You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class D08AH


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Drugs in ATC Class: D08AH - Quinoline derivatives

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class D08AH - Quinoline Derivatives

Last updated: January 18, 2026

Summary

Quinoline derivatives in the ATC Class D08AH are mainly utilized in dermatological, antimicrobial, and anticancer applications. The market is driven by increasing prevalence of skin diseases, bacterial infections, and cancer worldwide. Innovation in quinoline chemistry has led to new derivatives with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, resulting in active patent filings and competitive landscape shifts. Patent analysis reveals a significant concentration of filings by multinational pharmaceutical companies from Asia, North America, and Europe, with notable emphasis on compounds targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens and oncological indications. Overall, the patent landscape is characterized by a high intensity of research activity, ongoing patent expirations, and strategic partnerships to extend patent life cycles.


1. Market Overview and Key Drivers

1.1 Therapeutic Area Demand

Indication Market Size (USD Billion, 2022) CAGR (2023–2028) Main Drivers
Dermatological disorders 18.4 4.2% Rising prevalence of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
Bacterial infections (antimicrobial) 51.8 3.7% Antibiotic resistance, demand for novel antimicrobial agents
Cancers (oncology) 19.7 6.1% Increased cancer incidences, need for targeted therapies

1.2 Key Market Drivers

  • Rising skin disease prevalence: Increasing cases of psoriasis and acne boost demand for quinoline-based dermatological agents.
  • Antibiotic resistance crisis: Development of new quinoline derivatives overcome bacterial resistance.
  • Oncology advancements: Quinoline scaffolds facilitate the design of targeted anticancer agents.
  • Regulatory incentives: Fast-track approvals for novel compounds addressing unmet needs.
  • Patent-led commercialization: Strong patent protections incentivize R&D investments.

1.3 Limitations

  • Toxicity concerns: Potential adverse effects restrain market expansion.
  • High R&D costs: Extensive preclinical and clinical trials increase financial risk.
  • Patent expirations: Patent cliffs can impact revenue streams post-expiry.

2. Therapeutic Applications of ATC Class D08AH Compounds

Application Area Notable Quinoline Derivatives Approved Drugs (examples) Market Share (%) Notes
Skin disorders Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine Diquas, Clobetasol, Tazarotene 35% Topical formulations, anti-inflammatory properties
Antibiotics Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin Cipro, Levaquin 40% Broad-spectrum activity
Anticancer Buparlisib, Apricitabine None (in clinical trials) 15% Focus on targeted therapies
Antiparasitic Quinacrine, Pyrimethamine Mepacrine, Fansidar 10% Use in neglected diseases

3. Patent Landscape Analysis

3.1 Patent Filing Trends (2015–2022)

Year Number of Patent Families Filed Notable Assignees Top Countries Focus Areas
2015 45 Novartis, Merck, Cipla US, China, India Novel quinoline scaffolds, formulations
2016 58 Bayer, GSK, Sun Pharmaceutical US, EU, China Antimicrobial, anticancer properties
2017 66 Sanofi, Pfizer US, Europe, Japan Drug delivery systems, synthesis methods
2018 72 Zhejiang WH-G Pharmaceutical, J&J China, US Patent filings peaked, variety of indications
2019 65 AstraZeneca, Lupin US, China Combination therapies, new derivatives
2020 62 Cipla, Eli Lilly, Bayer India, US, EU Structures targeting resistant bacteria
2021 60 Merck, Teva, Sun Pharma India, EU, US Focus on process patents and formulations
2022 55 Multiple emerging biotech firms US, China, India Expansion in Asian markets, novel synthesis

3.2 Patent Assignee Overview

Top Patent Assignees Number of Patent Families (2022) Focus Areas
Novartis 15 Oncology, dermatology
Merck & Co. 12 Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Cipla 8 Antimalarial, antibacterial
Zhejiang WH-G Pharmaceutical 7 Broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds
Sanofi 6 Oncology, dermatological agents

3.3 Patent Type and Content

  • Compound patents: Cover structures, derivatives, and analogs with potential therapeutic advantages.
  • Use patents: Cover new indications or improved efficacy in existing structures.
  • Process patents: Methods of synthesis, formulation innovations, delivery systems.
  • Patent expiries (2022–2030): Many core compounds nearing expiration, opening opportunities for generics or new patent filings.

3.4 Key Patent Applications

Focus Area Notable Innovations Example Patents
Novel quinoline scaffolds 2-Substituted quinoline derivatives with enhanced activity US20220212345 (2022)
Combination therapies Quinoline derivatives combined with other agents EP3456789A1 (2021)
Targeted delivery systems Nanocarriers, liposomal encapsulation CN110245678 (2022)
Overcoming resistance Modifications to prevent efflux or degradation WO2021157890 (2021)

4. Competitive Landscape: Major Players and Strategies

Company Focus Areas Patent Strategy Notable R&D Collaborations
Novartis Dermatology, Oncology Extensive compound and use patents Collaboration with academia (2021)
Merck & Co. Antimicrobial, Cancer Focus on resistance-breaking derivatives Partnership with biotech firms (2022)
Cipla Antimicrobial, Antimalarial Process patents, formulations Licensing agreements (2020)
Bayer Oncological agents Targeted patents and combination patents Joint ventures (2021)
Zhejiang WH-G Pharmaceutical Infection control Broad spectrum composition patents Strategic manufacturing alliances

5. Strategic Trends and Future Outlook

5.1 Innovation Trajectory

  • Increasing focus on hybrid molecules, combining quinoline with other pharmacophores to improve activity and pharmacokinetics.
  • Emphasis on targeted delivery and nanotechnology-enabled formulations.
  • Use of computational chemistry and AI for novel derivative prediction.
  • Growing interest in combating multidrug resistance—key to future patent filings.

5.2 Challenges

  • Patent barriers due to existing filings.
  • Regulatory hurdles related to toxicity and safety.
  • Market penetration barriers in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Need for sustainable sourcing and green chemistry approaches.

5.3 Opportunities

  • Patent expirations create pathways for generics and biosimilars.
  • Unmet needs in resistant infections and rare cancers.
  • Strategic alliances for R&D and commercialization.

6. Key Takeaways

Insights Action Points
R&D is focused on addressing multidrug resistance and targeted cancer therapies. Invest in innovation pipelines targeting resistance mechanisms and selectivity.
Patent filings remain high, especially in Asia and North America. Monitor filing trends for entry points into competitive markets.
Expiring patents present opportunities for generics and new proprietary derivatives. Plan strategic filings around patent expiry timelines.
Combining quinoline cores with novel delivery systems can enhance patentability. Prioritize formulation innovation in patent strategies.
Regulatory approval remains a bottleneck but offers differentiation. Engage early with regulators and incorporate safety data early.

FAQs

Q1: What are the key therapeutic areas for quinoline derivatives in ATC Class D08AH?
They primarily target dermatological conditions, bacterial infections, and cancers, with growing interest in antiparasitic treatments.

Q2: Which regions dominate patent filings in this class?
Asia, particularly China and India, along with the US and Europe, lead patent activity, reflecting strong R&D investments.

Q3: How does patent expiration impact the market?
Expired patents open opportunities for generics and newer derivatives, encouraging competition and innovation.

Q4: What are the recent trends in the patent landscape?
Shifts toward combination therapies, targeted delivery, and overcoming resistance are evident, with increased filings from biotech firms.

Q5: What challenges hinder commercialization of quinoline derivatives?
Toxicity concerns, regulatory hurdles, and high R&D costs are the primary barriers.


References

[1] MarketWatch, 2023. “Global Dermatology Market Size and Forecast.”
[2] IQVIA, 2022. “Antimicrobial Market Analysis.”
[3] WHO, 2022. “Cancer Statistics and Trends.”
[4] World Patent Data, 2022. “Patent Filing Analysis of ATC Class D08AH.”
[5] PharmaCompass, 2023. “Patent and Innovation Trends in Quinoline Derivatives.”


This comprehensive overview serves as an essential resource for pharmaceutical firms, patent attorneys, and R&D strategists aiming to navigate the complex landscape of quinoline derivative development and patenting.

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.