Drugs in ATC Class S01EA

Up to Top Level ATC Classes

Up to S - Sensory organs

Up to S01 - OPHTHALMOLOGICALS

Up to S01E - ANTIGLAUCOMA PREPARATIONS AND MIOTICS

Drugs in ATC Class: S01EA - Sympathomimetics in glaucoma therapy

Tradename	Generic Name
ARTICAINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND EPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE	articaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND EPINEPHRINE	bupivacaine hydrochloride; epinephrine
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND EPINEPHRINE	bupivacaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate
ORABLOC	articaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate
SEPTOCAINE	articaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate
ULTACAN	articaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate
ULTACAN FORTE	articaine hydrochloride; epinephrine bitartrate

S01EA Market Analysis and Financial Projection

The market for ATC Class S01EA (Sympathomimetics in glaucoma therapy) is shaped by aging populations, technological advancements, and strategic patent activity, while facing challenges related to drug adherence and emerging safety concerns.

---

Market Dynamics

• Growth Drivers:

  • The global glaucoma therapeutics market is projected to reach $7.2 billion by 2030 (CAGR: 3.5%)[10], with Sympathomimetics playing a key role. Major markets like North America dominate due to high glaucoma prevalence[3][15].
  • Innovations such as sustained-release drug delivery systems (e.g., MediPrint’s bimatoprost-eluting contact lens)[9] and AI-driven diagnostic tools like iHealthScreen’s iPredict[5] are enhancing early detection and compliance.
  • Pipeline therapies, including Nicox’s NCX 470 and Ocular Therapeutix’s OTX-TIC, are expected to capture 18% of the market by 2033[7].

• Key Challenges:

  • Adherence Issues: 39.7% of newly diagnosed patients fail to adhere to prescribed therapy, particularly with fixed-dose combinations (45.4% non-initiation rate)[14].
  • Safety Concerns: Topical alpha-2 agonists (e.g., brimonidine) are associated with a 15% higher Alzheimer’s risk[11], potentially influencing prescribing patterns.

---

Patent Landscape

• Recent Innovations:

  • Brimonidine Patents: Generic versions of brimonidine tartrate (alpha-2 agonist) are entering the market, with formulations targeting sustained intraocular pressure reduction[6][16].
  • Drug Delivery Systems: MediPrint’s LL-BMT1 (3D-printed drug-eluting contact lens) received a U.S. patent extending protection until 2043[9].
  • AI Diagnostics: iHealthScreen secured patents for AI models detecting early-stage glaucoma[5].

• Strategic IP Management:

  • Unitary Patent Trends: Since the Unified Patent Court’s 2023 launch, 16% of granted European patents are Unitary Patents, with telecom/digital communications showing the least opt-outs (35%)[2].
  • Historical Patents: Early compositions combining sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine) with other agents remain foundational[12].

---

Competitive Landscape

Key Players	Strategies
Alcon, AbbVie	Focus on prostaglandin analogs and combination therapies[8][15].
MediPrint Ophthalmics	Advancing Phase 3 trials for sustained-release contact lenses[9].
Santen Pharmaceutical	Launched OMLONTI, a novel EP2 receptor agonist for intraocular pressure reduction[3].

---

Therapeutic and Regulatory Trends

• Drug Class Preferences:

  • Prostaglandin analogs dominate due to efficacy, but Sympathomimetics (e.g., brimonidine) are preferred for patients with cardiopulmonary risks[19].
  • Fixed-dose combinations (e.g., brimonidine + brinzolamide) show mixed adherence rates[14].

• Regional Shifts:

  • North America leads in market share, while the Middle East is the fastest-growing region[3].
  • UPC System Impact: Non-European applicants are more cautious, filing fewer Unitary Patents compared to EU counterparts[2].

---

Future Outlook

• R&D Focus: Sustained-release formulations and neuroprotective agents (e.g., brimonidine’s potential retinal benefits)[4][19] are priority areas.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Upcoming FDA discussions for Phase 3 trials (e.g., MediPrint’s LL-BMT1)[9] and Alzheimer’s risk studies may shape prescribing guidelines[11].

"The launch of the UPC system has not significantly altered opt-out rates, but strategic IP decisions now balance unitary effect requests with jurisdictional risks."[2]

This evolving landscape underscores the interplay between innovation, patient safety, and global IP strategy in shaping glaucoma therapy markets.

References

1. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0132048
2. https://www.questel.com/resourcehub/upc-opt-out-unitary-patent-landscape-analysis-trends/
3. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/antiglaucoma-drugs-global-market-report
4. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.1037471/full
5. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/ihealthscreen-awarded-us-patent-for-ipredict-glaucoma-detection-model
6. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/generic/brimonidine+tartrate
7. https://www.eyefox.com/news/2191/globaldata-glaucoma-market-to-grow-to-2-5-billion-in-the-seven-major-markets-by-2033.html
8. https://www.openpr.com/news/3063201/sympathomimetics-in-glaucoma-therapy-market-size-share
9. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250206092315/en/MediPrint-Ophthalmics-Advances-Glaucoma-Program-Expands-Patent-Portfolio-and-Prepares-for-Key-Industry-Presentation
10. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/09/2993920/28124/en/Glaucoma-Therapeutics-Strategic-Industry-Report-2024-Growth-in-Specialty-Eye-Clinics-Enhancing-Treatment-Reach.html
11. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/news/article/glaucoma-patients-using-alpha-agonists-may-have-higher-alzheimers-risk
12. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3467756A/en
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836852/
14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10089901/
15. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/glaucoma-market-report
16. https://patents.justia.com/patents-by-us-classification/514/954
17. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/air-traffic-control-atc-market-102957
18. https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=S01EA&showdescription=yes
19. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00484