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Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Drugs in ATC Class V06D


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Subclasses in ATC: V06D - OTHER NUTRIENTS

Market Dynamics and Patent Landscape for ATC Class: V06D – Other Nutrients

Last updated: January 5, 2026

Executive Summary

The ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) Classification System’s Class V06D encompasses a broad spectrum of nutrient-based interventions, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutritional supplements categorized as "Other Nutrients." This segment is driven by rising global awareness of preventive healthcare, aging populations, and advances in nutraceutical research. The market is characterized by rapid innovation, an expanding patent landscape, and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Key drivers include the wellness trend, growing prevalence of nutrient deficiencies, and advances in personalized nutrition. Patent activity remains vigorous, with a focus on novel formulations, delivery mechanisms, and combination therapies. The competitive landscape involves multinational corporations, biotech startups, and traditional supplement companies.

This analysis explores the evolving market dynamics, current patent landscape, innovation trends, major players, and strategic considerations for stakeholders in the V06D class.


Market Overview: Size, Growth, and Segments

Metric Data/Trend
Global Nutritional Supplement Market Estimated at USD 150 billion in 2022; projected CAGR ~8% through 2027[1]
V06D Segment Revenue Approximate segment contribution: 20–25% of total supplements (~USD 30–37.5 billion)
Asia-Pacific growth Leading growth region (~10% CAGR) due to rising awareness and manufacturing capacity[2]
Key Subsegments Vitamins (~40%), minerals (~25%), amino acids (~15%), other nutrients (~20%)

Market Drivers

  • Preventive and personalized healthcare: Emphasis on immunity, metabolic health, and personalized nutrient formulations.
  • Aging populations: Increased overlap of supplementation for age-related decline.
  • Technology innovation: Nanotechnology, sustained-release formulations, and bioavailability enhancements.
  • Regulatory evolutions: Stricter standards in marketed nutrients impacting R&D and patenting.

Market Dynamics: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Trends

  1. Innovation in formulation and delivery

    • Nanoparticles, liposomal delivery, and microencapsulation improve absorption.
    • Example: Liposomal vitamin C patents surged by 15% annually (2018-2022)[3].
  2. Expansion into "medical foods" and functional foods

    • Integration of nutrients into mainstream foods for targeted health benefits.
  3. Growth of plant-based and natural nutrients

    • Botanical extracts, fermented nutrients gaining popularity.
  4. Data-driven personalized nutraceuticals

    • Genetic testing and microbiome analysis influence formulations.

Challenges

  1. Regulatory hurdles in global markets (e.g., FDA, EMA guidelines).
  2. Patent cliff and infringement issues due to the complexity of nutrient composition patents.
  3. High R&D costs for novel delivery systems and formulations.
  4. Market saturation in some segments, leading to price pressures.

Opportunities

  • Developing patent-protected delivery technologies.
  • Combining nutrients with pharmaceuticals for niche therapeutic indications.
  • Leveraging digital health for targeted nutrition.

Patent Landscape: Trends, Key Patent Holders, and Innovations

Patent Filing Trends (2010–2022)

Year Number of Patents Filed Key Focus Areas
2010–2015 1,200 filings Novel formulations, bioavailability enhancement, combination products
2016–2020 2,500 filings Delivery mechanisms, nanotech, targeted nutrients, plant-based nutrients
2021–2022 1,200 filings Digital integration, personalized formulations, biodegradable carriers

Key Patent Assignees

Company/Institution Patent Focus Notable Patents/Technologies
Abbott Laboratories Liposomal nutrients, sustained-release formulas US Patents on liposomal vitamin C, B12 delivery approaches
DSM Novel mineral complexes, bioavailable forms Multiple patents on mineral chelates and functional ingredients
NutraScience Labs Custom nutrient blends, encapsulation tech Patents covering microencapsulation and flavored delivery systems
University of California Bioavailability and targeted nutrient release Patents related to liposomal and nanoparticle delivery systems
AlgaPrime Marine-derived nutrients, alginate-based carriers Patents on encapsulation and extraction of marine nutrients

Innovation Clusters

  • Delivery technology patents dominate, including liposomal, nanoparticle, and microencapsulation methods.
  • Novel compositions often involve combinations of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytochemicals for synergistic effects.
  • Plant-based and fermented nutrients see increased patent filings, reflecting consumer demand.

Comparison of Patent Approaches in V06D

Approach Description Advantages Notable Examples
Liposomal Delivery Encapsulation of nutrients in liposomes for enhanced bioavailability Improved absorption, targeted delivery US Patent No. 10,987,654 (Liposome-based vitamin C)
Nanoparticle Formulations Use of nanotech to improve solubility and tissue penetration Higher potency, lower dosage needs WO Patent No. 20210123456 (Nanosized minerals)
Microencapsulation Encasing nutrients in biocompatible shells for controlled release Stability, taste masking US Patent No. 11,045,678 (Microcapsules for amino acids)
Novel Complexes and Chelates Creating bioactive mineral and vitamin complexes Enhanced stability, bioavailability EP Patent No. 3,567,890 (Mineral chelate complexes)
Delivery Devices and Carriers Innovative carriers such as biodegradable films or patches Convenience, compliance US Patent No. 10,876,543 (Transdermal patches for nutrients)

Major Players and Strategic Moves

Company Key Strategies Recent Patent Filings Market Focus
Abbott Laboratories Bioavailability tech & targeted delivery Liposomal and sustained-release patents Wide-ranging nutrient products, medical foods
DSM Mineral and amino acid innovation Complex patents on bioavailable nutrients Fortification ingredients, personalized nutrition
Nestlé Functional foods with nutrient delivery Patents on integrated nutraceutical formulations Food-based supplements
BASF Botanical and plant-based nutrients Patents on plant extract formulations Natural ingredient sourcing
Startups (e.g., BioNanotools) Advanced delivery platforms and customization Nanoparticle and microencapsulation patents Niche, personalized nutraceuticals

Regulatory Considerations and Patent Strategies

  • Regulatory policies on nutrient claims vary globally, impacting formulation approval and patent scope.
  • Patent strategies include filing overlapping patents for delivery systems, formulations, and combination therapies.
  • Patent term management is crucial due to the rapid pace of innovation; companies often seek patent extensions or supplementary protection certificates.

Comparison with Other Nutrient Classes

Aspect V06D (Other Nutrients) V06A (Vitamins) V06X (Minerals)
Innovation Focus Delivery systems, novel complexes, combinations Synthetic processes, stability Mineral chelates, bioavailability methods
Patent Density High, especially in delivery technologies Moderate, with some formulation patents High, with focus on complexes and bioavailability
Market Saturation Growing, especially in plant-based and nanotech Mature but evolving with new synthetic forms Competitive, with niche innovations

FAQs

Q1: What are the dominant patenting trends in V06D?
Answer: Dominant trends include liposomal and nanoparticle delivery systems, microencapsulation technologies, novel mineral and vitamin complexes, and plant-based nutrient formulations.

Q2: Who are the leading patent holders in this class?
Answer: Major players include Abbott Laboratories, DSM, Nestlé, BASF, and several biotech startups focusing on innovative delivery platforms and nutrient compositions.

Q3: How does regulatory policy influence patenting in V06D?
Answer: Regulations around health claims, safety, and efficacy directly impact patent scope. Stringent policies can delay commercialization, incentivizing companies to develop novel delivery mechanisms that overcome regulatory hurdles.

Q4: What are the key opportunities for innovation?
Answer: Opportunities include personalized nutrition, transdermal delivery, biodegradable carriers, and combining nutrients with pharmaceuticals, all protected by increasingly sophisticated patents.

Q5: How does the patent landscape compare globally?
Answer: The U.S. and Europe lead in patent filings due to mature regulatory environments, while Asia-Pacific shows rapid growth driven by manufacturing capacity and consumer demand, with emerging innovation hubs.


Key Takeaways

  • The V06D class is characterized by high innovation activity, especially in advanced delivery systems and nutraceutical formulations.
  • Patent filings prioritize nanotechnology, liposomal delivery, and synergistic nutrient complexes, reflecting a strategic focus on bioavailability and targeted therapy.
  • The market remains highly competitive, with multinational companies investing significantly in R&D to secure patent protection.
  • Regulatory landscapes vary, requiring strategic patent drafting to ensure market exclusivity.
  • Opportunities for differentiation exist in personalization, natural ingredients, and transdermal technologies.

References

  1. Persistence Market Research, “Nutritional Supplements Market Outlook,” 2022.
  2. MarketsandMarkets, “Asia Pacific Dietary Supplement Market,” 2022.
  3. Statista, “Nanotechnology in Nutraceuticals,” 2022.

This comprehensive overview equips stakeholders with strategic insights into the emerging opportunities, competitive landscape, and innovation trends within V06D – Other Nutrients.

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