Drugs in ATC Class D07

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to D - Dermatologicals

Subclasses in ATC: D07 - CORTICOSTEROIDS, DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS

D07A - CORTICOSTEROIDS, PLAIN

D07X - CORTICOSTEROIDS, OTHER COMBINATIONS

D07 Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The global market for ATC Class D07 corticosteroids (dermatological preparations) demonstrates robust growth driven by therapeutic demand and innovation. Below is a detailed analysis of market dynamics and patent trends:

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Market Overview

The corticosteroids market for dermatological use was valued at $5.47 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% to $5.7 billion in 2025, with further acceleration to $7.24 billion by 2029 (CAGR 6.2%)[4][18]. Key segments include:

• Glucocorticoids: Dominating 65.3% market share due to anti-inflammatory efficacy in conditions like eczema and psoriasis[7].
• Topical formulations: Leading administration route (e.g., creams, ointments)[7].
• Skin allergy treatments: Captured 34.9% of applications in 2023[7].

North America holds 32.6% market share (2023), driven by high dermatological disorder prevalence and R&D investments[7]. Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth due to increasing healthcare access and rising chronic skin conditions[7][18].

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Growth Drivers

1. Rising Skin Disease Burden: Over 50 million acne cases in the U.S. (2022) and 31.6 million eczema patients globally (2020)[11][17].
2. Innovative Formulations: Combating patent cliffs, companies focus on:
   • Combination therapies: Corticosteroids paired with antibiotics (D07C) or antiseptics (D07B)[1][9].
   • Enhanced delivery systems: Transdermal patches, nasal sprays, and foam applicators[3][10].
3. Pediatric & Geriatric Demographics: Aging populations and pediatric-specific formulations address unmet needs[4][18].

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Patent Landscape

Key Innovation Areas

Focus Area	Examples	Patents & Developments
Formulation Stability	Xanthan gum-EDTA blends for ophthalmic/nasal use	Viatris’ US12023344B2 (2024) ensures redispersibility and pH stability[10].
Combination Therapies	Clobetasol + antibiotics (D07CD)	Patent US9855334 (2018) modifies clobetasol concentration to reduce endocrine disruption[14].
Manufacturing Processes	Single-step synthesis of halogenated corticosteroids	US10112970 (2018) streamlines production of Diflucortolone and Desoximetasone[8].
Delivery Optimization	Captisol-enabled budesonide for nasal/ophthalmic use	US20090312724A1 (2009) improves solubility and reduces intraocular pressure[5].

Strategic Trends

• Biosimilars: Growing interest post-patent expirations (e.g., dexamethasone)[12].
• Regulatory Compliance: Emphasis on safety data for pediatric/geriatric use[3][18].

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Challenges

• High R&D Costs: Formulation stability trials and toxicity profiling require significant investment[3][17].
• Generic Competition: Post-2030, key drugs like hydrocortisone face patent cliffs[12][18].
• Side Effects: Long-term use linked to skin atrophy and HPA axis suppression, prompting reformulation efforts[14].

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Future Outlook

1. Biosimilar Adoption: Expected to capture 20-25% market share by 2030[18].
2. Targeted Therapies: Precision dermatology leveraging AI for patient-specific formulations[3].
3. Sustainability: Eco-friendly manufacturing processes gain traction in patent filings[8][16].

Highlight: "Combining two known drugs can yield enhanced effects. If this combination isn’t obvious and delivers superior results, it’s a strong contender for patenting." [3]

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Key Takeaways

• Dermatological corticosteroids remain critical for treating inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions.
• Innovation focuses on delivery efficiency, stability, and reduced side effects.
• North America and Asia-Pacific are pivotal growth markets, driven by demographic and healthcare trends.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_D07
2. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00741
3. https://patentpc.com/blog/patenting-innovations-dermatological-topical-drugs
4. https://www.openpr.com/news/3878024/corticosteroids-market-outlook-2025-2034-key-trends-growth
5. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/71/d7/88/ec22277b496983/US20090312724A1.pdf
6. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?showdescription=yes&code=D07AC
7. https://market.us/report/corticosteroids-market/
8. https://patents.justia.com/patent/10112970
9. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?+code=D07
10. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/data-insights/viatris-gets-grant-for-topical-otic-ophthalmic-or-nasal-corticosteroid-suspension-formulation/
11. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/acne-treatment-market-103361
12. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/generic/dexamethasone
13. https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/atc-displays-market-report
14. https://patents.justia.com/patent/9855334
15. https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/markets-services/ps-technology/ps-7-market-technology/ps-d7
16. https://www.iip.or.jp/e/summary/pdf/detail2010/e22_16.pdf
17. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-topical-corticosteroids-market
18. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/corticosteroid-global-market-report