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Last Updated: April 17, 2025

Drugs in ATC Class L01EK


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Drugs in ATC Class: L01EK - Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors

TradenameGeneric Name
FOTIVDA tivozanib hydrochloride
FRUZAQLA fruquintinib
INLYTA axitinib
>Tradename>Generic Name
Showing 1 to 3 of 3 entries

L01EK Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The market dynamics and patent landscape for ATC Class L01EK – Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors reflect rapid growth driven by oncology advancements but face challenges in cost and biomarker limitations. Here's a detailed analysis:


Market Dynamics

Growth Projections

  • The global VEGFR inhibitors market reached USD 14.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit USD 22.34 billion by 2033 at a 5.9% CAGR [4].
  • Within the broader tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) market, VEGFR inhibitors dominate due to their role in targeting angiogenesis in cancers like renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The TKI segment alone holds 65% of the TKI market, driven by precision oncology demand [2][13].

Key Drivers

  1. Rising Cancer Prevalence: Increasing cases of RCC, NSCLC, and hepatocellular carcinoma fuel demand. For example, VEGFR inhibitors like axitinib and tivozanib are pivotal in RCC treatment [12][18].
  2. Clinical Advancements:
    • Tivozanib (FOTIVDA®) gained U.S. approval for refractory advanced RCC in 2022, with patent protection extending to 2039 [18].
    • Capmatinib (MET inhibitor) and tepotinib approvals in Europe for NSCLC highlight expanded applications [2][4].
  3. Combination Therapies: Trials like JAVELIN Renal 101 (avelumab + axitinib) show improved progression-free survival in RCC [2][12].

Challenges

  • High Costs: TKI therapies like pazopanib and sunitinib strain healthcare budgets, particularly in developing regions [11].
  • Biomarker Gaps: Lack of predictive biomarkers leads to trial-and-error treatment, reducing efficiency [2][11].

Regional Trends

  • North America leads with 33.4% market share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and R&D investment [11].
  • Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rising cancer prevalence and improving healthcare access [4][11].

Patent Landscape

Key Innovations and Players

  1. VEGFR-3 Inhibitors:

    • Vegenics Pty Limited holds patents for OPT-302 (VEGFR-3 inhibitor) in eye diseases like wet AMD, with protections in the U.S., Europe, and Asia through 2034 [5][15].
    • Patents covering glycosylation-modified VEGFR-3 ligands for angiogenesis modulation [15].
  2. Next-Gen TKIs:

    • Novartis and Pfizer lead with multi-targeted TKIs (e.g., cabozantinib) inhibiting MET and VEGFR2 for enhanced efficacy [8][12].
    • Axitinib (Inlyta®) and tivozanib patents emphasize specificity for VEGFRs, reducing off-target effects [17][18].
  3. Strategic Filings:

    • Over 4,000 patents focus on improving TKI safety and efficacy, including CRISPR-edited compounds [1][8].
    • Seattle Children’s Hospital leads in geographic patent diversity, with filings across 15+ countries [2].

Legal and Competitive Pressures

  • EP Oppositions: Few pending cases reflect the novelty of allogeneic CAR-T and VEGFR therapies, though disputes may rise as markets expand [1].
  • Generic Threats: Patent expiries (e.g., sunitinib) are offset by new approvals like fruquintinib for colorectal cancer [4][17].

Emerging Trends

  • Combination Therapies: Trials combining TKIs with immunotherapy (e.g., avelumab + axitinib) aim to overcome resistance [12].
  • Non-Oncology Applications: VEGFR inhibitors are explored for autoimmune diseases and fibrosis [8].
  • Sustainability Focus: Seaweed-based patents and eco-friendly synthesis methods gain traction [10].

Key Takeaways

  • The L01EK market is poised for growth due to unmet oncology needs and targeted therapy advancements.
  • Patent strategies prioritize multi-target inhibitors, geographic diversification, and lifecycle management (e.g., tivozanib’s 2039 expiry).
  • Cost reduction and biomarker development are critical to overcoming accessibility and efficacy barriers.

"The future of VEGFR inhibitors lies in balancing innovation with affordability." – Industry Analyst [4][14]

This landscape underscores a dynamic interplay between clinical innovation and IP strategy, positioning VEGFR inhibitors as cornerstone therapies in precision oncology.

References

  1. https://www.knowmade.com/patent-analytics-services/patent-report/life-sciences-patent-landscape/allogeneic-car-patent-landscape-analysis-2023/
  2. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-tyrosine-kinase-inhibitors-market
  3. https://patents.google.com/patent/US11433118B2/en
  4. https://www.giiresearch.com/report/dmin1683382-global-vascular-endothelial-growth-factor-receptor.html
  5. https://ir.opthea.com/node/8496/pdf
  6. 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
  7. https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/vegfr-1-inhibitors-market/2552
  8. https://www.bioworld.com/articles/706181-nextgen-bioscience-patents-compounds-acting-as-hif-1-or-vegfr-inhibitors
  9. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2004014426A1/Ecology_Abiotic_Factors_Unit.html
  10. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/atc-class/L01C
  11. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/tyrosine-kinase-inhibitors-market.html
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23601669/
  13. https://marketresearch.biz/report/tyrosine-kinase-inhibitors-market/
  14. https://www.evalueserve.com/patent-analysis/
  15. https://patents.justia.com/assignee/vegenics-pty-limited
  16. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L01EK&showdescription=yes
  17. https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT005739
  18. https://www.aveooncology.com/u-s-patent-trademark-office-allows-aveo-oncologys-patent-application-covering-use-of-fotivda-for-the-treatment-of-refractory-advanced-renal-cell-carcinoma/

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