Pharmaceuticals one of the strongest performing sectors in the USA during recession

The pharmaceutical market has been one of the strongest performing sectors during the US recession, a sign of the country's immense potential and flexible environment for companies, according to a new report added to the offering of Research and Markets.

During 2009, the authors calculate that total pharmaceutical sales including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines grew by 4.4%, a substantial rebound on the previous year's rates. Over the next five years however, the authors forecast that performance will slow considerably, with the market recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 2.17%.

The USA ranks first in the Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Business Environment Ratings (BERs) for first-quarter 2010. Despite projected decreases in expenditure growth, the country will remain the highest total and per capita spenders on pharmaceuticals by a wide margin. A strong regulatory climate and good economic and political stability means few countries come close to challenging the US in terms of attractiveness to drugmakers.