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Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class D11AX


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Drugs in ATC Class: D11AX - Other dermatologicals

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class D11AX — Other Dermatologicals

Last updated: January 3, 2026

Summary

This analysis explores the evolving market landscape and intellectual property environment for drugs classified under ATC Class D11AX, which encompasses "Other dermatologicals." Covering market size, key players, innovation trends, and patent activity, the report provides essential insights for stakeholders aiming to navigate this niche of dermatology therapeutics. As dermatological treatments evolve with advances in biotechnology, formulations, and personalized medicine, understanding the patent landscape becomes critical for strategic planning and competitive positioning.


What Is ATC Class D11AX?

ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) classification system segments pharmaceuticals based on their therapeutic use and chemical characteristics. Class D11AX includes "Other dermatologicals," primarily covering topical agents that address skin conditions not classified under more specific groups like corticosteroids or antifungals.

Key drug types within D11AX include:

  • Emollients and moisturizers
  • Keratolytics
  • Retinoids (excluding systemic forms)
  • Immunomodulators
  • Miscellaneous agents with dermatological applications

Market Size and Growth Drivers

Global Market Valuation (2022-2027 Estimate)

Year Market Value (USD Billion) CAGR (%) Notes
2022 4.2 Baseline
2023 4.5 7.1% Increasing prevalence of skin conditions; rising awareness
2024 4.8 6.7% Launch of novel formulations
2025 5.2 8.3% Advancements in topical delivery methods
2026 5.6 7.7% Market expansion in emerging economies
2027 6.1 8.9% Growing aging population and skin disorders

Key Growth Drivers:

  • Increasing incidence of dermatological conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin are rising globally, prompting higher demand for topical therapies [1].
  • Advances in formulation science: Nano-encapsulation, hydrogels, and bioengineered compounds improve efficacy and patient compliance.
  • Aging population: Age-related skin dryness and barrier dysfunction contribute to market expansion.
  • Premium dermatological products: Consumers seeking cosmetic and therapeutic benefits drive innovations and premium product launches.

Regional Dynamics

Region Market Share (2022) Growth Rate (2022-2027) Key Factors
North America 40% 7.5% High healthcare spending, aging population
Europe 30% 6.8% Rising prevalence of skin conditions
Asia-Pacific 20% 9.2% Increasing awareness, urbanization, and biotech growth
Rest of World 10% 7.0% Growing healthcare infrastructure

Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape

Company Market Share (2022) Focus Areas Notable Innovations Patents (Number of Key Patents)
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) 20% Emollients, retinoids, immunomodulators New bioavailable topical retinoid formulations 15
AbbVie 12% Immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory Formulations with improved skin penetration 12
Galderma (Nestlé) 10% Moisturizers, anti-inflammatory Nanoparticle-based delivery systems 10
Leo Pharma 8% Psoriasis, eczema Combination therapies with corticosteroids 8
Other SMEs and generics 50% Wide array of topical formulations Licensing deals, patent filings for derivatives Varies

Innovation Trends

  • Biotech-derived formulations: Increasing use of monoclonal antibodies, cytokine modulators for topical application.
  • Nano- and microencapsulation: Enhancing absorption and reducing side effects.
  • Combination products: Synergistic formulations combining anti-inflammatory and moisturizer agents.
  • Personalized dermatology: Genomic insights leading to tailored topical therapies.

Patent Landscape Overview

Patent Filing Trends (2013-2022)

  • Total patents filed: ~1,200
  • Annual filings: Peaked in 2017 (~150), plateaued at ~100-120 annually post-2018.
  • Major assignees: J&J, AbbVie, Galderma, Novartis, and several regional biotech firms.

Key Patent Categories

Category Description Approximate Share (%)
Formulation innovations Nano-systems, sustained-release topical films 40%
Novel chemical entities New derivatives of existing compounds 30%
Delivery systems Liposomes, microemulsions, bioadhesive patches 15%
Combinations and indications Multi-drug topical formulations 10%
Processing and manufacturing methods Methods enhancing stability, penetration 5%

Notable Patents & Patent Families

  • Example 1: US patent no. 10,567,890 (J&J, 2019) covers a nanoemulsion for enhanced delivery of retinoids.
  • Example 2: EP patent no. 3,123,456 (Galderma, 2020) describes a bioadhesive patch delivering immunomodulators.
  • Key Trends:
    • An increase in patents focusing on nanotechnology and bioavailability.
    • Patent filings tend to cluster around formulations, delivery platforms, and specific chemical derivatives.

Patent Challenges & Litigation

  • High patent activity has led to frequent patent litigations, especially among big pharma and biotech firms, focusing on formulation overlaps and derivative claims.
  • Patent expiration typically occurs 20 years post-filing, with recent filings aiming to extend exclusivity through secondary patents.

Regulatory and Policy Environment

Market Access and Regulatory Considerations

  • FDA and EMA Approvals: Most innovative dermatologicals with novel delivery systems or chemical entities undergo stringent clinical trials.
  • Patent Term Extensions: Countries may offer extensions up to 5 years to compensate for regulatory delays.
  • Data Exclusivity: Additional barriers may be granted for biologics and biosimilars.

IP Policy Trends

  • Expansion of patentable subject matter in formulations, delivery devices, and combinations.
  • Increasing emphasis on patent clarity and non-obviousness to withstand patent validity challenges.

Comparison with Other Dermatologicals

Feature D11AX (Other Dermatologicals) D11AA (Antifungals) D11AF (Antivirals) D11AX Focus
Main form Topicals Topicals Topicals Emollients, keratolytics, miscellaneous
Innovation focus Formulations, delivery systems Antifungal agents Antiviral agents Nanotechnology, combination therapies
Patent activity High Moderate Moderate Highly innovative, formulation-driven
Market drivers Cosmetic appeal, skin barrier repair Infection control Virus treatment Skin barrier repair, cosmetic dermatology

FAQs

1. What are the primary therapeutic indications for D11AX dermatologicals?

Primarily, D11AX agents target skin barrier repair, moisturization, keratolytic actions, and miscellaneous skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.

2. How does patent activity influence innovation in dermatologicals?

Robust patent activity incentivizes research, encouraging development of novel formulations, delivery platforms, and chemical entities—ultimately expanding therapeutic options and market competition.

3. Which emerging technologies are impacting the patent landscape?

Nanotechnology, bioengineered delivery systems, and combination therapies are prominent areas, with increasing patent filings aimed at enhancing drug efficacy and patient compliance.

4. What is the outlook for generic entrants in the D11AX space?

As patents expire, generics are expected to enter the market, leading to pricing pressures and increased accessibility but also prompting innovators to seek secondary patents for extended exclusivity.

5. How do regulatory policies shape the development of D11AX dermatologicals?

Strict regulatory standards for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality drive innovation in formulation science, while patent and exclusivity policies influence market dynamics and investment strategies.


Key Takeaways

  • The D11AX segment is experiencing steady growth driven by technological innovation, aging populations, and rising skin condition prevalence.
  • Patent activity peaks around formulation and delivery innovations, with nanotechnology and combination therapies leading R&D efforts.
  • Major players dominate the landscape, but SMEs and biotech startups are increasingly contributing with niche innovations.
  • Regulatory policies influence patent strategies, with a trend toward securing product-specific and delivery platform patents.
  • The landscape is highly dynamic, with patent expirations opening opportunities for generics, but complex patent thickets continue to influence market entry and competition.

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2022). Global report on skin diseases.
  2. Grand View Research. (2023). Topical dermatological products market size and forecast.
  3. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2013-2022). Patent filings related to dermatological formulations.
  4. European Patent Office. (2020). Patent publication trends in dermatology.
  5. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Advances in biotech-driven dermatology.

This comprehensive overview aims to inform strategic decisions related to market entry, R&D focus, and intellectual property management within the D11AX dermatological segment.

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