Drugs in ATC Class N02B

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to N - Nervous system

Up to N02 - ANALGESICS

Subclasses in ATC: N02B - OTHER ANALGESICS AND ANTIPYRETICS

N02BA - Salicylic acid and derivatives

N02BF - Gabapentinoids

N02BG - Other analgesics and antipyretics

N02B Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The market dynamics and patent landscape for ATC Class N02B (Other Analgesics and Antipyretics) reflect a complex interplay of therapeutic demand, competitive innovation, and regulatory factors. Here’s a detailed analysis:

---

Market Dynamics

1. Dominance of Key Therapeutics:

   • Paracetamol (acetaminophen) remains the cornerstone of the N02B class, accounting for a significant share due to its widespread use for pain and fever management[9][12]. NSAIDs like ibuprofen also contribute to growth, with a projected CAGR of 2.5% through 2027, driven by OTC availability and faster symptom resolution[9][12].
   • During the COVID-19 pandemic, antipyretics saw heightened demand, with 85.6% of COVID-19 cases involving fever, accelerating sales of paracetamol and NSAIDs[9].

2. Regional Trends:

   • North America and Europe dominate sales, but the Asia-Pacific market is growing rapidly, fueled by increasing healthcare access and rising infections[12].
   • Retail pharmacies account for the largest sales channel (~60%), though online pharmacies are expanding post-pandemic[9][12].

3. Growth Drivers:

   • Long-COVID management: 26% of long-COVID clinical trials target antipyretics/analgesics to address persistent symptoms[9].
   • Combination therapies: Products like paracetamol-ibuprofen blends are gaining traction, supported by regulatory approvals (e.g., Germany’s 2022 OTC policy)[9].

---

Patent Landscape

1. Innovation Trends:

   • Drug delivery optimization: Cyclodextrin-based formulations are patented to enhance solubility and reduce side effects of analgesics (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs)[3][6]. For example, Intel holds key patents for GaN-based RF switches, while Cree (Wolfspeed) leads in GaN HEMT IP for RF applications[2].
   • Sustainability focus: Patents for recyclable PET materials (e.g., by SABIC) and heat-resistant polymers aim to reduce environmental impact in drug packaging[5][12].

2. Key Players:

   • 3M, Evonik, and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals lead in novel formulations, including injectable ibuprofen to replace opioids post-surgery[9][14].
   • Granules India and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals dominate generic production, leveraging cost-effective manufacturing[12].

3. Public vs. Private Sector IP:

   • Only 34/313 FDA-approved drugs (2010–2019) had patents linked to NIH-funded research, with just $0.95 billion of NIH funding tied to market-exclusive patents[10]. This highlights limited public-sector influence on market exclusivity under the Bayh-Dole Act[13].

---

Challenges and Opportunities

• Safety concerns: Pyrazolone-class drugs (e.g., phenazone) face restrictions due to agranulocytosis risks[7][17].
• Generic competition: Expiring patents (e.g., paracetamol derivatives) are driving price erosion, but niche formulations (e.g., cyclodextrin complexes) offer differentiation[3][12].
• Emerging markets: Regulatory approvals in Asia and Africa present growth avenues, though pricing pressures persist[12].

---

Key Takeaways

• Demand stability: Antipyretics remain essential for fever and pain management, with steady growth driven by aging populations and pandemic preparedness.
• IP strategies: Focus on novel delivery systems and sustainable materials to extend market exclusivity.
• Policy impact: Limited NIH patent influence underscores the need for private-sector R&D to maintain competitive edges[10][13].

"The use of cyclodextrins creates prospects for reducing analgesic dosages while minimizing side effects, a critical advancement in pain management"[3][6].

By balancing innovation with affordability, stakeholders in the N02B class can navigate evolving regulatory and market landscapes effectively.

References

1. https://www.hmr.co.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Market-Watch-Ireland-September-2021.pdf
2. https://www.knowmade.com/patent-analytics-services/patent-report/semiconductor-patent-landscape/rf-technologies-patent-landscape/rf-gan-patent-landscape/
3. https://www.science.gov/topicpages/a/analgesic+drug+effects
4. https://www.iqvia.com/-/media/iqvia/pdfs/belgium/sales-trends/2020/may-belgian-reg-med-best.pdf
5. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250110674650/en/Medical-PET-Patent-Landscape-Report-2025-Covering-1408-Patents-Filed-from-2010-to-2024---ResearchAndMarkets.com
6. https://www.science.gov/topicpages/a/analgesic+drug+therapy
7. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N02B
8. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N02&showdescription=yes
9. https://www.industryarc.com/Report/17706/antipyretics-market.html
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10370755/
11. https://cdn.pficdn.com/cms/pgim4/sites/default/files/Jennison-Market-Review-and-Outlook-2Q24.pdf
12. https://www.marketresearch.com/APO-Research-Inc-v4273/Antipyretic-Analgesics-Research-40185385/
13. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/3e19fbc36f022acbae40f23a1c0be2dc/aspe-march-in-rights.pdf
14. https://www.binarly.io/news/binarly-secures-patent-for-machine-learning-technique-to-optimize-large-scale-binary-analysis
15. https://www.neurensics.com/en/industry/b2b
16. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5027726/
17. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipyretic