Drugs in ATC Class A06AB

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Drugs in ATC Class: A06AB - Contact laxatives

Tradename	Generic Name
HALFLYTELY	bisacodyl; polyethylene glycol 3350; potassium chloride; sodium bicarbonate; sodium chloride
PEG-3350, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM BICARBONATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE AND BISACODYL	bisacodyl; polyethylene glycol 3350; potassium chloride; sodium bicarbonate; sodium chloride
PREPOPIK	citric acid; magnesium oxide; sodium picosulfate

A06AB Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The market dynamics and patent landscape for ATC Class A06AB (Contact Laxatives) reflect a growing industry driven by clinical demand, innovation, and strategic intellectual property (IP) activity. Below is a structured analysis:

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Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

1. Aging Population: With a rising geriatric population globally—particularly in palliative care—demand for constipation management drugs is increasing[3][10][15].
2. Preference for Non-Stimulant Formulas: Innovations like osmotically acting combinations (e.g., macrogol + electrolytes) and natural/herbal agents (e.g., senna, cascara) are gaining traction due to reduced side effects[3][10][16].
3. Combination Therapies: Over 30% of A06AB drugs are combinations (e.g., bisacodyl + sorbitol), enhancing efficacy and patient compliance[1][7][16].

Market Size & Projections

• The global laxatives market was valued at $7.35B in 2024, projected to reach $12.39B by 2032 (CAGR 6.3%)[10][11].
• A06AB-specific growth is fueled by OTC availability and formulations like sodium picosulfate (A06AB08), a key ingredient in colonoscopy preps[4][8].

Competitive Landscape

• Key Players: GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer AG, Abbott, and Braintree Laboratories dominate through R&D and acquisitions (e.g., Mallinckrodt’s acquisition of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals)[3][15].
• Regional Trends:
  • North America: Leads due to high healthcare spending[10].
  • Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, driven by generics and expanding healthcare infrastructure[10][12].

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Patent Landscape

Innovation Trends

1. Formulation Advances:
   • Patents focus on palatable colon-cleansing solutions (e.g., macrogol with low chloride)[5].
   • Targeted delivery systems: Sodium picosulfate formulations designed for proximal colonic release (US5631022)[5].
2. Natural Extracts: Patents for plant-based laxatives (e.g., Picrorrhiza Kurroa rhizome extracts)[5][16].

Strategic IP Activity

• Combination Therapies: Over 50% of A06AB patents involve multi-agent combinations (e.g., bisacodyl + belladonna alkaloids)[1][7][16].
• Lifecycle Management: Companies leverage 50-series ATC codes (e.g., A06AB52 for bisacodyl combinations) to extend market exclusivity[1][6].

Challenges & Opportunities

• Saturation: The A06AB patent space is crowded, with many derivatives (e.g., dantron, phenolphthalein) off-patent[5][14].
• Whitespace: Emerging areas include peripheral opioid receptor antagonists (A06AH) and digital health tools for dosage tracking[7][17].

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Key Takeaways

1. Market Growth: A06AB drugs benefit from aging demographics and OTC accessibility.
2. Innovation Focus: Combination formulas and natural/herbal agents drive R&D.
3. IP Strategy: Patent filings prioritize formulation improvements and lifecycle extensions.

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“Combination products involving two or more laxatives are central to current development strategies.” — Research and Markets[3]

FAQs
Q1: What are the most prescribed A06AB drugs?
A: Senna glycosides (A06AB06) and bisacodyl (A06AB02) are widely used[4][8].

Q2: How do A06AB patents differ from other laxatives?
A: They emphasize electrolyte-sparing mechanisms and combination therapies[1][5].

Q3: Which regions drive A06AB market growth?
A: North America (established markets) and Asia-Pacific (generics expansion)[10][15].

Q4: What risks are associated with A06AB drugs?
A: Overuse can cause electrolyte imbalances or toxic hepatitis[4][7].

Q5: Are natural A06AB agents patent-protected?
A: Yes—e.g., Picrorrhiza Kurroa extracts have patented formulations[5].

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Sources Cited

1. ATC/DDD Index - FHI
2. ATC code A06 - Wikipedia
3. BusinessWire (2017)
4. Justia Patents
5. Data Bridge Market Research
6. BioSpace (2022)
7. ATCCode.com

References

1. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A06AB&showdescription=yes
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_A06
3. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170620005697/en/Global-8.71-Billion-Laxatives-Market-Analysis-Trends-to-2025---Research-and-Markets
4. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11140/smpc
5. https://patents.justia.com/patents-by-us-classification/514/892
6. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/atc-class/A06A
7. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A06A&showdescription=yes
8. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09020
9. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220125845A1/en
10. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-laxative-market
11. https://www.einpresswire.com/article/777805554/laxatives-market-aiming-for-12-39-billion-usd-by-2032-growing-at-6-cagr
12. https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/atc-displays-market-report
13. https://prediction.charite.de/subpages/tree.php
14. https://www.acclaimip.com/patent-landscaping/patent-landscape-analysis-uncovering-strategic-insights/
15. https://www.biospace.com/global-constipation-laxative-market-to-reach-a-valuation-of-us-10-8-bn-by-2030
16. https://www.atccode.com/A06AB
17. https://www.dilworthip.com/resources/news/patent-landscape-analysis/