Focus on Big Pharma diversification. According to a survey of 50 top pharmaceutical executives by consultancy Roland Berger, the 67% believes diversification is a potential solution to declining sales due to patent expirations, while nearly half believe current R&D investments would lead to a negative return. There are many differences on the meaning of diversification: most focus on de-risking, moving to generics, self-medication and vaccines, so as to increase sales and expand into emerging markets. According to Berger, added value could instead derive from diversification into more innovative sectors, in particular personalized care and diagnostics. The 2008 sales 57% is estimated to be off patent within 3 years and the 75% within 5.
The Financial Times online - 21/10/2010
