PHARMACY TRENDS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, 1981-1985.

摘要

Two objectives of this research were to identify pricing trends and determine the causes of price changes in the pharmaceutical industry. Global prescription price indicators were changing at a much faster rate than expected considering the general inflation rate. Early research may be inapplicable due to external changes that have occurred in the drug industry's operating environment. The changes lead one to expect changes in pricing strategies.; Data for this study were obtained from several sources, mainly Pharmaceutical Data Services and IMS America Ltd. Methods used included a comparison of price changes using price indexes and average retail prescription prices. Additionally, a comparison of price changes between groups of drugs within therapeutic categories, between blockbuster products and among new chemical entities was also conducted. General linear models were used where appropriate to detect trends in price changes. Finally, an investigation of the relationship between a branded drug's substitution rate and its unit cost was undertaken using a regression analysis.; Results indicate drug prices have increased at a more rapid pace in the last five years than previously, both at the producer and consumer levels. The majority of the price increases lie in the research and development sector. Many generic groups on average showed price declines. Despite generic competition, branded manufacturers continue to increase product prices. Chronic medications tended to have significant substitution models and higher rates of substitution.; Possible reasons for price increases in the branded sector include declining productivity, increasing costs, declining prescription volume growth, patent expiration of blockbuster products, the strength of the dollar overseas, and generic infiltration.; Policy makers must remember that the availability of a drug from more than one manufacturer will not necessarily lead to price competition. Public policy incentives established to encourage new drug development and generic production may not be necessary; more attention should be directed to the drug product selection decision makers, that is the pharmacist and the patient.; Manufacturers need to develop pricing strategies for their branded multi-source products recognizing the present inelasticity of the products may not continue.