October 18, 2001 – For the first time in history, drug sales in Canada exceeded $ 10 billion in 2000. This amount represents a 12.4% increase over 1999, when sales reached $ 8.9 billion.
According to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), this significant increase is mainly due to the increase in consumption. This increase has been, on average (!), 12% per year since 1988.
The main categories of drugs sold are those which act on the cardiovascular system (26.9% of sales), on the nervous system (15.2%), on the metabolism (12.3%) and anti-infective agents. (12.8%).
On the other hand, the strongest increases concern drugs acting on the musculoskeletal system (anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, osteoporosis: + 71.1%), anticancer agents (+ 25.8%) and agents acting on the genitourinary system. -urinary and sex hormones (+ 23.5%).
Over 63% of the value of drugs sold relates to brand name patented drugs, while generic drugs represent barely 9%.
According to the PMPRB, the price of patented drugs in Canada is 8% lower than the average price elsewhere in the world. These drugs cost a little more in Canada than in France and Italy, but less expensive than in Sweden, Germany or the United States. In the latter country, drugs generally cost more than double the Canadian price.
In just 10 years, the value of drugs sold in Canada has risen from $ 3.7 billion to $ 10 billion, a fantastic increase of 270%. No one will be surprised, therefore, that the pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable industry in the world.
Christian Lamontagne – PasseportSanté.net
According to Medical News, October 17, 2001
