Drugs in ATC Class A06AH

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Drugs in ATC Class: A06AH - Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists

Tradename	Generic Name
ALVIMOPAN	alvimopan
ENTEREG	alvimopan
METHYLNALTREXONE BROMIDE	methylnaltrexone bromide
RELISTOR	methylnaltrexone bromide

A06AH Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The market for ATC Class A06AH peripheral opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) is shaped by increasing opioid use, evolving drug formulations, and a robust patent landscape. These agents, including methylnaltrexone, naloxegol, and naldemedine, address opioid-induced constipation (OIC) without reversing central opioid analgesia, making them critical in pain management protocols[8][9][13].

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

• Rising opioid prescriptions: Chronic pain management and opioid dependence treatments have increased OIC prevalence, driving demand for PAMORAs[5][11].
• Expanded applications: Naltrexone’s use in alcohol dependence and injectable formulations (e.g., naloxone auto-injectors) broadens market potential[5][8].
• Regulatory support: Accelerated approvals for OIC therapies, such as naloxegol and naldemedine, enhance accessibility[8][12].

Growth projections:

• The global opioid antagonist market is projected to grow at a 12.5% CAGR, reaching USD 15.44 billion by 2037[5].
• OIC-specific drugs are expected to surpass USD 4.52 billion by 2031, driven by subcutaneous methylnaltrexone and oral naloxegol[11][14].

Regional trends:

• North America dominates due to high opioid utilization and advanced healthcare infrastructure[11][12].
• Asia-Pacific shows growth potential with increasing chronic pain cases and healthcare investments[11][14].

Patent Landscape

• Key patents: Innovations focus on abuse-deterrent formulations (e.g., US-9168252-B2 combining opioids with naloxone) and extended-release mechanisms[2][6][10].
• Competitive R&D: Major players like Takeda, Bayer, and Purdue Pharma invest in novel delivery methods, such as nasal sprays and auto-injectors, to improve compliance[5][12].
• Pipeline developments: Emerging candidates target enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, with clinical trials exploring new indications like postoperative ileus[8][13].

Challenges

• Cost barriers: High prices limit access in low-income regions[11][14].
• Generic competition: Patent expirations (e.g., methylnaltrexone) may pressure branded drug revenues[12][14].

Key Takeaways

PAMORAs are integral to managing OIC, with market growth fueled by opioid dependency trends and therapeutic advancements. Strategic patent filings and R&D diversification will shape competitive dynamics, while affordability and education remain critical for global adoption.

"The critical condition of individuals addicted to drugs necessitates specific treatments, boosting demand for opioid antagonists" [11].

Market Segmentation (2025–2037):	Segment	Share (2037)	Key Drivers
Buprenorphine	52%	Clinical efficacy, low abuse potential[5]
Hospitals	Dominant	Rising inpatient OIC cases[5][12]

Approved PAMORAs:	Drug	Brand	Administration
Methylnaltrexone	Relistor®	Subcutaneous
Naloxegol	Movantik®	Oral
Naldemedine	Symproic®	Oral	[8][13]

The interplay of innovation, regulatory support, and unmet clinical needs positions A06AH agents for sustained growth, contingent on addressing cost and accessibility challenges.

References

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6628544/
2. https://patents.google.com/patent/US9180125B2/en
3. https://prediction.charite.de/subpages/tree.php
4. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01183
5. https://www.researchnester.com/reports/opioid-antagonist-market/3179
6. https://patents.google.com/patent/US9724343B2/en
7. https://www.julkari.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/143552/Finnish_statistics_on_medicines_2020.pdf?sequence=1andisAllowed%3Dy
8. https://www.dovepress.com/peripheral-opioid-receptor-antagonists-for-opioid-induced-constipation-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_A06
10. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-9168252-B2
11. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/opioid-induced-constipation-oic-drugs-market-A13376
12. https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/product/global-opioid-induced-constipation-market-size-and-forecast/
13. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A06AH&showdescription=yes
14. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-opioid-induced-constipation-drugs-market