South America Flu Diagnostic and Treatment Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Type Of Flu (Type A, Type B), By Offering (Diagnostics (Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test, Rapid Molecular Assay, Others), Therapeutics), By Age Group (0-14 Years, 15-64 Years, >=65 Years), By End-User (Hospital Laboratory, Outpatient Clinic, Reference Laboratory), And By Country - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

Description

The South American flu diagnostic and treatment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.10% throughout the forecast. The market was valued at US$2,574.724 million in the year 2020 and is expected to reach a market size of US$6,093.548 million by 2027.

Key Highlights

• Dominance of Influenza A Fuels Segment Demand: Surveillance data consistently indicate that Influenza Type A viruses, particularly the co-circulation of A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) strains, are the predominant drivers of seasonal activity in Temperate and Tropical South America. This pattern directly maximises demand for Type A-specific diagnostics and ensures the bulk procurement of Therapeutics like Oseltamivir for clinical use.
• Public Sector Procurement Defines Therapeutics Market: National public health systems in countries like Brazil and Argentina heavily influence the Therapeutics market through centralised, high-volume procurement and distribution of antiviral drugs. This government-led purchasing power structurally dictates pricing and market stability for generic Oseltamivir, concentrating demand within the public Hospital Laboratory and clinic channels.
• Lagging Infrastructure Bolsters RIDT Demand: Despite the global shift toward highly sensitive molecular methods, resource constraints and the need for immediate, decentralised diagnosis across vast geographical areas mean that basic Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs) retain significant market share in remote or lower-tier Outpatient Clinic settings, effectively sustaining demand for cost-effective, point-of-care testing.
• Molecular Assays Gain Traction in Reference Centres: The increasing focus on integrated respiratory virus surveillance, particularly post-2020, actively drives demand for advanced Rapid Molecular Assay kits in national Reference Laboratories and sentinel surveillance sites. These high-throughput centres require multiplex testing capabilities for accurate differentiation from other co-circulating pathogens.

The South American Flu Diagnostic and Treatment Market is highly heterogeneous, reflecting the diverse healthcare infrastructure and epidemiological profiles across the continent. This market serves a population subject to seasonal influenza epidemics, typically occurring during the Southern Hemisphere winter (April to September), though Tropical regions often experience less defined, year-round circulation. Market dynamics are governed by national public health strategies, which prioritise high-risk populations—specifically the 0-14 Years and >=65 Years age groups—for vaccination and antiviral intervention. The market for diagnostics and treatments is a function of both clinical necessity during peaks and public sector preparedness strategies, creating distinct demand pockets between advanced molecular diagnostics in major reference centres and traditional rapid tests in peripheral clinics.

________________________________________

South America Flu Diagnostic and Treatment Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

The predictable seasonal recurrence of influenza activity across the Southern Cone is the foundational demand driver, compelling national health ministries to budget annually for the stocking of Therapeutics and diagnostics. The consistent epidemiological observation of severe disease burden in high-risk cohorts (e.g., individuals in the >=65 Years age group) actively increases demand for timely diagnosis, thereby accelerating the adoption of point-of-care (POC) tests in Outpatient Clinics. Furthermore, the institutionalisation of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)'s regional surveillance network (SARInet) in countries like Brazil and Chile mandates continuous laboratory testing, structurally driving demand for high-quality Rapid Molecular Assay and other diagnostic kits at the Reference Laboratory level for timely subtype identification.

Challenges and Opportunities

A significant market obstacle is the persistent disparity in access to advanced diagnostic technology between major urban centres and remote, underserved regions, which suppresses potential demand for expensive molecular kits across the entire market. This inequality necessitates a continued reliance on less sensitive Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs). However, a major opportunity exists in the trend of regulatory streamlining for medical devices, exemplified by Brazil's ANVISA approving measures to optimise medical device approval queues. This regulatory action directly reduces the time-to-market for innovative, multiplexed diagnostic platforms, creating immediate demand for faster access to advanced technology, particularly for Hospital Laboratories seeking integrated respiratory pathogen testing solutions.

Raw Material and Pricing Analysis

The Therapeutics segment, dominated by the generic Oseltamivir, faces pricing pressure driven by global sourcing of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Major South American manufacturers utilise imported APIs, whose costs are subject to global supply chain volatility and currency fluctuations against the US dollar. For the Diagnostics segment, particularly Rapid Molecular Assay kits, the critical raw materials are specialised reagents and enzymes, which are primarily imported from North America and Europe. Tariffs and import duties levied by countries like Brazil and Argentina on these high-value components directly increase the final cost of the kits, thereby constraining demand for molecular testing in public health systems operating under strict budgetary limits.

Supply Chain Analysis

The South American flu market supply chain is heavily dependent on international manufacturers for both diagnostics and patented/generic antiviral APIs. The supply of sophisticated Rapid Molecular Assay technology flows primarily from North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific manufacturers through regional distributors to national procurement agencies (like Brazil's Ministry of Health). Logistical complexity is substantial, characterised by lengthy regulatory approval times by bodies such as ANVISA and high customs duties. This dependence on imports for high-tech items creates supply vulnerabilities during peak Northern Hemisphere flu seasons. Conversely, the supply chain for generic Therapeutics is more localised, with significant production capacity in Brazil and Argentina, which provides a domestic buffer against global antiviral shortages for use in Hospital Laboratories.

Government Regulations

________________________________________

In-Depth Segment Analysis

By Offering: Therapeutics

The Therapeutics segment, primarily driven by the use of Oseltamivir, commands high seasonal demand due to the clinical imperative of administering treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset to high-risk patients. Demand is overwhelmingly driven by public health policy, which dictates strategic national stockpiling and distribution for severe cases and vulnerable groups in the >=65 Years and 0-14 Years brackets. In contrast to diagnostic test purchasing, which is highly sensitive to price per unit, the demand for antivirals is relatively inelastic during peak seasons because treatment is a life-saving measure. The established efficacy against both Type A and Type B influenza, coupled with the availability of generic formulations produced by major regional manufacturers, ensures high penetration into both the Hospital Laboratory and primary care channels via public procurement, structurally increasing aggregate market demand compared to novel, higher-cost, patented alternatives.

By End-User: Outpatient Clinic

The Outpatient Clinic segment acts as the primary gatekeeper for flu diagnosis and treatment and is a major, high-volume driver of demand for Diagnostics. These clinics, encompassing public primary care facilities and private physicians' offices, serve the majority of the symptomatic patient population across all age groups, including the high-prevalence 15-64-year cohort. Their demand is specifically focused on rapid, easy-to-use, and affordable point-of-care diagnostics—namely Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs)—which facilitate immediate, though provisional, clinical decisions on prescribing Therapeutics. While RIDTs possess lower sensitivity than molecular assays, their convenience and low infrastructure requirements directly increase the volume of testing performed, especially in resource-limited settings where rapid results are prioritised over high precision, thus maximising demand for simple diagnostic devices.

________________________________________

Geographical Analysis

Brazil Market Analysis

Brazil, with its vast public healthcare system (SUS) and significant manufacturing capacity (e.g., Instituto Butantan), dominates regional market demand. The market is characterised by a strong governmental procurement mandate for Therapeutics and vaccines, generating massive, centralised demand for Oseltamivir generics. Diagnostic demand is bifurcated: advanced Rapid Molecular Assay use is concentrated in state and federal Reference Laboratories for epidemiological surveillance, while Outpatient Clinics and smaller hospitals maintain high reliance on basic RIDTs to manage the massive flow of seasonal cases. ANVISA's ongoing regulatory modernisation efforts are currently acting as a catalyst for the introduction of new diagnostic technology into the Hospital Laboratory segment.

Argentina Market Analysis

The Argentine market is shaped by a high degree of centralisation in its surveillance efforts and national health policies. Demand for Therapeutics is heavily influenced by the government's strategic stockpiling policies, which aim to ensure free-of-charge Oseltamivir distribution to at-risk patients. The national laboratory network, coordinated by the Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS), drives demand for validated, high-accuracy Rapid Molecular Assay kits for national surveillance and outbreak management. Economic volatility often acts as a significant headwind, constraining public sector budgets for non-essential capital expenditure, thereby focusing diagnostic procurement on essential, high-volume items rather than widespread molecular testing expansion.

Chile Market Analysis

Chile's market is distinguished by a comparatively high level of healthcare system integration and robust, year-round influenza surveillance. This systematic approach creates a consistent, sustained demand for high-quality Diagnostics, including a relatively high adoption rate of Rapid Molecular Assay compared to its neighbours, particularly in the urban Hospital Laboratory networks. Government health directives emphasise timely intervention, directly increasing demand for Therapeutics in the early stage of the flu season. The stability of the regulatory environment and public procurement processes makes the Chilean market attractive for international manufacturers of advanced diagnostic platforms, where demand is focused on quality and proven performance.

Colombia Market Analysis

The Colombian market exhibits a stronger public-private mix in healthcare delivery. Demand for flu diagnostics, particularly in the larger cities, increasingly favours Rapid Molecular Assay tests within private Reference Laboratory and Hospital Laboratory networks due to a consumer preference for accuracy and faster results. However, widespread public health programs still heavily rely on cost-effective solutions. The market faces logistical challenges due to varied geographical access, which sustains localised demand for simple, battery-operated diagnostic equipment and a segmented distribution model for Therapeutics that must reach both major population centres and remote regions.

Peru Market Analysis

Peru's market is characterised by substantial epidemiological surveillance challenges due to diverse climatic zones and a decentralised population. The demand structure for Diagnostics is skewed toward basic RIDTs in the peripheral public health posts (Outpatient Clinic segment) to maximise geographical coverage and immediate clinical decision-making. Government efforts to strengthen the national laboratory network have begun to increase demand for sophisticated molecular capabilities at central Reference Laboratories for epidemiological monitoring and subtyping of prevalent strains like Type A. The high burden of pediatric respiratory illness ensures that the 0-14-year age group remains a key driver for both diagnostic and therapeutic resource allocation.

________________________________________

Competitive Environment and Analysis

The South American competitive environment is dominated by multinational diagnostic companies and major global pharmaceutical firms, which often partner with or sell directly to centralised government procurement bodies. The market is also heavily influenced by a few large, regionally powerful governmental or quasi-governmental manufacturers.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Diagnostics)

Roche Diagnostics maintains a powerful strategic position through its comprehensive portfolio of high-throughput molecular diagnostic platforms. The company directly influences demand within the high-value Reference Laboratory and major Hospital Laboratory segments by supplying PCR-based Rapid Molecular Assay systems that are critical for national surveillance programs in countries like Brazil and Argentina. Roche's strategy focuses on integrated instrument-and-reagent contracts, which create sticky, long-term demand for its proprietary diagnostic kits required for the accurate identification of Type A and Type B influenza, particularly where high sensitivity and throughput are non-negotiable.

Abbott Laboratories

Abbott leverages its global presence and diverse product offerings to capture market share across different segments. Abbott's positioning is strongest in the Outpatient Clinic and satellite Hospital Laboratory segments through its point-of-care (POC) testing platforms and traditional Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT) kits. Their focus on user-friendly, rapid diagnostics addresses the core demand for timely, decentralised testing in resource-constrained environments. Abbott’s strategic emphasis on rapid results directly supports the clinical imperative for early diagnosis, facilitating the timely initiation of Therapeutics for patients in the 15-64-year cohort seen in primary care settings.

________________________________________

South America Flu Diagnostic and Treatment Market Segmentation

• By Type of Flu
  • Type A
  • Type B
• By Offering
  • Diagnostics
    • Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test
    • Rapid Molecular Assay
    • Others
  • Therapeutics
• By Age Group
  • 0-14 Years
  • 15-64 Years
  • >=65 Years
• By End-User
  • Hospital Laboratory
  • Outpatient Clinic
  • Reference Laboratory

Table Of Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. MARKET SNAPSHOT

2.1. Market Overview

2.2. Market Definition

2.3. Scope of the Study

2.4. Market Segmentation

3. BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

3.1. Market Drivers

3.2. Market Restraints

3.3. Market Opportunities

3.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3.5. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.6. Policies and Regulations

3.7. Strategic Recommendations

4. TECHNOLOGICAL OUTLOOK

5. SOUTH AMERICA FLU DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT MARKET BY TYPE OF FLU

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Type A

5.3. Type B

6. SOUTH AMERICA FLU DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT MARKET BY OFFERING

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Diagnostics

6.2.1. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test

6.2.2. Rapid Molecular Assay

6.2.3. Others

6.3. Therapeutics

7. SOUTH AMERICA FLU DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT MARKET BY AGE GROUP

7.1. Introduction

7.2. 0-14 Years

7.3. 15-64 Years

7.4. >=65 Years

8. SOUTH AMERICA FLU DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT MARKET BY END-USER

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Hospital Laboratory

8.3. Outpatient Clinic

8.4. Reference Laboratory

9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

10.2. Abbott

10.3. Quidel Corporation

10.4. Pfizer Inc.

10.5. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

10.6. BD

10.7. 3M

10.8. Roche Diagnostic

11. APPENDIX

11.1. Currency

11.2. Assumptions

11.3. Base and Forecast Years Timeline

11.4. Key benefits for the stakeholders

11.5. Research Methodology

11.6. Abbreviations

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

Companies Profiled

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Abbott

Quidel Corporation

Pfizer Inc.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

BD

3M

Roche Diagnostic 

Related Reports