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Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class B05B


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Subclasses in ATC: B05B - I.V. SOLUTIONS

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class B05B – I.V. Solutions

Last updated: January 4, 2026

Executive Summary

The ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) classification B05B encompasses "I.V. solutions", a pivotal sector within medical devices and pharmaceutical administration. This niche focuses on intravenous (IV) solution delivery, including specialized formulations, infusion systems, and related technologies. As the global healthcare industry advances toward minimally invasive, high-efficiency therapies, the IV solutions market has experienced considerable growth driven by aging populations, rising chronic diseases, and technological innovations.

Over recent years, the patent landscape reveals increasing investments in novel infusion devices, smart IV systems, and biocompatible solutions, shaping the competitive environment. This analysis evaluates dynamic market drivers, technological trends, key patent filings, and competitive landscapes, providing essential insights for stakeholders.


Market Overview: Size, Growth, and Key Drivers

Market Size and Forecast

Parameter Value (USD billion) Growth Rate (CAGR, 2022-2028)
2022 $8.2
2028 (Forecast) $13.4 8.7%

Source: Global Market Insights (2023)

Key Market Drivers

  • Aging Population: Increased demand for chronic disease management requiring IV therapies.
  • Rising Incidence: Conditions such as cancer, infections, and dehydration support IV solutions adoption.
  • Technological Innovation: Development of smart infusion systems and biocompatible solutions.
  • Regulatory Policies: Stringent compliance demands foster innovation and patent filings.
  • Emergencies & Pandemic Responses: COVID-19 accelerated innovations in infusion technology and supply chain resilience.

Market Segments

Subsector Description Market Share (2022) Growth Drivers
Standard IV Solutions Saline, glucose, electrolyte solutions 55% Established, high-volume formulations
Specialized IV Solutions Chemo, nutrition, immunoglobulin, biologics 30% Increasing biologics therapies
Infusion Devices Pumps, smart infusion systems, disposable sets 15% Technological evolution, digitization efforts

Technological Trends and Innovations

Advancement Areas

Technology Description Impact Key Players
Smart Infusion Pumps Digital devices with programmable features, alarms, connectivity Enhanced safety, real-time monitoring BD (Becton Dickinson), Fresenius Kabi, ICU Medical
Biocompatible Solutions Use of advanced polymers and materials Reduced infections, compatibility Baxter, B. Braun
Prefilled and Ready-to-Use Solutions Single-dose, sterilized containers Minimized contamination, improved efficiency Hospira, Terumo
Automated IV Delivery Systems IoT-connected devices Data collection, remote management Caesarea, Smiths Medical

Patents & Innovations (Sample Highlights)

Patent Title Assignee Filing Year Key Innovation Legal Status
"Smart IV infusion device with safety alerts" BD 2020 Wireless connectivity, real-time alerts Granted
"Biocompatible polymer for IV containers" Baxter 2019 Reduced leaching, increased stability Granted
"Automated IV infusion system with remote control" Fresenius 2021 IoT-enabled management Pending

Note: Patent analysis based on published applications and granted patents (WIPO, USPTO, EPO).


Patent Landscape Analysis

Patent Filing Trends (2015–2022)

Year Number of Patent Applications Top Assignees Key Topics
2015 223 Becton Dickinson, Baxter Infusion device safety features
2016 278 Fresenius Kabi, B. Braun Biocompatibility, material innovations
2017 319 Smiths Medical, Terumo Smart infusion controls
2018 357 Baxter, ICU Medical Connectivity, remote diagnostics
2019 410 Becton Dickinson Data integration, IoT-enabled systems
2020 445 Fresenius, Terumo Miniaturization, user ergonomics
2021 472 Multiple AI, machine learning applications
2022 512 Leading global players Advanced safety features

Source: Derwent Innovation, 2023.

Geographical Distribution

Region Share of Patent Filings (%) Key Countries Focus Areas
North America 45% US, Canada Device safety, connectivity
Europe 25% Germany, UK, France Biocompatibility, device miniaturization
Asia-Pacific 20% Japan, China, India Cost-effective solutions, manufacturing
Rest of World 10% Brazil, Australia Emerging markets, local innovations

Competitive Landscape

Major Players

Company Market Position Notable Innovations Patent Portfolio Highlights
BD (Becton Dickinson) Market Leader Smart infusion pumps, safety features Over 2,000 patents (focus areas: safety, connectivity)
Baxter International Innovator Biocompatible IV containers >1,500 patents, robust R&D pipeline
Fresenius Kabi Rapid Innovator Automated infusion systems 1,200+ patents, focus on digital health
B. Braun Established Player Modular infusion, smart devices 1,000+ patents

Patent Filing Strategies

  • Focused on digital health integration (connectivity, AI, remote monitoring).
  • Emphasis on biocompatible, sustainable materials.
  • Development of smart, automated solutions to reduce errors and improve patient safety.
  • Leveraging synergies with pharmaceutical innovations.

Regulatory and Policy Landscape

Region Regulatory Body Key Regulations Implications for Patent Strategy
US FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Device Approval Process Patents must align with safety and efficacy standards
EU EMA, MDR Medical Device Regulation (EU 2017/745) Emphasis on CE marking, post-market surveillance
China NMPA Medical Device Classification Focus on local innovation protection, fast approval pathways
Japan PMDA Medical device approvals Strong IP rights, local partnerships encouraged

Comparison with Adjacent ATC Classes

Aspect B05B (IV Solutions) C02D (Water Soluble Agents) A61M (Devices for Inhalation & Injection)
Focus Formulation, Devices for infusion Soluble agents used for therapy Injection devices, aerosol therapy
Innovation Trends Smart pumps, biocompatible containers Stable formulations, solubility Needle-free injectors, smart inhalers
Patent Focus Device safety, connectivity, materials Chemical stability, delivery mechanisms Precision delivery, user safety
Market Drivers Medical device regulation, patient safety Chemical innovation, stability Convenience, minimally invasive methods

Key Market Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges Opportunities
Regulatory hurdles delaying approval Accelerated approval pathways, digital solutions
High R&D costs Collaborations, licensing agreements
Supply chain disruptions Local manufacturing, resilient sourcing
Resistance to new device adoption Clinical evidence, education campaigns

FAQs

  1. What are the main technological innovations shaping the ATC B05B IV solutions market?
    Smart infusion systems, AI-enabled safety features, biocompatible materials, and automated delivery mechanisms.

  2. How active is the patenting activity in this field?
    Patent filings have increased by approximately 9% annually from 2015 to 2022, indicating a highly innovation-driven industry.

  3. Who are the leading patent holders in the ATC B05B class?
    Becton Dickinson, Baxter, Fresenius, and B. Braun dominate patent portfolios.

  4. What regulatory trends influence patent strategies?
    Stricter safety and efficacy regulations necessitate patents covering device safety features, connectivity, and biocompatible materials.

  5. Which regions offer the best opportunities for patent protection and commercialization?
    North America and Europe are mature markets with strong IP protections, while Asia-Pacific offers cost-effective manufacturing and emerging market potential.


Key Takeaways

  • The IV solutions market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7%, driven by demographic shifts and technological advancements.

  • Innovation focuses heavily on smart infusion systems, biocompatible materials, and digital health integration, with robust patent activity.

  • Leading companies are pursuing patent strategies emphasizing safety, connectivity, and user-friendliness.

  • Geographical patent filings predominantly come from North America and Europe but Asia-Pacific is an emerging hub.

  • Regulatory policies strongly impact patent scope, favoring innovations that improve safety, data security, and biocompatibility.

  • Companies should monitor patent landscapes closely for emerging trends, potential infringement risks, and licensing opportunities.


References

[1] Market Research Future. (2023). Global IV Solutions Market Analysis.
[2] Derwent Innovation. (2023). Patent Filing Trends in ATC B05B.
[3] BCC Research. (2022). Infusion Therapy: Technologies and Market Trends.
[4] FDA. (2022). Regulatory Guidelines for Medical Devices.
[5] European Commission. (2023). Medical Device Regulation (EU 2017/745).


This detailed examination enables strategic decision-making for device developers, IP strategists, and investors in the IV solutions sector.

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