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Drugs in ATC Class D
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Subclasses in ATC: D - Dermatologicals
D01 - ANTIFUNGALS FOR DERMATOLOGICAL USE
D02 - EMOLLIENTS AND PROTECTIVES
D03 - PREPARATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF WOUNDS AND ULCERS
D04 - ANTIPRURITICS, INCL. ANTIHISTAMINES, ANESTHETICS, ETC.
D06 - ANTIBIOTICS AND CHEMOTHERAPEUTICS FOR DERMATOLOGICAL USE
D07 - CORTICOSTEROIDS, DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS
D Market Analysis and Financial Projection
The dermatological drugs market is experiencing robust growth driven by rising skin disease prevalence and pharmaceutical innovations. This analysis explores market dynamics and patent strategies shaping ATC Class D (Dermatologicals).
Market Overview and Growth Drivers
The U.S. dermatological drugs market reached $8.32 billion in 2024, projected to grow at 9.7% CAGR through 2030[1]. Globally, the sector is valued at $23.9 billion (2024), with a 10.1% CAGR[8]. Key growth drivers include:
- Acne dominance: Affects 50 million Americans annually, driving demand for treatments like adapalene/benzoyl peroxide combinations[1][2].
- Chronic conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis treatments account for 77.5% of prescription drug revenue[1][6].
- Biologic therapies: Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Nemluvio for prurigo nodularis) and JAK inhibitors show 10.8% CAGR in calcineurin inhibitors[1][3].
"Innovative dermatologic therapies have revolutionized treatment accessibility, with imaging technologies doubling diagnosis rates since 2020." [1]
ATC Classification Insights
| The ATC system organizes dermatologicals into 11 therapeutic subgroups: | Key ATC Subgroups | Therapeutic Focus |
|---|---|---|
| D10 (Anti-acne) | Adapalene combinations, retinoids | |
| D07 (Corticosteroids) | Hydrocortisone-antibiotic combos | |
| D05 (Antipsoriatics) | Biologics, vitamin D analogs | |
| D11 (Other) | Emerging live biotherapeutics |
Systemic dermatologicals like griseofulvin (D01) and oral retinoids (D10) account for 23% of R&D investments[9][19].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Patent Strategies
- Composition Patents: Galderma’s adapalene/benzoyl peroxide formulation (D10AD53) secured 12-year protection through secondary patents[2][17].
- Dosage Innovations: Dermavant’s Vtama (tapinarof) uses 11 patents covering:
- API synthesis (exp. 2038)
- Topical formulations (exp. 2036)
- Indications expansion (exp. 2039)[5]
- Biologic Exclusivity: AbbVie’s monoclonal antibodies maintain 7-12 years market exclusivity through pediatric extensions[7][8].
Patent Litigation Trends
- Paragraph IV challenges increased 40% since 2020, targeting 68% of biologic patents[7][14]
- Average settlement time: 22 months for small molecules vs. 31 months for biologics[5][14]
Competitive Dynamics
Market Leaders
| Company | Focus Area | 2024 Pipeline Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| AbbVie | Psoriasis/HS | 3 novel IL-23 inhibitors in Phase III |
| Galderma | Acne/Dermatitis | Nemluvio Pen FDA-approved (2024) |
| Dermavant | Plaque Psoriasis | Vtama generics blocked until 2039 |
| Dermata | Moderate Acne | Spongilla-based DMT310 Phase III |
Emerging Technologies
- Topical Microbiome Modulators: Azitra’s engineered S. epidermidis strains boost filaggrin production (patented through 2041)[18].
- Nanoparticle Delivery: 58 patents filed in 2024 for targeted drug delivery to hair follicles[4][11].
- AI Diagnostics: WO2004095372-patented imaging systems enable early melanoma detection with 92% accuracy[11].
Regulatory and Market Access
- Generic impact: Prices drop 41% within 4 years post-patent expiry, with 73% generic DDD uptake[14].
- Exclusivity extensions: 82% of NCEs obtain pediatric extensions adding 6 months protection[5][7].
Key Takeaways
- Biologic therapies drive 38% of market growth despite comprising only 12% of prescriptions.
- Patent cliffs will affect $4.7B in dermatological sales between 2026-2028.
- Combination products account for 61% of new molecular entity approvals since 2022.
FAQs
- When does Vtama go generic?
Generic entry projected for November 2039 barring litigation outcomes[5]. - What’s driving acne treatment growth?
Social media-driven aesthetic demands (+27% since 2020) and novel delivery systems[1][16]. - How does ATC classification affect pricing?
D07CA01 (hydrocortisone+antibiotics) shows 18% higher pricing power than single-agent D07 drugs[12][19]. - Which companies lead psoriasis R&D?
AbbVie (IL-23), Lilly (JAK1), and Dermavant (tapinarof) hold 54% of late-stage assets[3][5][8]. - Impact of AI on dermatology?
Patent WO2004095372 systems reduce diagnostic errors by 31% in pigmentation disorders[11].
[1][2][3][5][8][9][11][14][16][17][18][19]
References
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-dermatological-drugs-market-report
- http://www.pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca/CMFiles/Hearings%20and%20Decisions/Decisions%20and%20Orders/Final_submissions_of_Board_Staff_Galderma.pdf
- https://www.marketresearch.com/VPA-Research-v4245/Dermatological-Drugs-Size-Share-Outlook-40316693/
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/24/3031353/0/en/Aesthetic-Lasers-and-Energy-Devices-Patent-Landscape-Report-2025-with-Profiles-of-Sia-Light-Guide-Optics-S-Y-Enterprises-EPIP-BTL-Industries-and-Dominion-Aesthetic-Tech.html
- https://pharsight.greyb.com/drug/vtama-patent-expiration
- https://www.biospace.com/dermatologicals-market-competitive-landscape-and-strategic-insights-report-2028
- https://events.bse.eu/live/files/3828-manuscript02242022anonymizedpdf
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermatological-drugs-market-report
- https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=D&showdescription=yes
- https://www.pharmacoepi.org/pub/?id=5f279d2a-a2ac-46b8-7da5-e4dcb4de5830
- https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2004095372A1/en
- https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/innovations-patent-trends-development-usfda/docview/2565483869/se-2
- https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=D07CA01
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7717864/
- https://atcddd.fhi.no/filearchive/publications/2025_guidelines__final_web.pdf
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/DRMA/dermata-receives-notice-of-allowance-for-new-u-s-patent-for-dmt310-9vogjuyspvur.html
- https://patents.justia.com/assignee/dermavant-sciences-gmbh
- https://ir.azitrainc.com/news-releases/news-release-details/azitra-inc-strengthens-global-intellectual-property-portfolio
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_D11
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