Drugs in ATC Class P02CA

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Up to P - Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents

Up to P02 - ANTHELMINTICS

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Drugs in ATC Class: P02CA - Benzimidazole derivatives

Tradename	Generic Name
ALBENDAZOLE	albendazole
ALBENZA	albendazole
EMVERM	mebendazole
VERMOX	mebendazole

P02CA Market Analysis and Financial Projection

Benzimidazole derivatives, classified under ATC code P02CA, are a critical class of anthelmintic drugs widely used to treat parasitic infections. Their market dynamics and patent landscape reflect a balance between therapeutic innovation, safety concerns, and evolving global demand.

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Market Dynamics

1. Current Market Size and Growth

   • The global benzimidazole market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025, with projections reaching $2.2 billion by 2033, driven by rising parasitic infections and mass deworming campaigns in endemic regions[9].
   • Key therapeutic applications include intestinal parasites (e.g., albendazole for tapeworms) and veterinary uses[1][8][18].

2. Segmentation and Key Players

   • Drugs: Albendazole, mebendazole, and tiabendazole dominate the market[10]. Combinations like P02CA51 (mebendazole + others) are emerging for enhanced efficacy[1].
   • Companies: BASF SE (Germany) and Sumitomo Chemical Co. lead production, focusing on cost-effective formulations and expanding into developing markets[9][18].

3. Regional Trends

   • High demand in Asia-Pacific and Africa due to parasitic disease prevalence[9].
   • European markets prioritize pharmacovigilance, with albendazole linked to hematological and hepatic adverse events[2].

4. Challenges

   • Safety: Albendazole shows disproportionate reporting of serious adverse effects, including bone marrow failure (ROR 9.44) and seizures[2].
   • Generic Competition: Patent expiries have increased generic penetration, pressuring pricing[18].

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Patent Landscape

1. Therapeutic Innovations

   • Cardiovascular/Metabolic Diseases: Patents like US7157584B2 cover benzimidazole derivatives for hypertension and diabetes, highlighting angiotensin II receptor antagonism[15].
   • Antimicrobials: Clemson University’s bisbenzimidazole derivatives target bacterial DNA topoisomerases, offering selective antibacterial activity[12].

2. Manufacturing Processes

   • WO2004092142A1: Streamlines synthesis of omeprazole intermediates (e.g., 2-mercapto-5-methoxy benzimidazole) using eco-friendly catalysts[17].
   • RU2664327C2: Acyl-hydrazone derivatives with antitumor and antiparasitic applications[4].

3. Recent Trends (2015–2023)

   • Over 50 patents filed for benzimidazole-based anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents[5][11].
   • Focus on multitarget agents (e.g., COX-2 inhibitors) to address drug resistance[11].

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Key Drivers and Opportunities

• R&D Investments: New formulations (e.g., pediatric suspensions) and combination therapies to mitigate resistance[1][10].
• Emerging Markets: Expanding access in low-income regions through WHO-backed deworming programs[2][9].
• Biosensors and Coatings: Benzimidazole-based materials for antibacterial medical devices[12].

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Regulatory and Safety Considerations

• Pharmacovigilance: Albendazole requires stringent monitoring for hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity[2][18].
• Environmental Impact: Sustainable synthesis methods (e.g., catalytic processes) are prioritized in newer patents[17].

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"The study identifies potential pharmacovigilance signals for benzimidazole derivatives, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring during use." — PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2024[2].

This evolving landscape positions benzimidazole derivatives as both a cornerstone of antiparasitic therapy and a fertile ground for innovation in drug development.

References

1. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00643
2. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0012634
3. https://repairpal.com/obd-ii-code-p02ca-turbocharger-supercharger-b-overboost-condition
4. https://patents.google.com/patent/RU2664327C2/en
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33646618/
6. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Thiabendazole
7. https://vvkt.lrv.lt/media/viesa/saugykla/2023/9/nvNsI8S7K9U.pdf
8. https://www.gelbe-liste.de/atc/Benzimidazol-Derivate_P02CA
9. https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/benzimidazole-market-report
10. https://www.atccode.com/P02CA
11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8597275/
12. https://curf.clemson.edu/technology/benzimidazole-derivatives-as-antibacterial-drugs/
13. https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/files/172469678/Krulichova_etal_PDS_2022_Comparison_of_drug_prescribing_before_and_during_the_COVID_19_pandemic.pdf
14. https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/imidazoline-derivative-inhibitor-market-report
15. https://patents.google.com/patent/US7157584B2/en
16. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20060014756A1/en
17. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2004092142A1/en
18. https://www.pharmacompass.com/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients/albendazole