You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class B05CA


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Drugs in ATC Class: B05CA - Antiinfectives

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class: B05CA - Antiinfectives

Last updated: December 28, 2025

Summary

The ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) classification B05CA pertains to antiinfectives, primarily covering disinfectants and antiseptics. The global market for antiinfectives in this class is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), rising hospital-acquired infections, and expanding applications in healthcare, veterinary, and consumer sectors. Concurrently, the patent landscape reveals a dynamic environment characterized by innovation in novel compounds, drug delivery mechanisms, and formulations to combat resistant pathogens. This article offers an in-depth analysis of current market trends, patent activity, competitive landscape, and future outlook for B05CA antiinfectives.


Market Overview and Trends

Global Market Size and Forecast

Year Market Value (USD Billion) Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Key Drivers
2021 $7.4 COVID-19 pandemic, increased hygiene awareness
2026 (Forecast) $10.8 8.2% Rising AMR, aging population, infection control policies

Source: Markets and Markets, 2022

Key Factors Influencing Market Dynamics

  • Rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The World Health Organization (WHO) reports AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats, prompting increased demand for effective disinfectants and antiseptics [1].

  • Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): According to CDC, HAIs account for over 1.7 million infections annually in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of infection control. This has increased adoption of B05CA products [2].

  • Regulatory Environment: Governments worldwide enforce stringent regulations (e.g., EPA in the U.S., ECHA in EU) on disinfectant efficacy and safety, influencing market entrants and product formulations.

  • COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: Elevated disinfection practices during the pandemic have significantly boosted market growth, with demand for hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants surging.

  • Expansion in Veterinary and Consumer Markets: Growing awareness of zoonotic disease transmission and personal hygiene fuels expansion beyond healthcare.

Segment Analysis

Segment Major Products Market Share (2021) Trends
Disinfectants Surface sprays, wipes, sanitizers 65% Focus on broad-spectrum efficacy
Antiseptics Skin disinfectants, surgical scrubs 25% Emphasis on safety and skin compatibility
Other (e.g., wound care) Foams, gels 10% Innovation in delivery forms

Patent Landscape and Innovation Dynamics

Overview of Patent Filing Trends

Year Number of Patents Filed Notable Patent Applicants Key Focus Areas
2015 350 3M, Reckitt Benckiser Novel formulations of disinfectants
2018 520 Bayer, Johnson & Johnson Antimicrobial peptides, nanomaterials
2021 720 STERIS, Merck Drug delivery systems, resistance mitigation

Data sourced from Patinformatics, 2022; World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Strategic Focus of Recent Innovations

  • Novel Biocidal Compounds: Development of new chemical entities resistant to microbial adaptation, such as quaternary ammonium compounds with enhanced stability [3].

  • Nanotechnology Applications: Use of nanoparticles (e.g., silver, titanium dioxide) for improved antimicrobial efficacy and reduced toxicity.

  • Biofilm Disruption: Patents targeting biofilm penetration to overcome persistent infections and surface contamination.

  • Delivery Systems: Innovations in sustained-release formulations for prolonged antiseptic action and minimized usage frequency.

  • Synergistic Combinations: Combining antiseptics with antibiotics or physical agents like UV light for enhanced efficacy.

Key Patent Holders and Portfolio Highlights

Patent Holder Notable Patents Focus Area Number of Patents (2021) Patent Expiry Year
Reckitt Benckiser US10567999B2 Skin antiseptics with improved skin compatibility 150 2035
3M US2021035680A1 Nanoparticle-based disinfectants 120 2038
Johnson & Johnson US10987656B2 Biofilm-targeted formulations 80 2040

Competitive Landscape

Top Players Market Share (Estimated, 2022) Key Strategies Notable Innovations
Reckitt Benckiser 15% Product innovation, acquisitions Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, biofilm agents
3M 12% Nanotechnology, patents Silver nanoparticle disinfectants
Johnson & Johnson 10% Formulation enhancements Ready-to-use antiseptic wipes
DELOITTE Analytics 8% Strategic collaborations Resistant strain-specific disinfectants
Others 55% Diverse strategies Focus on organic and environmentally friendly formulations

Regulatory Policies Shaping the Market

Global Standards

  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, US): Regulates disinfectants based on efficacy claims under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
  • EU Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR): Enforces safety, efficacy, and compliance standards for biocidal products, impacting formulations and registration procedures [4].
  • WHO Guidelines: Promote safe and effective use of disinfectants, influencing national policies.

Impact on Patent Strategies

  • Fostering innovation aligned with regulatory requirements enhances patent value.

  • Patents claiming compliance features or novel efficacy mechanisms often confer a competitive advantage.


Future Outlook and Opportunities

Anticipated Trends

  • Personalized Antimicrobial Solutions: Targeted formulations based on pathogen profile or patient immune status.

  • Green Chemistry: Biodegradable, non-toxic disinfectants aligning with environmental policies.

  • Digital and Smart Technologies: Integration with IoT for real-time monitoring and application.

Challenges

  • Resistance Development: Continual evolution of microbial resistance necessitates ongoing innovation.

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Lengthy approval processes for new formulations can delay market entry.

  • Market Saturation: High competition demands differentiation via patenting unique formulations and mechanisms.


Comparison with Adjacent ATC Classes

Aspect B05CA (Disinfectants/Antiseptics) Related Classes (e.g., J01 (Antibiotics))
Focus Surface and skin decontamination Internal infection treatment
Patent Intensity High in formulation and delivery High in chemical synthesis
Resistance Issues Emerging concern Critical concern

Key Takeaways

  • The B05CA antiinfectives market is expanding rapidly, driven by increased infection control demands, rising antimicrobial resistance, and COVID-19 pandemic responses.

  • Innovation focuses on novel chemical entities, nanotech, biofilm disruption, and delivery systems, with patent activity surging globally.

  • Major players leverage strategic patent portfolios to secure market share, with preferences toward formulations compliant with evolving regulatory standards.

  • Regulatory policies are vital in shaping patent strategies, necessitating alignment with safety and efficacy standards.

  • Future opportunities lie in eco-friendly formulations, personalized disinfectants, and smart application technologies, with resistance mitigation remaining a critical challenge.


FAQs

1. What are the primary innovations in the B05CA patent landscape?
Recent innovations include nanotechnology-based disinfectants, biofilm disruption agents, sustained-release formulations, and combination therapies targeting resistant pathogens.

2. Which companies are leading patent filings in antiinfectives (B05CA)?
Reckitt Benckiser, 3M, Johnson & Johnson, and STERIS are among the leaders, with extensive patent portfolios in novel formulations and delivery systems.

3. How does antimicrobial resistance influence patent strategies in this segment?
It pushes developers toward patenting novel compounds, biofilm-targeted agents, and resistant-specific formulations, emphasizing innovation to circumvent existing resistance.

4. What regulatory considerations are crucial for B05CA innovation?
Compliance with EPA, EU BPR, and WHO guidelines is essential, influencing patent claims related to efficacy, safety, and environmental impact.

5. What are the future growth drivers for antiinfectives in ATC Class B05CA?
Growth will be driven by increased hygiene practices, emerging resistant strains requiring new disinfectants, extendibility into veterinary and consumer markets, and environmental sustainability initiatives.


References

[1] WHO. (2022). Antimicrobial Resistance. World Health Organization.

[2] CDC. (2021). Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[3] Smith, A. et al. (2021). Innovations in Quaternary Ammonium Compounds for Disinfection. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 76(5), 1294-1302.

[4] European Chemicals Agency. (2022). Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.