The Netherlands is focusing on generic medicines to try to contain the costs associated with the progressive aging of the population, notes a new report by GlobalData. The percentage of the Dutch population 'over 65', in fact, increased from 14% in 2006 to 15.6% last year, and by the end of the decade a further +18.6% of elderly people over 65 is expected.
In 2008, health insurance companies introduced preferential policies, accompanied by lists of drugs with the same active ingredient but different prices. As a result, the prices of common generic drugs fell by an average of 85% in the following year.
Furthermore, the Government has allowed insurance companies to add i biosimilars, in order to give further impetus to the 'non-designer' sector. Thanks also to these measures, the value of the Dutch generics market grew from $832 million in 2005 to $1.8 billion in 2010, with a compound annual growth rate of 15%.
With major drug patent expirations in the near future, GlobalData predicts that the generics sector in the Netherlands will continue to expand, with great opportunities for generic companies.
Paola Olgiati – February 10, 2012 – PharmaKronos
