Drugs in ATC Class P02

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to P - Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents

Subclasses in ATC: P02 - ANTHELMINTICS

P02B - ANTITREMATODALS

P02C - ANTINEMATODAL AGENTS

P02D - ANTICESTODALS

P02 Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The global anthelmintic drugs market, classified under ATC code P02, is experiencing steady growth driven by rising parasitic infections and evolving treatment strategies. Valued at $1–3.16 billion in 2022–2024, projections suggest a 3.8–5.6% CAGR through 2032, reaching $1.5–4.11 billion[1][3][4][7]. Below is a detailed analysis of market dynamics and patent trends shaping this sector.

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Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

1. Rising Global Helminth Infections:

   • Over 1.5 billion people are affected by soil-transmitted helminths (STHs)[1][4], with the CDC reporting a doubling of cyclosporiasis cases in Florida (254 in 2021 to 513 in 2022)[3].
   • Poor sanitation in low-income regions (Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America) drives demand for cost-effective treatments like albendazole and mebendazole[1][4][7].

2. Public Health Initiatives:

   • WHO and PAHO collaborate with manufacturers to mass-produce drugs for underserved regions[1].
   • Preventive healthcare campaigns and deworming programs in schools amplify market reach[3][4].

3. Advancements in Drug Development:

   • Benzimidazoles dominate (e.g., albendazole) due to broad-spectrum efficacy against nematodes[1][4][7].
   • Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin) are the fastest-growing segment, targeting resistant parasites[4][7].

Regional Insights

Region	Market Share (2022)	Key Factors
North America	35–40%	Strong pharmaceutical infrastructure (e.g., U.S.-based Zoetis, Merck)[1][4].
Asia-Pacific	Fastest-growing	High STH prevalence, improving healthcare access, and generic production[1][7].

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Patent Landscape

Key Trends

1. Innovation in Drug Formulations:

   • Recent patents focus on combination therapies (e.g., pyraclofos + benzimidazoles) to combat resistance[9].
   • Depsipeptide compounds (e.g., Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2024 patent) show promise against drug-resistant parasites[8].

2. Geographical Patent Activity:

   • U.S. and China lead in filings, though 50% of NTD-related patents are inactive[5].
   • Strategic PCT applications (e.g., Pfizer’s WO/2021/250648) prioritize broad protection[2].

3. Challenges:

   • Low commercial viability: Many patents lapse due to limited profitability in low-income markets[5].
   • Generics competition: Expired patents (e.g., ivermectin) enable affordable alternatives[10].

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Competitive Landscape

Major Players

Company	Strategy	Key Products
Novartis AG	R&D for novel compounds	Albendazole, mebendazole[1]
Zoetis, Inc.	Animal health formulations	Macrocyclic lactones[1][7]
GlaxoSmithKline plc	Public health partnerships	Mass drug administration programs[1][4]

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Future Outlook

• Pipeline Innovations: Extended-release formulations and personalized dosing to reduce resistance[3][7].
• Emerging Markets: Expansion in Asia-Pacific and Africa through generic production and NGO partnerships[1][4].
• Regulatory Pressures: Stricter guidelines for efficacy and safety in response to resistance trends[4][7].

Highlight: "The WHO’s focus on treating 1.5 billion STH-affected individuals by 2030 will require 3.8 billion anthelmintic doses annually, creating immense opportunities for manufacturers"[4].

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Key Takeaways

1. Market growth hinges on addressing parasitic infections in low-resource regions.
2. Patent strategies balance innovation with affordability, favoring generics and combination therapies.
3. Regulatory and R&D investments are critical to counter drug resistance and expand access.

For stakeholders, prioritizing partnerships with global health organizations and investing in novel formulations will be pivotal in capturing market share while addressing unmet medical needs.

References

1. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/anthelmintic-drugs-market.html
2. https://www.citizen.org/article/paxlovid-patent-landscape/
3. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/anthelmintic-drugs-global-market-report
4. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/anthelmintic-drugs-market-A11501
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5686799/
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_P02
7. https://www.einpresswire.com/article/793114661/the-global-anthelmintic-drugs-market-a-comprehensive-overview-and-future-outlook
8. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-12018048-B2
9. https://patents.google.com/patent/CN1053549A/en
10. https://patents.google.com/patent/US7396819B2/en
11. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=P02BX03
12. https://www.canada.ca/en/patented-medicine-prices-review/services/npduis/analytical-studies/meds-entry-watch-2018.html