Peptide Antibiotics Market –By Type, By Indication, By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel & Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Peptide Antibiotics Market Size

The global peptide antibiotics market was valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2024. The market size is estimated to grow from USD 5.4 billion in 2025 to USD 8.4 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5%. The growth of market is propelled by the rising cases of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). For instance, as per the WHO, it is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019. This has created a need for novel antibiotics which possess unique mechanisms. Specific peptide antibiotics like polymyxins and gramicidin’s destroy multidrug resistant (MDR) microbial life, which makes them important alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Thus, the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, especially within the hospital environment, is increasing the spending on new peptide antibiotics.
 

Additionally, both government organizations and non-government bodies are providing funding which improves the innovation in these fields. CDC invests in innovative research projects that include peptide antibiotics and other innovative approaches to identify and implement new ways to comprehensively respond to antimicrobial resistance globally. Another important factor is the expanding pipeline of peptide antibiotics due to development of modern technologies in peptide synthesis and drug delivery systems.
 

Improvements in bioengineering and formulation techniques are increasing the stability, efficacy, and bioavailability of peptide antibiotics, making them very effective for therapeutic use. Furthermore, the enhanced focus on precision medicine and targeted therapies propels the use of peptide antibiotics, as they can be designed to target resistant bacterial forms with minimal side effects.
 

A peptide antibiotic, also often called an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), is a short chain of amino acids (a peptide) that has the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and sometimes viruses, by disrupting their cell membranes, interfering with cell wall synthesis, or disrupting essential intracellular processes. These peptides can be found naturally in various organisms or can be synthetically designed in a laboratory.
 

Peptide Antibiotics Market Trends

• The peptide antibiotics industry is exhibiting growth due to increased cases of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2021, an estimated 4.71 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR, including 1.14 million deaths attributable to bacterial AMR.  Similarly, according to a study published in The Lancet, it is estimated that more than 39 million people around the world could die from antibiotic-resistant infections over the next 25 years. Therefore, attention has shifted toward peptide antibiotics because of their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and other specific actions.
   
• Healthcare organizations such as the WHO and CDC, as well as governments, are funding AMR initiatives, which are stimulating the development and marketing of peptide antibiotics. For example, in February 2020, CARB-X awarded Lytica Therapeutics up to USD 5.3 million to develop antibacterial peptides with broad activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
   
• Another notable factor in the expansion of the market is increased R&D spending on novel antibiotic peptides. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are targeting new classes of peptides, such as glycopeptides, lipopeptides, and bacteriocins, to overcome the limitations of modern-day therapies.
   
• The ability of synthetic biology and peptide engineering to improve the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of a drug is crucial in the formation of an antibiotic pipeline. Thus, growing initiatives by pharma companies to develop new peptide antibiotics will drive market growth.
   
• Furthermore, to address the global issue of AMR, the FDA and EMA have been trying to expedite the development and approval of peptide antibiotics. Several peptide-based antibiotics have been granted orphan drug status and priority review, which helps expedite the approval processes.
   
• A total of 12 peptide-based drugs with antimicrobial properties have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approximately 22 peptide therapeutics with an antibacterial and antifungal spectrum are currently undergoing various phases of clinical trials, showing promising results. The expectation of further approvals for novel peptide antibiotics in the next few years is supported by the numerous ongoing clinical trials.
   

Peptide Antibiotics Market Analysis

Based on the type, the global market is segmented into ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics and non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics. The non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2024. The market size of non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics segment was USD 1.26 billion in 2021, and USD 1.3 billion and USD 1.34 billion in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
 

• The peptide antibiotics market is led by the non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics segment owing to its broad-spectrum activity along with resistance against enzymatic degradation. Unlike ribosomally synthesized peptides, non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) are synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which permit a much higher structural variability and the use of non-proteinogenic amino acids. This leads to increased stability and potency in the antibiotics, which makes them useful against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains.
   
• The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the constant need for new antibiotics increases the demand for non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics, thus further strengthening their market position.
   
• Additionally, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical companies are working towards the discovery and development of new non-ribosomal peptide antibiotics to combat the problem of drug-resistant pathogens. Improvements in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have made it possible to alter the non-ribosomal peptide pathways to generate novel derivatives with better efficacy and lower toxicity.
   
• Further, the dependence of the hospital and clinical sectors on these antibiotics, especially in ICUs (intensive care units), further enhances the dominance of non-ribosomal synthesized peptides in the market.
   

Based on the indication, the global peptide antibiotics market is categorized into skin infection, hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), blood stream infections, and other indications. The skin infection segment dominated the market with 33.7% market share in 2024.
 

• The segment for skin infection has a substantial share in the peptide antibiotics industry owing to an increase in bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and diabetic foot ulcer. Also, the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds and post-surgical infections has resulted in the growing use of peptide antibiotics because these patients require more effective and specific treatment with less systemic toxicity.
   
• Increase in antibiotic resistant pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has escalated the consumption of peptide antibiotics, as these antibiotics have highly potent antibacterial action with much lower tendency to develop resistance.
   
• Additionally, rising elderly demographic along with the growing figure of immunocompromised individuals also contribute to the high market share of the skin infection segment. These groups are more vulnerable to bacterial skin infections, which require treatment alternatives such as peptide antibiotics.
   
• Moreover, the continuous development and research efforts to improve the effectiveness and stability of peptide antibiotics will also sustain use of such antibiotics for skin infections.
   

Based on the route of administration, the global peptide antibiotics market is categorized into injectable, oral, topical, and other routes of administration. The injectable segment dominated the market in 2024 with a market share of 45.7% and is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast years.
 

• The injectables segment has a large market share due to its greater effectiveness, faster action, and higher bioavailability. Injectable forms allow for immediate systemic absorption, avoiding issues of poor gastrointestinal absorption and extensive enzymatic breakdown that frequently affect the bioavailability of oral peptide antibiotics.
   
• Also, the treatment of serious infections like bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and skin infections require intravenous delivery of antibiotics, thereby enhancing their dominance in the market.
   
• The growing share of the injectables market is driven by the increasing number of patients admitted to hospitals who need IV antibiotic treatment, especially in ICUs and post-surgical wards.
   
• Moreover, there is greater investment from pharmaceutical companies in the development of long-acting injectable dosages to increase the bioavailability of these drugs. Thus, rising focus on development of injectable peptide antibiotics, together with government spending to counter AMR, strengthens the dominance of this segment in the global market.
   

Based on the distribution channel, the global peptide antibiotics market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.3 billion by end of 2034.
 

• The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant infections and the need for effective antibiotics have positioned hospital pharmacies as the dominant segment in the antibiotic peptides market.
   
• Hospital pharmacies primarily dispense critical peptide antibiotics such as polymyxins and vancomycin for treating severe infections, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
   
• The high demand for these antibiotics in critical care settings, combined with the increasing cases of hospital-acquired infections drives the growth of this market segment.
   
• Furthermore, enhanced hospital infrastructure and government initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have increased peptide antibiotic procurement by hospital pharmacies. Also, the adoption of sophisticated healthcare systems like electronic health record (HER) and automated drug dispensing systems improves the efficiency of hospital pharmacies. This contributes to the domination of this segment in the market.
   

The North America industry dominated the global peptide antibiotics market with market share of 40.6% in 2023. The U.S. market was valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2021. In 2023, the U.S. dominated the North America industry with a revenue of USD 1.9 billion growing from USD 1.8 billion in 2022.
 

• Due to advanced pharmaceutical research and development, robust regulatory structure, and high spending on healthcare, the U.S. holds a notable market share in the North America peptide antibiotics market. Also, the existence of several large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies enables innovation in the development of antibiotic drugs.
   
• The increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacterial infections has boosted the need for new peptide antibiotics which are able to provide a more specific treatment with lesser chances of developing resistance. For instance, as per the CDC, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die.
   
• Furthermore, government efforts like funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and incentives under Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) Act also aid in initiating research and commercialization activities, thereby strengthening the position of the U.S. in the market.
   

Europe peptide antibiotics market is anticipated to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast years.
 

• High prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections along with the robust pharmaceutical industry in the region aids in high growth of Europe peptide antibiotics market.
   
• The region hosts major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which are investing in the creation of novel peptide antibiotics to replace traditional antimicrobial therapies.
   
• Also, government initiatives and funding programs are facilitating research into combating antibiotic AMR. For example, the EU4Health program and the Horizon Europe program provide funding in the field of AMR. This aids in the creation of peptide antibiotics.
   

• Further, the growth of Germany’s peptide antibiotics market is being driven by the rising incidence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial infection cases in the country along with its well-developed healthcare system.
   
• In Germany in 2019, there were 9,600 deaths attributable to AMR and 45,700 deaths associated with AMR.
   
• In addition, higher utilization of peptide antibiotics is made possible by the German government’s supportive reimbursement policies and investment in AMR management programs.
   
• Moreover, the presence of key market players in the country fosters growth through innovation and provision of various new products, thereby strengthening the market.
   

The Asia Pacific region demonstrates significant growth potential in the global peptide antibiotics market.
 

• The Asia Pacific region has ample growth opportunities in the peptide antibiotics industry, especially with the increasing antibiotic resistance and the growing funding for research on antibiotics.
   
• Supportive government policies alongside increasing pharmaceutical production capabilities are creating favorable conditions for the development and marketing of peptide antibiotics.
   
• Furthermore, the region's lower production costs coupled with the presence of skilled workforce make the Asia Pacific region a preferred hub for the manufacturing of peptide antibiotics.

India peptide antibiotics market is anticipated to witness high growth in Asia Pacific market.
 

• India has the highest burden of bacterial infection. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance is a major public health challenge in India, as the burden of infectious diseases is high, and consumption of antibiotics is massive and unregulated. For example, in 2019, there were 297,000 deaths attributable to AMR and more than 1 million deaths associated with AMR in India.
   
• This number is set to increase due to various factors such as increasing cases of bacterial skin infections, growing geriatric population, and high incidence of HAI’s, thereby driving the growth opportunity for peptide antibiotics market.
   
• Moreover, supportive government initiatives and price subsidies increase the treatment adoption rates, thereby propelling the overall market growth.
   

Brazil peptide antibiotics market is experiencing significant growth in the Latin America market.
 

• Brazil peptide antibiotics industry is anticipated to witness significant growth owing to rising antibiotic resistance in the country. In addition, the investments made by the Brazilian Government in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, along with the relevant policy encouragement towards innovation of antibiotics, create positive conditions for market development.
   
• Brazil's developing healthcare infrastructure and the growing industry for pharmaceuticals serve as a strong base for the development and use of novel peptide antibiotics.
   

Saudi Arabia peptide antibiotics market is poised to witness rapid growth in the Middle East and Africa market.
 

• Factors such as increased expenditure for healthcare and rising investment for advanced therapeutic solutions due to an increase in the resistance to antibiotic treatment is contributing to the rapid growth of the Saudi Arabian peptide antibiotics market.
   
• Under the Vision 2030 Program, the government of Saudi is looking to improve the pharmaceutical industry, which will lead to local and foreign biotech companies investing in the development of innovative antibiotics, including the use of peptides.
   
• Furthermore, the high burden of antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases in the region is increasing the demand for new-generation antibiotics, which in turn is driving growth in the country level market.
   

Peptide Antibiotics Market Share

The major players operating in the peptide antibiotics industry include AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck, and Pfizer. These top 4 players account for approximately 40% - 45% of the global peptide antibiotics industry. These market players focus on strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, innovative product development and launches, expansion, and collaboration to generate more revenue and withstand market competition. For instance, in June 2024, Eli Lilly and Company announced a collaboration with OpenAI that allows Lilly to leverage OpenAI's generative AI to invent novel antimicrobials, such as peptide antibiotics, to treat drug-resistant pathogens.
 

Moreover, businesses are allocating more resources to research and next-generation formulation development, which aim to be more effective. To serve price sensitive regions, these producers are also introducing cheaper products and targeting emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America region.
 

Peptide Antibiotics Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the peptide antibiotics industry include:

• AbbVie
• ANI Pharmaceuticals
• Cumberland Pharmaceuticals
• Eli Lilly and Company
• GSK plc
• JHP Pharmaceuticals
• Merck
• Monarch Pharmachem
• Melinta Therapeutics
• NPS Pharmaceuticals
• Pfizer
• Sanofi
• Sandoz
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• The Menarini Group
• Xellia Pharmaceuticals
   

AbbVie is engaged in the development of peptide antibiotics based on its capabilities in peptide drug design and manufacturing. The company aims to develop novel peptide-based therapeutics for treatment of resistant bacterial infections. In January 2025, AbbVie completed its acquisition of Nimble Therapeutics. Nimble's lead asset is an investigational oral peptide IL23R inhibitor in preclinical development. Additionally, Nimble's peptide synthesis, screening, and optimization platform uses proprietary technology to help drive rapid discovery and optimization of oral peptide candidates for a range of targets.
 

Merck has participated in the development and marketing of peptide antibiotics with an emphasis on solving the problem of antibiotic resistance. The company has developed new peptide antimicrobial agents using its established drug discovery and production capabilities.
 

Peptide Antibiotics Industry News

• In February 2025, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. and SciClone Pharmaceuticals Limited announced the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) approval of Cumberland's Vibativ (telavancin) injection in China. Vibativ is a once-daily, injectable lipoglycopeptide antibiotic. This approval helped the company expand its sales in China.
   
• In September 2024, Beiersdorf and Macro Biologics formed a multi-year partnership aimed at developing antimicrobial peptides with a wide range of potential applications in both skincare and healthcare.
   
• In September 2022, Revance received FDA approval for its peptide-formulated product, DAXXIFY (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) injection. This approval is anticipated to drive market growth.
   

The peptide antibiotics 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 Type

• Ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics
• Non-ribosomal synthesized peptide antibiotics

Market, By Indication

• Skin infection
• Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP)
• Blood stream infections
• Other indications

Market, By Route of Administration

• Injectable
• Oral
• Topical
• Other routes of administration

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