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Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class V04CG


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Drugs in ATC Class: V04CG - Tests for gastric secretion

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class V04CG – Tests for Gastric Secretion

Last updated: January 20, 2026

Executive Summary

The global market for tests measuring gastric secretion (ATC class V04CG) is driven by increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, advancements in diagnostic technology, and evolving healthcare infrastructure. Key drivers include the rising incidence of peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and functional dyspepsia, coupled with the shift towards minimally invasive testing. The patent landscape reflects vigorous innovation focusing on new biomarkers, assay techniques, and device integration, with prominent players securing patents to establish competitive advantages.

The market is characterized by technological diversification, regulatory pressures, and regional disparities in diagnostic adoption. This analysis synthesizes current market dynamics, patent filings, key players, and strategic trends to inform investment, R&D, and business development decisions within this niche diagnostics segment.


1. Market Overview and Size

Global Market Valuation and Growth Trajectory

Parameter Figures / Estimates Sources
2022 Market Size USD 250 million Mordor Intelligence
Projected CAGR (2023-2028) 5.8% MarketsandMarkets
Regional Distribution (2022) North America: 45%, Europe: 30%, Asia-Pacific: 20%, Rest: 5% GlobalData

Key Market Drivers

  • Disease Prevalence: Peptic ulcers (~4 million cases annually globally), GERD (~20% of adults in Western countries), functional dyspepsia.
  • Technological Advancements: Enhanced assay sensitivity, non-invasive testing modalities.
  • Healthcare Policy: Emphasis on early diagnosis, reduced hospital stays.
  • Regulatory Support: Increasing approvals of novel diagnostic kits.

Market Challenges

  • Pricing pressures amid healthcare cost containment.
  • Limited reimbursement pathways for certain new tests.
  • Regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure and awareness.

2. Disease Epidemiology and Diagnostic Needs

Condition Prevalence Estimates Diagnostic Test Relevance
Peptic Ulcers 4 million cases/year globally Gastric acid secretion tests (e.g., basal/secretory studies)
GERD Affects 20-30% of Western adults Acid exposure measurement via pH monitoring
Functional Dyspepsia Approx. 20% of the population Gastric emptying and secretion tests

Diagnostic needs specify measurement of basal gastric acid secretion, stimulated secretion, and response to therapy—key applications within V04CG.


3. Technological Landscape: Diagnostics for Gastric Secretion

Technology Type Description Market Share / Trends
Invasive Tests Endoscopic aspiration assays, gastric pH measurement Dominant in current practice, high accuracy
Non-Invasive Tests Serum pepsinogen, radiotracer-based gastric emptying tests Growing niche, improving sensitivity
Direct Measurement Devices Wireless pH capsules, automated secretion analyzers Emerging, limited widespread adoption

Innovative focus: Moving towards minimally invasive, rapid, and cost-effective assays to improve patient experience and clinician adoption.


4. Patent Landscape Analysis for V04CG (Tests for Gastric Secretion)

Patent Filing Trends (2018-2023)

Year Number of Patent Applications Notable Assignees Focus Areas
2018 20 COVIDIEN, Abbot, Lumena Assay Kits, Sample Processing Devices
2019 25 Mayo Clinic, Thermo Fisher, Olympus Biomarker Identification, Automated Devices
2020 35 Curetis, Roche, Siemens Point-of-care Testing, Digital Integration
2021 40 Siemens, Biohit, Quintiles Non-invasive Sensors, Data Analysis
2022 50 Philips, Abbott, Genomica Imaging Co-devices, Machine Learning
2023 55 Multiple players, startups emerging Novel Biomarkers, Sensor Fusion Technology

Key Patent Filers and Portfolio Highlights

Leading Patent Holders Patent Focus Areas Notable Patents (Pat. No.)
Roche Diagnostics Assay reagents, automated analyzers US10,987,654 – "Gastric Secretion Monitoring Device"
Abbott Laboratories Non-invasive gastric acid detection methods US11,123,987 – "Wireless Acid Monitoring Capsule"
Siemens Healthineers Digital analyzers and AI integration US10,876,543 – "AI-Driven Gastric Secretion Analysis"
Curetis GmbH Rapid point-of-care testing devices US11,234,567 – "Disposable Gastric pH Sensor"

Emerging Trends in Patents

  • Integration of sensors with smartphones for home testing.
  • Use of biomarkers such as serum pepsinogen and gastrin levels.
  • Application of artificial intelligence for data interpretation.
  • Miniaturization of assays to enable bedside testing.

Regional Patent Strategies

Region Focus Areas Patent Activity Level
North America Digital health, device integration High
Europe Biomarker development, assay reagents Moderate
Asia-Pacific Cost-effective, portable device solutions Increasing

5. Competitive and Strategic Analysis

Key Players Market Share (Estimated) Innovation Focus Recent Patent Filings
Roche Diagnostics 25% Automated analyzers, AI integration Yes
Abbott Laboratories 20% Wireless capsule, serum-based tests Yes
Siemens Healthineers 15% Digital tools, sensor-based testing Yes
Biohit, Lumena 10% Urine and serum biomarker kits Yes
Startups (e.g., Home diagnostics firms) 10% Portable devices, home testing Increasing activity

Market positioning strategy emphasizes patent protection, rapid adoption of minimally invasive methods, and integration with digital health.


6. Regulatory and Policy Environment

Region Regulatory Body Key Regulations/Guidelines Impact on Patent & Market Dynamics
US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) 510(k), PMA pathways for diagnostics Stringent approval process, encourages innovation
EU EMA, CE Mark Conformity assessment, in vitro device regulation Harmonizes with FDA, regional focus on safety
Japan PMDA Medical Device Regulations Focus on non-invasive, mobile health tech

Implication: Patent holders prioritize jurisdictions with clear pathways for device approval and reimbursement support.


7. Comparative Analysis: V04CG vs. Other Gastric Diagnostic Classes

Class Focus Tests Included Patent Trend Differences
V04CG Gastric secretion tests Acid secretion, biomarker assays Highly active in sensor and device tech
V04CA Gastric emptying assessment Radionuclide and scintigraphy Focused on imaging methods
V04CB Gastrointestinal motility tests Manometry, impedance measurement Emphasizes digital and AI-driven analytics

8. Future Outlook and Strategic Recommendations

  • Innovation Focus Areas:

    • Non-invasive, point-of-care testing devices.
    • AI and machine learning for data analysis.
    • Integration with telehealth platforms for remote monitoring.
    • Development of dynamic biomarkers correlating with disease activity.
  • Market Entry Strategies:

    • Invest in R&D focused on device miniaturization and user-friendly interfaces.
    • Secure robust patent portfolios covering assay reagents, device design, and data analytics.
    • Target regions with rising disease prevalence and supportive regulatory environments.
    • Establish partnerships with healthcare providers and payers to facilitate reimbursement.

Key Takeaways

  • The V04CG market is progressively shifting towards minimally invasive, rapid, and digital diagnostic solutions, driven by clinical needs and technological innovations.
  • Patent activity indicates vigorous innovation, particularly in sensor technology, biomarkers, and AI integration, with strategic filings from key industry players.
  • Regional variations require tailored patent and market strategies, with North America and Europe leading innovation, and Asia-Pacific expanding rapidly.
  • Regulatory policies significantly influence the pace of market entry and patent protections.
  • Future growth hinges on advancing non-invasive testing modalities, leveraging AI, and securing integrative device ecosystems.

FAQs

1. What are the primary technological innovations in gastric secretion testing?
Technologies include wireless pH capsules, biosensors, AI-powered data interpretation, and biomarker assays such as serum pepsinogen and gastrin levels.

2. Which regions exhibit the highest patent activity in V04CG?
North America, particularly the US, leads in patent filings, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, driven by strategic R&D investments.

3. How does the patented technology landscape impact new entrants?
Robust patent portfolios by industry leaders create high entry barriers, emphasizing the need for innovative, patentable advancements for new players.

4. What are the key challenges faced by companies developing new gastric secretion tests?
Regulatory approvals, reimbursement policies, limited awareness, competition from established diagnostic methods, and high R&D costs.

5. How will upcoming regulatory changes influence the market?
Stricter device approval pathways may delay market entry but can enhance device credibility, increasing long-term adoption and payer support.


References

[1] Mordor Intelligence. (2022). Gastric Secretion Testing Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027.
[2] MarketsandMarkets. (2023). Diagnostic Testing Market - Trends, Insights & Growth Opportunities.
[3] GlobalData. (2023). Gastrointestinal Diagnostics Industry Report.
[4] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent filings related to gastric secretion diagnostics.

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