Pharma Research Center Launches As Industry Grows

The US Pharmaceutical Institute has launched its own Research Center, offering custom research services to the industry. Meanwhile, IMS Health predicts that the international pharma market will grow by 6 to 7% in 2006, driven by above-average US growth and double-digit increases in China and Eastern Europe.

The new Pharmaceutical Institute Research Center has a staff of researchers and library scientists to provide custom research services. In addition, it offers access (both live and via the web) to a library of information and resources, including therapeutic area reports and market overviews.

The Institute, based in Raleigh, NC, also provides education programs to pharma and biotech professionals. The company web site is www.pharmainstitute.com.

The IMS Market Prognosis publication evaluates the impact of key issues on the future of the pharma and healthcare industries. It predicts that the US market, which accounts for 43% of pharmaceutical sales worldwide, will grow by 8 to 9% in 2006, up from an expected 6 to 7% this year. This growth will be driven in part by increased access by seniors to lower-cost medications through Medicare Part D.

IMS forecasts 4 to 5% growth for France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - down slightly from this year. The expansion of the reference price system, and mechanisms to encourage use of generic drugs are expected to discourage growth, though these factors will be partially offset by higher spending on public health and disease awareness programs, and the launch of new products.

According to the forecast, markets in Central and Eastern Europe can expect double-digit growth in 2006, thanks to modernised healthcare systems and GDP growth.

Growth in Japan is forecast at just 0 to 1%, down from 5 to 6% this year. The fall reflects the impact of National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement listing and biennial price cuts.

In China, growth will remain at 17 to 18%, thanks to strong economic growth and the continued implementation of the national reimbursement drug list. IMS predicts the market will be worth $13-14 billion in 2006.

According to the IMS Therapy Forecaster, the oncology class of drugs will experience a 17 to 18% growth rate in 2006 - higher than any other therapy class. The Forecaster also predicts above average growth for the statins, angiotensin-II, platelet aggregation inhibitors, and osteoporosis classes of drugs.

Murray Aitken, Senior VP at IMS Health, says that pharma firms need to carefully consider their business models if they are to sustain growth worldwide. In particular, he says manufacturers need to develop 'evidence-based sales and marketing approaches' as well as new products.

The company is online at www.imshealth.com.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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