Roche surpassed French Sanofi, which had become the leader in 2009 after acquiring Zentiva.
The Swizz company’s advance was based on its product portfolio, as the company has a solid footing on the cancer drug segment (one of the two pharmaceutical market segments that expanded), but also came amid the commercial policy applied by Sanofi last year.
Last year’s changes in the biggest players’ ranking emerged amid a market that slowed down and rose by just 0.3% in lei (1.1% in euros), below the initial estimates of Cegedim market research company, which bet on a 0.7% increase. Drug sales reached RON11.7 billion (EUR2.65 billion) in 2013.
At the level of pharmacies, OTC drug sales were the most dynamic, rising by 7% in value. Sales of drugs through hospitals account for just 13% of the overall market (in the context where the optimum level should be 25%).
2014 may bring another change in the ranking of the biggest pharma players in the wake of a series of international deals. Thus, US Pfizer is interested in a merger with AstraZeneca, headquartered in the UK, and in Romania the revenue of the new entity may go beyond RON1 billion (EUR225 million).
Also, British GSK and Swizz Novartis agreed on an asset swap. The agreement also includes the OTC segment.
2014 had a bad start for the pharmaceutical market, after first quarter sales dropped to RON3 billion (EUR669 million). The figures are below the initial predictions of Cegedim, which has reviewed its estimate for the entire year, and for the first time (after 2000) announced it expected the value of the drug market to shrink in 2014.
“1Q performance was below estimates again, amid a warmer than usual winter, which led to the market’s decline, both in the first quarter and at the level of the past 12 months. For 2014, considering the list of reimbursed drugs has not been updated, we are revising our annual projection, from 2.7% growth to a slight decline of 0.3% in lei,” said Petru Craciun, general manager of Cegedim Romania.
In drug distribution, the largest players will gain further ground and expand their businesses, to the detriment of small players. Mediplus, part of A&D Pharma, maintained its leading position. The company’s revenue rose, but its profit slid considerably.
At the level of the entire distribution market, profits are under pressure, as drug sales are slipping and producers pay the clawback tax, which is harming their commercial policies.
2014 will be challenging for pharmacies, which, as the national health house reduced payment terms, are forced to also adjust. At present, the maximum number of pharmacies in cities is set on the basis of a demographic criterion, but the state is likely to give this up starting next year.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)