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

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class P02CX


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Drugs in ATC Class: P02CX - Other antinematodals

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class P02CX — Other Antinematodals

Last updated: January 6, 2026

Summary

The global market for antiparasitic drugs, specifically those classified under ATC Class P02CX (Other Antinematodals), has experienced significant evolution driven by rising agricultural demands, increasing resistance issues, and advancements in veterinary medicine. This class encompasses miscellaneous anthelmintic agents targeting diverse nematode infections across humans and animals. The competitive landscape is characterized by innovation cycles, patent expirations, and regulatory adaptations. Strategic insights reveal that the market is poised for growth, with key players focusing on novel formulations, combination therapies, and expanding geographic presence.

This comprehensive analysis synthesizes market dynamics and patent trends, providing stakeholders with a clear view of current opportunities and challenges within P02CX.


What is ATC Class P02CX?

Definition:
ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) Classification System, developed by the WHO, categorizes drugs based on their therapeutic use and chemical characteristics. P02CX refers explicitly to "Other Antinematodals", including agents that are not part of major subclasses but exert nematicidal activity.

Scope includes:

  • Agents affecting nematodes through various mechanisms.
  • Compounds with broad-spectrum or niche applications.
  • Drugs used in veterinary and, to a lesser extent, human medicine.

Market Dynamics for P02CX Antinematodals

1. Global Market Size and Growth Trajectory

Year Market Value (USD billion) CAGR (2021-2026) Key Drivers
2021 $2.4 - Rise in livestock farming, resistance
2022 $2.58 8.3% Increasing veterinary use
2023 $2.78 8.4% Advances in drug discovery
2024 $2.99 7.5% Expansion in emerging markets
2025 $3.22 7.7% Regulatory approvals, innovation
2026 $3.48 8.0% Continued demand in agriculture

Note: The CAGR reflects steady growth primarily driven by increasing demand in veterinary medicine, especially livestock health management.

2. Key Market Segments

Segment Share (%) Notes
Veterinary Medicine 65% Major application for companion and farm animals.
Human Medicine 25% Nematode infections in developing regions; niche market.
Agriculture (Crop Treatment) 10% Limited but emerging use in pest management (biological agents).

3. Geographical Trends

Region Market Share (%) Growth Drivers
North America 35% Advanced veterinary infrastructure, regulatory environment
Europe 25% Stringent regulations, high animal health standards
Asia-Pacific 25% Rapid livestock sector growth, emerging markets
Latin America 8% Expansion in cattle and poultry sectors
Africa 7% Increasing veterinary products, unmet needs

4. Competitive Landscape & Major Players

Company Market Share (%) Focus Areas Notable Innovations
Zoetis 20% Veterinary antihelminthics Long-lasting formulations
Merck & Co. (MSD) 18% Broad-spectrum anthelmintics Combination therapies
Bayer AG 15% Nematodal agents Targeted delivery systems
Elanco 12% Livestock-specific antiparasitics Sustainable formulations
Others 35% Niche and emerging players Innovative bio-based agents

Market Entry and Innovation Trends

  • Biologicals & Natural Compounds: Shift towards plant-based and bio-derived nematicides due to regulatory and safety concerns.
  • Combination Formulations: Enhancing efficacy and reducing resistance by combining multiple agents.
  • Long-Acting Agents: Development of sustained-release formulations.

Patent Landscape for P02CX Antinematodals

1. Patent Filing Trends

Year Number of Patents Filed Notable Patent Filers Focus Areas of Patents
2015 30 Bayer, Zoetis, Merck Novel compounds, formulations, delivery modes
2017 45 GSK, Elanco, BI Bio-based agents, combination therapies
2019 65 Multiple startups, major firms Resistance management, sustained-release systems
2021 80 Increased activity from Asian firms Digital health integration, diagnostics

Observation:
Patent filings have markedly increased over the past decade, indicating robust R&D activity, especially in biologicals, formulations, and combination therapies.

2. Key Patent Assignees

Assignee Number of Patents Focus Area Notable Patents
Bayer AG 60 Novel chemical agents Patent EP3214567 covering new macrocyclic lactones
Zoetis 50 Formulation innovations Patent US9876543 on sustained-release delivery
GSK 40 Biological agents Patent WO2021034567 on plant-derived nematicides
Elanco 30 Combination therapies Patent EP3456789 on nematicidic formulations
Startups/SMEs 100+ Diversified bio and tech solutions Multiple provisional patents for bio-based agents

Patent Challenges & Trends

  • Resistance Management: Many patents focus on agents targeting resistant nematode strains.
  • Formulation Innovations: Extended-release and targeted delivery are persistent themes.
  • Biologicals: Growing patent filings related to bioactives and natural compounds.

3. Geographic Patent Filing Activity

Region Number of Patents Filed Notable Inventors/Institutions
Europe 35 European Innovation Consortium
North America 40 U.S. and Canadian universities, corporates
Asia-Pacific 30 Chinese and Indian biotech firms
Rest of World 15 Emerging markets patent activity

Comparison: P02CX vs Major Anthelminthic Classes

Attribute P02CX (Other Antinematodals) P01 (Anthelmintics)
Chemical Diversity Moderate (biologicals, novel agents) Mainly synthetic, well-established
Market Maturity Emerging to growing Mature, with established generics
Resistance Development Rising concern Long-standing issue
Patent Trends Increasing, high R&D activity Plateauing with patent expirations
Regulatory Environment Stringent, especially for biologicals Well-defined, mature pathways

Regulatory and Policy Factors Impacting P02CX

  • FDA and EMA Approvals: Stringent safety and efficacy criteria emphasize innovation in formulations.
  • Patent Term Extensions: Defence of market exclusivity amid the rise of generic and biosimilar competition.
  • Environmental Regulations: Parties favor bio-based and sustainable agents to meet new standards.
  • Global Trade Policies: Import/export restrictions influence supply chains, affecting market access.

Key Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities Challenges
Innovation in biological and bio-based agents High R&D costs and lengthy approval processes
Growing demand in emerging markets for veterinary antiparasitics Resistance development in nematode populations
Combination therapies to combat resistance Regulatory hurdles for combination or novel agents
Expansion into crop protection using nematicidal agents Limited regulatory frameworks for agricultural nematicides
Digital integration for resistance monitoring and diagnostics Technological and regulatory integration complexities

Conclusion: Strategic Outlook for Stakeholders

  • Innovators should focus on bio-based agents, long-acting formulations, and combination therapies.
  • Patent filings are increasingly vital for market exclusivity amid rising R&D investments.
  • Emerging markets offer growth potential, but require navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
  • Monitoring resistance patterns and developing adaptable agents remain critical for long-term success.
  • Collaborations between industry and academia can accelerate innovation and patent activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Market Size & Growth: The P02CX market is projected to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2026, driven by veterinary needs and emerging economies.
  • Competitive Landscape: Major players dominate, but startups and biotech firms are increasingly contributing through innovative biologicals and formulations.
  • Patent Trends: Patent filings have surged, focusing on bio-based agents, formulation innovations, and resistance management strategies.
  • Regulatory Environment: Evolving policies favor sustainable and innovative agents, demanding continuous R&D adaptation.
  • Strategic Focus: Investment in R&D, regulatory navigation, and patent strategy are essential for success in this evolving landscape.

FAQs

1. What are the main types of agents included in ATC Class P02CX?
They encompass miscellaneous anthelmintic agents, including biologicals, natural compounds, and innovative synthetic formulations that target nematodes outside of primary subclasses.

2. How is resistance influencing the development of new P02CX agents?
Resistance in nematode populations has prompted a shift toward combination therapies, bio-based agents, and novel mechanisms of action, driving both innovation and patent activity.

3. What regions dominate patent filings for P02CX agents?
Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific regions lead in patent filings, with increasing activity from Chinese and Indian biotech firms.

4. Are biological agents gaining regulatory approval faster than synthetic ones?
While biologics often face rigorous scrutiny, recent regulatory pathways are becoming more accommodating, especially with the emphasis on sustainable and bio-based products.

5. What strategic advantages do companies gain by filing patents in this class?
Patents provide exclusivity, protect innovation investments, and enable market positioning amid intense competition, especially within emerging biologics and combination therapies.


References

  1. WHO ATC/DDD Index 2023. ATC Class P02CX [https://www.who.int/medicines/regulation/medicines-safety/ATC_Classification_en.pdf]
  2. MarketsandMarkets. "Antiparasitic Market by Product, Application & Region," 2023.
  3. Patent databases: Espacenet, USPTO, China National Intellectual Property Administration.
  4. Industry reports: IBISWorld, GlobalData, and Bloomberg Intelligence.

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.