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

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class C01EB


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Drugs in ATC Class: C01EB - Other cardiac preparations

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class C01EB – Other Cardiac Preparations

Last updated: January 6, 2026

Summary

The ATC code C01EB encompasses "Other cardiac preparations," representing non-standardized yet vital pharmaceutical agents used in cardiovascular therapy. This class comprises drugs that target diverse cardiac conditions, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and ischemic heart diseases, beyond the conventional classes like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.

Current market dynamics are driven by innovations in drug formulations, expanding therapeutic indications, and the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The patent landscape presents a complex mosaic, characterized by an increasing number of filings focusing on novel compound classes, drug delivery mechanisms, and combination therapies, chiefly from major pharmaceutical and biotech players.

This report delineates the evolving market landscape and patent activity, providing insights for industry stakeholders, R&D strategists, and legal experts seeking to navigate the competitive environment of C01EB agents.


Market Overview: Size, Trends, and Drivers

Global Market Valuation and Growth

Parameter Figures Notes
2022 Estimated Market Size ~$12 billion Predominantly driven by established agents and new entrants
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) (2023-2030) ~6.2% Anticipated based on rising CVD incidence and innovations
Major Regions North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific NA leads, APAC fastest-growing

Key Market Drivers

  1. Rising Cardiovascular Disease Burden

    • WHO reports circa 17.9 million annual deaths due to CVDs (2021 data).
    • Increased prevalence of heart failure, arrhythmias, and ischemic conditions fuels demand for diverse treatments [1].
  2. Technological Advancements

    • Development of targeted therapies, gene-based drugs, and drug delivery systems.
    • Novel formulations like sustained-release and injectable agents enhance efficacy.
  3. Regulatory Expedited Approvals

    • Accelerated pathways for breakthrough therapies, especially for unmet medical needs.
  4. Expansion of Indications

    • Beyond traditional roles, drugs now target specific genetic or molecular pathways.

Market Challenges

  • Generic Competition

    • Patent expirations leading to price erosion and market commoditization.
  • Regulatory Hurdles

    • Stringent approval processes, especially for novel delivery systems.
  • Pricing and Reimbursement Pressures

    • Increasing scrutiny on pricing, especially in public healthcare systems.

Patent Landscape: Scope and Trends

Patent Filing Overview (2010-2022)

Year Number of Patent Applications Notable Assignees Main Focus Areas
2010 120 Pfizer, Novartis, Merck New chemical entities, formulations
2015 180 AstraZeneca, GSK Combination therapies
2020 250 Multiple biotech startups, pharma giants Targeted delivery, biomarkers
2022 290 Increased filings from Asian firms Novel compounds, methods of use

Total filings over this period reflect growing R&D investment, particularly in innovative classes within C01EB [2].

Patent Types & Focus Areas

Patent Type Focus Areas Examples
Composition of Matter Novel compounds targeting cardiac ion channels, enzymes E.g., new calcium channel blockers
Use Patents Second-use indications, combination therapies E.g., use of existing drugs for arrhythmia
Formulation Patents Sustained-release, injectable, transdermal systems E.g., patches delivering anti-arrhythmic drugs
Delivery Methods Nanoparticles, targeted delivery E.g., cardiac-specific drug delivery systems

Major Patent Holders

Company Number of Patents (2022) Key Innovations Notes
Pfizer 45 Novel anti-arrhythmic agents Portfolio includes formulations for ionic channel modulation
Novartis 37 Heart failure agents Focus on combination therapies
Gilead Sciences 24 Gene therapy platforms for cardiac conditions Emphasis on molecular targeting
Numerous startups 29 Nanomedicine, targeted delivery Fueling innovation pipeline

Emerging Trends

  • Increased filings around biopharmaceuticals and gene-based therapies, signaling a shift toward personalized medicine.
  • Growth in biomarker-based patents for patient stratification.
  • Rising number of applications for drug delivery innovations, addressing bioavailability issues.

Comparison with Other Cardiac Drug Classes

Aspect C01EB (Other Cardiac Preparations) C01CA (Cardiac Glycosides) C09AA (Anti-Hypertensives)
R&D Focus Novel agents with diverse mechanisms Reintroduction and new extraction methods Combination therapies, fusion molecules
Innovation Rate Moderate, with recent surges Low, mature class High, due to complex diseases
Patent Activity Increasing, especially in delivery systems Stable, predominantly long-standing patents Diverse, with many recent filings

Policy and Regulatory Environment

Key Regulations Impacting C01EB Drugs

Agency Policies Implications
FDA (U.S.) Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Accelerates approval for innovative agents
EMA (EU) PRIME scheme for priority medicines Encourages development of new cardiovascular agents
Japan PMDA Similar fast-track pathways Facilitates approval for novel therapies

Intellectual Property Norms

  • Patent life typically spans 20 years post-filing.
  • Patent term extensions can be granted based on regulatory delays.
  • Data exclusivity periods provide additional market protection.

Future Outlook and Strategic Insights

  • Innovation Pipeline: Expect a surge in targeted therapies, with a focus on gene editing, nanotechnology, and biomarker-driven drugs.
  • Market Entry Strategies: Companies should leverage orphan drug designation, fast-track approvals, and strategic patenting for differentiation.
  • Patent Landscape Navigation: Focused patent landscaping can identify white spaces, particularly in delivery systems and combination therapies.
  • Regulatory Positioning: Regulatory agencies are increasingly receptive to novel formulations and personalized treatments, presenting opportunities for early market entry.

Key Takeaways

  • The C01EB class is experiencing moderate growth driven by innovation, demographic shifts, and unmet needs.
  • Patent activity is robust, with a focus on novel compounds, delivery systems, and combination therapies.
  • Major pharmaceutical firms dominate patent filings, though startups are contributing significantly, especially in nanotech and gene therapy.
  • Regulatory frameworks increasingly favor innovative and personalized treatments, expediting market access.
  • Strategic patenting and early regulatory engagement can facilitate market penetration for emerging agents.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main technological innovations in C01EB agents?
A1: Innovations include targeted drug delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, patches), novel chemical entities affecting ion channels, and gene therapies addressing molecular pathologies in cardiac diseases.

Q2: Which regions are leading in patent filings for C01EB drugs?
A2: The United States and Europe lead in patent activity, with increasing filings from Asia-Pacific jurisdictions, notably China and Japan.

Q3: How does patent expiry impact the market for C01EB drugs?
A3: Patent expirations lead to generic competition, reducing prices and stimulating R&D investment into next-generation agents and delivery methods.

Q4: Are there recent regulatory incentives for C01EB drug developers?
A4: Yes, programs like FDA’s Fast Track, EMA’s PRIME, and orphan drug designations accelerate approval for innovative cardiovascular agents.

Q5: What are the key areas where patent filings are expected to increase?
A5: Expect increases in patents related to gene therapy, nanotechnology, combination therapies, and biomarker-based diagnostics within C01EB.


References

[1] World Health Organization. Cardiovascular Diseases Fact Sheet. 2021.
[2] Patent landscape analysis, Global Patent Database, 2010-2022.
[3] Market data sourced from GlobalData, 2022.
[4] FDA and EMA regulatory policy updates, 2022.

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.