U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Branded, Generics), By Drug Class, By Drug Class, By Distribution Channel (Hospital, Retail, Online) And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2034

U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The U.S. antiviral drugs market size is calculated at USD 26.85 billion in 2024, grow to USD 26.31 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 21.94 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of -2% from 2025 to 2034. The market is growing due to the rising prevalence of viral infections and increasing demand for advanced treatment options. Additionally, ongoing R&D and government support boost market expansion.

U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market Key Takeaways

• By type, the branded antiviral drugs segment dominated the market with a revenue share in 2024.
• By type, the generic antiviral drugs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By drug class, the reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) segment led the market with the largest revenue share in 2024.
• By drug class, the DNA polymerase inhibitors segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the HIV segment held the largest market share in 2024.
• By application, the herpes segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacy segment held the highest market share in 2024.
• By distribution channel, the online pharmacy segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

How is Innovation Impacting the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market?

Antiviral drugs are medications that prevent the development or reproduction of viruses, helping to treat viral infections by inhibiting their ability to multiply in the body. Innovation is significantly boosting the U.S. antiviral drugs market by accelerating drug discovery through AI and advanced molecular modeling, enabling faster development of targeted treatments. Breakthroughs in nanotechnology, mRNA platforms, and gene editing are leading to more effective, personalized antivirals. Additionally, innovations in drug delivery systems and long-acting formulations are enhancing patient adherence and treatment outcomes. These advancements are collectively expanding therapeutic options and strengthening the market response to emerging viral threats.

What are the Key trends in the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market in 2024?

• In May 2023, the FDA approved Paxlovid as the first oral antiviral for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in high-risk adults. This milestone boosted the adoption of oral antivirals in the U.S. and worldwide, encouraging innovation and intensifying market competition. It also supported the transition to more accessible, outpatient treatment options for COVID-19, contributing to overall market growth.
• In January 2023, Merck (MSD) completed a cash tender offer through its subsidiary to acquire all outstanding shares of Imago Biosciences at $36 per share. This strategic acquisition is expected to support Merck's revenue growth by strengthening its pipeline and expanding its presence in the biopharmaceutical sector.

How Can AI Affect the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market?

AI is transforming the market by accelerating drug discovery, predicting viral mutations, and optimizing clinical trial design. It helps identify effective compounds faster, reduces development costs, and shortens time to market. AI-driven insights also enhance precision medicine by tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and boosting innovation across the antiviral landscape.

Report Scope of U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market

Market Dynamics

Driver

Increasing Prevalence of Viral Diseases 

The surge in viral infection across the U.S., including chronic and seasonal illness, has significantly increased the demand for antiviral medication. This trend has encouraged healthcare providers to adopt advanced treatment options, driving market growth. Additionally, the consistent emergence of new viruses and recurring outbreaks has intensified the need for effective antiviral solutions, prompting pharmaceutical companies to expand their product pipelines and invest in innovative drug development to meet the evolving healthcare demands.

For Instance, In June 2025, the FDA approved Yeztugo (lenacapavir), the first b in the U.S., developed by Gilead Sciences. This approval was driven by the country’s high HIV burden, with over 1.3 million Americans living with the virus. In clinical trials, lenacapavir reduced new infections by 96% and outperformed daily oral PrEP options. The rising prevalence of HIV has directly accelerated innovation and demand for long-acting, effective antiviral treatments in the U.S. market.

Restraint

High Cost of Antiviral Treatments

The expensive nature of antiviral therapies creates a major challenge in the U.S. antiviral drugs market, as many patients struggle to afford full courses without comprehensive insurance coverage. These high costs lead to delayed treatment initiation or early discontinuation, affecting health outcomes. Additionally, public and private healthcare providers face financial strain when covering costly antivirals, which limits their willingness to adopt newer drugs, even when they offer improved efficacy or fewer side effects.

Opportunity

Development of Broad-Spectrum Antivirals

Broad-spectrum antivirals offer a promising future opportunity in the U.S. antiviral drugs market as they can effectively treat a wide range of viral infections with a single formulation. This reduces the time and cost involved in developing virus-specific drugs, especially during an unexpected outbreak. Their adaptability makes them valuable in public health emergencies, where rapid treatment options are critical. As viral threats continue to evolve, demand for such multipurpose therapies is expected to grow, encouraging further research and commercialization. 

• For Instance, In 2024, Cocrystal Pharma advanced CC 42344, a broad-spectrum antiviral targeting influenza A, into Phase 2a trials in the U.S. It showed strong activity against both seasonal flu and H5N1 strains, highlighting its pandemic preparedness potential. Similarly, NanoViricides progressed NV 387, designed to neutralize multiple enveloped viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and monkeypox. These developments reflect growing U.S. interest in broad-spectrum antivirals as flexible, rapid-response solutions to emerging viral threats.

Segmental Insights

What made the branded antiviral drugs Segment Dominant in the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market in 2024?

The dominance of branded antiviral drugs in the market is largely driven by their advanced formulations, better therapeutic performance, and strong brand loyalty among healthcare providers. These drugs often undergo extensive clinical research and offer innovative delivery systems, making them more reliable for treating complex viral conditions. Furthermore, limited generic competition for newer antivirals and aggressive promotional strategies by pharmaceutical companies contribute to their higher adoption and revenue generation across hospitals and specialty clinics.

The generic antiviral drug segment is projected to grow rapidly in the U.S. due to rising demand for affordable treatment options and increasing healthcare cost pressures. As more branded antivirals lose patent protection, generic versions are entering the market, offering similar efficacy at significantly lower prices. This shift is encouraging wider adoption across public and private healthcare systems, making generics a preferred choice for large-scale treatment programs and driving their accelerated growth during the forecast period.

How did the Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs) Segment Dominate the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market in 2024?

In 2024, the reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) segment led the market due to their critical role in treating chronic viral infections like HIV and hepatitis B. These drugs were widely prescribed because of their proven effectiveness in suppressing viral replication and delaying disease progression. Their inclusion in first-line treatment regimens, along with strong clinical guidelines and continued innovation in combination therapies, supported their extensive use across healthcare settings, contributing to their dominant market position.

The DNA polymerase inhibitor segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the U.S. antiviral drugs market due to its rising effectiveness in managing chronic viral infections like herpes and hepatitis B. These drugs disrupt the viral replication process, offering reliable treatment outcomes. Increasing awareness, improved diagnosis rates, and ongoing research into advanced formulations are further accelerating their adoption. As demand for targeted and long-term antiviral therapies grows, this class is expected to gain significant traction.

How did the HIV Segment Dominate the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market?

In 2024, the HIV segment led the market due to the ongoing need for lifelong treatment, a stable and sizable patient population, and the availability of effective combination therapies. Continuous advancements in HIV drug development, along with strong public health initiatives and widespread screening programs, supported consistent demand. The chronic nature of HIV and its prioritization in healthcare policies ensured that this segment remained dominant in both usage and clinical focus throughout the year.

The herpes segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the U.S. antiviral drugs market due to the increasing number of recurrent infections and rising demand for effective long-term management solutions. Improved access to diagnostic tools and a growing focus on suppressive therapies have contributed to higher treatment uptake. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials for innovative drugs and potential vaccines are drawing investment interest, which is expected to further accelerate the growth of this application segment in the coming years.

Why the Hospital Pharmacy Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

In 2024, the hospital pharmacy segment led the U.S. antiviral drugs market because most critical and chronic viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, required continuous monitoring and professional supervision. Hospitals ensured timely access to newly approved or high-cost antiviral drugs, especially for inpatients and emergency use. Additionally, hospital pharmacies offered greater trust, regulatory compliance, and access to specialized treatments, making them the preferred channel for both patients and healthcare providers.

The online pharmacy segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the U.S. antiviral drugs market due to increasing consumer preference for digital platforms, especially for chronic and repeat prescriptions. The ease of comparing prices, availability of doorstep delivery, and rising use of telemedicine have made online channels more attractive. Additionally, expanding insurance coverage for e-prescriptions and growing comfort with virtual healthcare are encouraging patients to shift from traditional pharmacies to online alternatives.

Regional Insights

How is the U.S. Contributing to the Expansion of the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market?

The U.S. is contributing to the growth of its antiviral drugs market through strong support for research and development, rapid adoption of advanced treatment options, and robust public health infrastructure. Government initiatives focused on pandemic preparedness and infectious disease control have accelerated drug approvals and innovation. Additionally, collaboration between federal agencies, biotech firms, and academic institutions is driving the discovery of new therapies. These combined efforts are strengthening the country’s capacity to address both current and emerging viral threats.

• For Instance, In May 2023, the U.S. FDA granted full approval to Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets) for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk adults. Paxlovid became the first oral antiviral pill and the fourth overall drug approved for COVID-19 treatment in adults. It remains available under EUA for eligible children aged 12–18. While not approved for COVID-19 prevention, the FDA confirmed Paxlovid’s safety and effectiveness in lowering the risk of severe illness.

Top Companies in the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• AbbVie, Inc.
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Cipla Inc.
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
• ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Recent Developments in the U.S. Antiviral Drugs Market

• In February 2025, the FDA approved Gilead Sciences’ long-acting HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, as a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention under pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The approval was based on strong results from Phase 3 trials—PURPOSE 1 and 2. In PURPOSE 1, no HIV infections occurred among cisgender women, showing complete protection. In PURPOSE 2, the drug showed a 96% reduction in HIV risk and outperformed standard background prevention methods, highlighting its effectiveness and potential in HIV prevention.
• In March 2024, Gilead Sciences finalized its $4.3 billion acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics following a tender offer that began in February. With this deal, CymaBay became a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilead, strengthening Gilead’s presence in the liver disease space, especially through the addition of seladelpar, CymaBay’s key investigational therapy.

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2034. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the U.S. antiviral drugs market.

By Type

• Branded
• Generics

By Drug Class

• DNA Polymerase Inhibitors
• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
• Protease Inhibitors
• Neuraminidase Inhibitors
• Others

By Application

• HIV
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• Influenza
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy