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Last Updated: July 20, 2025

Drugs in MeSH Category GABA Agents


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Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
Abbvie DEPAKENE valproic acid CAPSULE;ORAL 018081-001 Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982 DISCN Yes No ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free
Hikma VIGABATRIN vigabatrin TABLET;ORAL 213104-001 Aug 29, 2022 AB RX No No ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free
Accord Hlthcare VIGABATRIN vigabatrin FOR SOLUTION;ORAL 214425-001 Nov 13, 2020 DISCN No No ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free ⤷  Try for Free
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Exclusivity Expiration

GABA Agents Market Analysis and Financial Projection

Last updated: March 25, 2025

The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) agents market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising neurological disorder prevalence and innovations in therapeutic targeting. Here’s a breakdown of key dynamics and patent trends:


Market Dynamics

Growth Projections

  • The GABA market is projected to grow from $88.1 million (2023) to $143.6 million by 2033, with a 5.0% CAGR[1][6]. Alternative estimates suggest a 5.32% CAGR, reaching $129.4 million by 2031[6].
  • The GABA receptor agonist market is expanding even faster, with a 12.5% CAGR, driven by demand for anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia treatments[18].

Key Drivers

  1. Neurological Disorders: Over 264 million people globally suffer from anxiety disorders, fueling demand for GABA-based therapies[20].
  2. Aging Populations: Age-related cognitive decline increases reliance on GABA agents for neuroprotection[20].
  3. Regional Trends:
    • North America dominates (46.4% market share in 2024) due to healthcare infrastructure and stress management needs[1].
    • Asia-Pacific is emerging as a growth hub, driven by rising mental health awareness[20].

Segment Dominance

  • Production: Chemical synthesis commands 66.1% market share (2024) for scalable production, while biological fermentation grows for sustainability[1].
  • Applications: Pharmaceuticals lead (38.2% share), followed by functional foods and dietary supplements[1][18].

Patent Landscape

Recent Filings and Innovations

  1. Gabather AB:
    • Filed two U.S. provisional patents for GT-002, a selective GABA-A receptor modulator targeting psychiatric disorders. These patents aim to strengthen IP around EEG/fMRI-based clinical findings[2][4].
  2. Sage Therapeutics:
    • Patented neuroactive steroids targeting GABA receptors for sedation/anesthesia, with potential applications in CNS disorders[7].
  3. Marinus Pharmaceuticals:
    • Advanced ganaxolone, a GABA-A receptor modulator, to Phase III trials for CDKL5 deficiency disorder[15].

Pipeline Developments

  • Over 25 companies are developing GABA receptor agonists, with 25+ pipeline drugs in various stages[15]. Notable candidates:
    • GRX-917 (GABA Therapeutics): A deuterated anxiolytic in Phase 2/3 trials for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), projected for 2028 approval[17].
    • EMB-001 (Embera NeuroTherapeutics): A Phase II/III combination therapy (metyrapone + oxazepam) for smoking cessation[15].

Patent Expirations

  • Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) faces generic competition by 2029, with 4 active patents expiring between 2025–2029[16].
  • Strategies to extend IP include novel formulations (e.g., sustained-release prodrugs) and combination therapies[16][7].

Therapeutic Trends

  1. Anxioselective Agents: Development focuses on reducing anxiety without sedation (e.g., ocinaplon), though challenges like hepatotoxicity persist[13].
  2. Non-Monoamine Strategies: Targeting glutamate-GABA balance for rapid-acting antidepressants, inspired by ketamine and brexanolone[10].
  3. Diverse Receptor Targets:
    • GABA-A: Dominates drug development, with modulators like propofol and neuroactive steroids[3][12].
    • GABA-B: Emerging interest in antagonists (e.g., CGP36742) for depression and cognitive enhancement[8][19].

Competitive Outlook

  • Top Players: Teva, Novartis, and Pfizer lead in revenue, investing in novel GABA agonists and delivery systems[18].
  • Innovation Areas:
    • Allosteric Modulation: Enhancing receptor specificity to reduce side effects[3][7].
    • Combination Therapies: Pairing GABA agents with other neuroactive compounds (e.g., cortisol inhibitors)[15][10].

Challenges and Opportunities

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Safety concerns (e.g., liver toxicity) delay approvals[13][17].
  • Generics Threat: Patent expirations (e.g., Horizant) will increase affordability but reduce brand revenue[16].
  • Untapped Markets: Expanding into obesity, pain, and neuroinflammation could diversify applications[17][19].

Key Takeaways

  • The GABA agents market is poised for sustained growth, driven by neurological disorder prevalence and therapeutic innovation.
  • Patent activity focuses on novel modulators and extended IP strategies, while generics loom post-2025.
  • Future success hinges on overcoming safety challenges and diversifying into new indications like obesity and neuroinflammation.

References

  1. https://market.us/report/gaba-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-market/
  2. https://www.biospace.com/gabather-files-two-new-patent-applications-to-secure-novel-findings-on-the-effects-of-gt-002-for-the-treatment-of-psychiatric-disorders
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30337372/
  4. https://news.cision.com/gabather-ab/r/gabather-files-two-new-patent-applications-to-secure-novel-findings-on-the-effects-of-gt-002-for-the,c3946912
  5. https://aem-prod.oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/okhca/docs/about/boards-and-committees/dur/2024/june/06122024%20DUR%20Packet.pdf
  6. https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/gaba-market/
  7. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/data-insights/sage-therapeutics-files-patent-for-gaba-modulator-pharmaceutical-compositions-for-sedation-and-anesthesia/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15039762/
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11475940/
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31991195/
  11. https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2621282A2/en
  12. https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D018757
  13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22981367/
  14. https://patents.justia.com/patent/20200138830
  15. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220210005812/en/GABA-Receptor-Agonists-Drug-Market-Research-Report-2022-Comprehensive-Insights-About-25-Companies-and-25-Pipeline-Drugs---ResearchAndMarkets.com
  16. https://pharsight.greyb.com/drug/horizant-patent-expiration
  17. https://gabarx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GABA-Therapeutics-Presentation-20250211.pdf
  18. https://github.com/kelttnandan9/Market-Research-Report-List-1/blob/main/gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba-receptor-agonist-market.md
  19. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/data-insights/gamma-aminobutyric-acid-type-b-receptor-subunit-drugs-in-development/
  20. https://pmarketresearch.com/product/worldwide-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba-receptor-market-research-2024-by-type-application-participants-and-countries-forecast-to-2030/

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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. 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.