Drugs in ATC Class A07

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to A - Alimentary tract and metabolism

Subclasses in ATC: A07 - ANTIDIARRHEALS, INTESTINAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY/ANTIINFECTIVE AGENTS

A07A - INTESTINAL ANTIINFECTIVES

A07D - ANTIPROPULSIVES

A07E - INTESTINAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS

A07X - OTHER ANTIDIARRHEALS

A07 Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The antidiarrheals market (ATC Class: A07) is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising diarrheal disease prevalence, pharmaceutical innovation, and strategic industry expansions. Below is an analysis of its market dynamics and patent landscape:

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Market Dynamics

Growth Projections

• The global antidiarrheals market was valued at $3.89 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.01 billion in 2025 (CAGR of 3.2%). By 2029, it is expected to expand to $4.49 billion (CAGR of 2.8%)[1][6].
• Key drivers include the high burden of diarrheal diseases (e.g., ~760,000 annual deaths in children under 5 globally[1]), aging populations, and increased healthcare accessibility in emerging markets[6].

Segmentation

1. By Drug Type

   • Mucosal protectants: Bismuth subsalicylate, kaolin-pectin.
   • Motility modifiers: Loperamide, diphenoxylate, racecadotril[6][7].
   • Antimicrobials: Rifaximin, neomycin, and sulfonamides classified under ATC codes A07AA–A07AX[2][3].

2. Therapeutic Trends

   • OTC dominance: Self-care products and telemedicine adoption are rising, particularly for mild cases[1][4].
   • Digital health integration: Remote monitoring and personalized dosing protocols are emerging[1].

Key Players

Major companies include GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Sanofi, alongside generic manufacturers like Teva and Sun Pharma[1][6]. Mergers and expansions in emerging markets (e.g., India, China) are critical growth strategies[1][6].

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Patent Landscape

Innovation Focus

• Formulation Enhancements:

  • Loperamide: Patents like EP0482580A1 highlight formulations combining loperamide with saccharides (e.g., sucrose) to boost efficacy and reduce dosage[7].
  • Combination therapies: Patent 5,612,054 covers loperamide-simethicone blends for dual-action relief[15].

• Biotechnological Advances:

  • Proanthocyanidin polymer compositions (e.g., from Croton spp.) for treating secretory diarrhea[10].
  • Novel delivery systems like enteric coatings to protect drugs from stomach acidity[10].

Strategic Patenting

• Prolonged monopolies: Tactics like patent thickets (e.g., 311 filings for Humira) delay generics, though antitrust scrutiny is increasing[11].
• Geographic focus: Over 520 patents filed by firms like 7Invensun Technology (China) reflect Asia’s role in innovation[12].

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ATC Class A07 Breakdown

Subclass	Key Agents	Use Cases
A07A: Antiinfectives	Rifaximin (A07AA11), vancomycin (A07AA09)	Antibiotic-resistant infections[2][3]
A07B: Adsorbents	Bismuth subsalicylate, attapulgite	Acute diarrhea[17]
A07D: Antipropulsives	Loperamide (A07DA03), eluxadoline	IBS-D, opioid-induced motility reduction[2][3]

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Future Outlook

• Emerging trends: Biotech-driven personalized treatments, microbiome-based therapies (e.g., A07F anti-diarrheal microorganisms)[13][16].
• Challenges: Antimicrobial resistance and regulatory hurdles for novel formulations[4][6].

Highlight: “The surge in diarrheal disease burden and OTC accessibility will sustain market growth, while patent strategies prioritize formulation tweaks over breakthrough innovations.”[1][11]

This sector remains vital for global health, balancing innovation with affordability to address both acute and chronic gastrointestinal needs.

References

1. https://www.openpr.com/news/3871248/prominent-antidiarrheals-market-trend-for-2025-market
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_A07
3. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A07A&showdescription=yes
4. https://github.com/paullsiskec4/Market-Research-Report-List-1/blob/main/antidiarrheal-drugs-market.md
5. https://farmaciajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/art-25-Pana_Craciun-Taerel_813-820.pdf
6. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/antidiarrheals-global-market-report
7. https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0482580A1/en
8. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/72111
9. https://cas-stnext.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/23494017284365-January-15-2024-Manual-Code-Revisions-for-2024-Provide-Derwent-World-Patents-Index-Users-Simplified-Access-to-New-and-Emerging-Technologies
10. https://patents.justia.com/patents-by-us-classification/514/867
11. https://www.evernorth.com/articles/how-drugmakers-exploit-patent-system-delay-competition-and-inflate-prices
12. https://insights.greyb.com/7invensun-technology-patents/
13. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A07
14. https://newdrugapprovals.org/2021/10/18/jnj-a07/
15. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/5612054
16. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/10/3039972/28124/en/Connected-Drug-Delivery-Devices-Patent-Landscape-Report-2024-Market-is-Expanding-with-the-United-States-Leading-with-5-000-Patents-Emphasizing-Bluetooth-and-NFC-for-Enhanced-Connec.html
17. https://www.atccode.com/A07