Drugs in ATC Class H02AB

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to H - Systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins

Up to H02 - CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR SYSTEMIC USE

Up to H02A - CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR SYSTEMIC USE, PLAIN

Drugs in ATC Class: H02AB - Glucocorticoids

Tradename	Generic Name
BETAMETHASONE ACETATE AND BETAMETHASONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE	betamethasone acetate; betamethasone sodium phosphate
CELESTONE	betamethasone
CELESTONE SOLUSPAN	betamethasone acetate; betamethasone sodium phosphate

H02AB Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The H02AB - Glucocorticoids market demonstrates robust growth driven by therapeutic demand and innovation, while its patent landscape reflects ongoing R&D activity alongside generic competition. Below is a detailed analysis:

---

Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

1. Chronic Disease Prevalence:
   Rising incidences of inflammatory/autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma) and skin disorders fuel demand. Glucocorticoids are first-line treatments due to their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties[1][7][14].

   • Over 18 million people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis[1].
   • Respiratory and dermatological applications account for 34.9% of corticosteroid usage[1].

2. Aging Populations:
   Geriatric populations are more susceptible to chronic diseases, driving demand in regions like North America and Europe, which hold 32.6% and significant market shares, respectively[1][4].

3. Advancements in Drug Delivery:
   Innovations in inhaled, topical, and sustained-release formulations improve efficacy and patient compliance[3][11]. Biosimilars and generics further expand accessibility[4][14].

4. Market Projections:

   • Valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 6.9 billion by 2033 (CAGR: 4.9%)[1][3].
   • Alternate estimates suggest a higher CAGR of 7.5% (2024–2032)[7], reflecting regional and methodological variances.

---

Market Segmentation

• By Product: Glucocorticoids dominate with 65.3% share (2023), outpacing mineralocorticoids due to broader applications[1][14].

• By Application:	Segment	Market Share
  Skin Allergies	34.9%[1]
  Rheumatology	Growing demand[1]
  Respiratory Diseases	Key growth area[11]

• By Region:
  • North America leads (32.6%), followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific[1][4].
  • Asia-Pacific growth is driven by cost-effective generics and rising healthcare investments[4][11].

---

Patent Landscape

Key Trends

1. Formulation Innovations:

   • US10233210B2: Covers 16,17-acetal pregnane derivatives for enhanced glucocorticoid synthesis[2].
   • WO2015089349A1: Targets neuroinflammatory disorders via isoprenoid pathway inhibition[5].
   • AU2014324961A8: Focuses on novel, highly potent glucocorticoid compounds with improved receptor binding[10].

2. Generic Competition:

   • Patent expirations (e.g., deflazacort, hydrocortisone valerate) have enabled generic entrants like Aurobindo Pharma and Lupin Ltd[6][8].
   • Over 75 bulk API suppliers exist for deflazacort alone[6], intensifying price competition.

3. Strategic R&D Focus:
   Major players (Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca) prioritize combination therapies and pediatric formulations to differentiate products[11][14].

---

Regulatory and Competitive Challenges

• Biosimilar Uptake: Biosimilars for branded glucocorticoids (e.g., adalimumab) pressure prices but improve access[13].
• Safety Scrutiny: Regulatory emphasis on minimizing side effects (e.g., hepatic risks) influences approval processes[12].

---

Key Takeaways

• The glucocorticoid market is expanding steadily despite genericization, supported by therapeutic necessity and delivery innovations.
• Patents reveal a shift toward targeted therapies and novel compounds, while generics dominate volume-driven segments.
• Regional disparities in growth highlight opportunities in emerging markets and specialty formulations.

"Glucocorticoids’ versatility in treating chronic inflammation ensures their enduring relevance, even amid biosimilar disruption." – Market Analysis, 2025[1][4]

References

1. https://market.us/report/corticosteroids-market/
2. https://patents.google.com/patent/US10233210B2/en
3. https://www.openpr.com/news/3878024/corticosteroids-market-outlook-2025-2034-key-trends-growth
4. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-glucocorticoid-agonist-market
5. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2015089349A1/en
6. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/generic-api/deflazacort
7. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/corticosteroids-market
8. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/generic/hydrocortisone+valerate
9. https://www.iqvia.com/-/media/iqvia/pdfs/belgium/sales-trends/2020/may-belgian-reg-med-best.pdf
10. https://patents.google.com/patent/AU2014324961A8/en
11. https://www.promarketreports.com/reports/glucocorticoid-agonist-market-11082
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8372009/
13. https://pure.eur.nl/files/57042380/thesis_6295128851c32.pdf
14. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/corticosteroid-global-market-report