, increasing industry growth. For instance, praziquantel tablets that treat liver fluke infections in humans and animals were approved by the U.S. FDA in 2023.
   
• Moreover, the leading market players are increasing their investments towards the development of oral formulation for the treatment of liver flukes. As an example, Bayer expanded its tablet production capacity to meet the rising demand for liver fluke treatment tablet praziquantel.
   

Based on the application, the global liver fluke treatment market is categorized into humans and animals. The humans segment dominated the market with USD 369.4 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 575.8 million by 2034, growing with a significant CAGR of 4.6% during the analysis period.
 

• The rising awareness regarding the severity of liver fluke infections in humans, including conditions such as liver cirrhosis, bile duct cancer, and other hepatobiliary diseases, has significantly contributed to the growth of the human’s application segment.
   
• Liver fluke infections often have a veterinary dimension, especially in livestock. Infected animals, particularly cattle and sheep, are a major source of infection in humans. As awareness grows pertaining to the link between veterinary and human infections, the demand for treatment is expanding, to prevent zoonotic transmission to humans. For example, China, Thailand and Vietnam, launched the program to reduce the spread of liver fluke prevalence by 80% by the end of 2030. This will further support the growth of the market
   

Based on the end use, the global liver fluke treatment market is categorized into hospitals, specialty clinics, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 405.2 million by 2034.
 

• To control complicated cases of liver fluke infections, hospitals have specialized diagnostic and treatment facilities. Their comprehensive care, which includes surgical care when required, improves the market demand for specialized treatments and enhances the patient’s outcome, helping to increase the market growth.
   
• Hospitals also provide other supportive palliative and nutrition therapy which is essential to improve the health status of the individual and offer better recovery after treatment is completed. They follow specific treatment protocols and have access to U.S. FDA-approved medications such as triclabendazole, which is used to treat liver fluke infections.
   
• Therefore, the availability of such drugs in hospital setting facilitates standardized treatment regimens and ensures that all patients receive effective treatment.
   
• Furthermore, the expansion of healthcare facilities in hospitals with increase in focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure in regions where liver fluke infections are endemic, contribute to the growth of the market. For example, the Vietnam government has increased the investment in specialized liver disease centers within the hospitals for the management of parasitic infections.

In 2024, the U.S. liver fluke treatment market held a significant position with market value of USD 225 million.
 

• The ongoing innovations in anthelmintic medications have enhanced the treatment efficacy for liver fluke. Triclabendazole drug is recognized as a first-line therapy for liver fluke infections by the CDC and WHO, thereby boosting market growth.
   
• Also, U.S. is a hub for several leading pharmaceutical companies along with research institutes with focus on expanding their product portfolio and continuous research efforts to include drug for liver fluke treatment. For example, Universities such as Cornell University and University of California are conducting research for the development of potential antiparasitic drugs
   
• Further, the increasing prevalence of liver fluke in U.S. due to rise in immigrant population from endemic region will spur the growth of the market.
   

Germany shows strong growth potential in the Europe liver fluke treatment market.
 

• German authorities are strategically encouraging the management and control of liver fluke infections through the establishment of treatment protocols, surveillance systems, and sponsoring investigational studies into new and innovative treatment methods.
   
• For instance, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) added liver fluke infections into the national disease monitoring. Such initiatives ensure the availability and accessibility of effective treatments, thereby fostering market growth.
   
• Several individuals diagnosed with liver fluke disease in Germany because of improved diagnostic practices. Research shows that healthcare facilities are increasingly using ultrasound and serology tests for the early diagnosis of liver fluke infections, and this has increased the demand for liver fluke treatment.
   
• Furthermore, the German government and health authorities have been active in tackling parasitic diseases through public health campaigns and by funding research into the development of more effective treatment.
   

China liver fluke treatment market is estimated to grow with the significant growth rate over the next few years in the Asia Pacific market.
 

• In China, particularly in some rural and agricultural regions, parasitic worm infections known as liver flukes are common. Therefore, the government of Chine has been proactive in implementing strategies to address parasitic diseases such as fluke infections. These measures include public health education, sanitation improvements, and proper food safety management which facilitates treatment seeking behavior.
   
• The pharmaceutical industry in China is also growing due to the involvement of both national and foreign stakeholders in the manufacturing of liver fluke treatment which seek to introduce effective anti-parasitic drugs into the market.
   
• Furthermore, international tourism and trade in China has further enhanced the likely risk of spreading liver fluke infections. The population that travels from endemic regions increases the prevalence of liver fluke disease, necessitating better treatments options, thereby contributing the market growth.
   

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Share

The top 5 players such as Merck, Zoetis, Bayer, Novartis, and Virbac account for approximately 70-80% of the market share. These players adopted various strategies such as acquisition, business expansion, collaboration, partnership and product launches to consolidate their market presence. For instance, Novartis has donated approximately 4 million tablets of Egaten, valued at USD 41 million, helping to treat around 2 million people with fascioliasis in more than 30 countries.
 

In 2020, Novartis reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against fascioliasis, extending the Egaten drug donation to the WHO until 2025. Key players are engaging in strategic initiatives to strengthen their product portfolio. The companies are actively adopting multi-pronged approaches to address the rising demand for liver fluke drugs. Further, the market is highly consolidated with few large players operating in the market. Hence, leading players are constantly adopting key strategies for the growth of the market.
 

Liver Fluke Treatment Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the liver fluke treatment industry are as mentioned below:

• AdvaCare Pharma
• Bayer Healthcare
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Lupin Pharma
• Merck & Co.
• Novartis
• Par Pharmaceutical
• Pfizer
• Schering Corporation
• Vetoquinol
• Virbac
• Zoetis 
   

The growth of the liver fluke treatment market is marked by proactive strategies from leading pharmaceutical companies and various organizations. Major players are actively focusing on addressing customer needs and tackling key business challenges. In June 2023, U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota and Pat Ryan introduced the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act. The legislation aims to enhance understanding and treatment of liver fluke infections within the veteran population.
 

Liver Fluke Treatment Industry News

• In October 2024, Norbrook announced the launch diagnostic test for liver fluke. Norbrook in cooperation with The University of Liverpool and Global Access Diagnostics (GADx) have developed this innovative tool to address one of the most common agricultural parasite infections in cattle and sheep. The launch of advanced diagnostic kits helps in early diagnosis of disease, thereby increases the demand for treatment options.
   
• In January 2021 Novartis received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Egaten (triclabendazole) for the treatment of fascioliasis in patients aged six years and older. This approval marked a significant advancement in the availability of effective treatments for liver fluke infections in the U.S.
   
• In December 2020, researchers at the University of Liverpool are working with industrial partner Mologic to enable diagnosis of liver fluke exposure in livestock in 10 minutes to target treatment, prevent drug resistance and reduce costly production losses.
   

The liver fluke treatment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Type

• Triclabendazole
• Praziquantel
• Bithionol
• Albendazole
• Nitazoxanide
• Other drug types

Market, By Formulation Type

• Tablets
• Injections
• Oral suspension

Market, By Application

• Humans
• Animals

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Veterinary facilities
• Other end users

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
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE