Market Share: Generic Drugs (Japan)
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Japanese sales of generic drugs increased 13 percent last year to 350 billion yen. Insiders say sales volume was up because of regulatory revisions made in April 2006 that make it easier for doctors to prescribe generics. Because of tighter price restrictions, however, actual sales value was down. The Ministry of Health says that about 1 percent of patients made the switch to generic drugs. The most popular generic drugs were an antibiotic made by Clarith, a Basen diabetes medication, and a cholesterol inhibitor produced by Mevalotin. Sawai Pharmaceutical Co. led the pack of generics manufacturers with 9.8 percent of the market. Experts say the company's success stems from its aggressive advertising campaigns, particularly TV commercials. Towa Pharmaceutical Co. came in second place with an 8.4 percent market share thanks to increased general practitioner and drug store sales. Taiyo Pharmaceutical Industry Co. and Nichiiko Pharmaceutical Co. came in third and fourth, respectively. (Click here for more