China's MDD market to triple by 2012

The Chinese market for major depression disorder drugs will triple by 2012, increasing from $75.0 million in 2007 to $226.0 million in 2012, according to health care research and advisory firm Decision Resources. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the market-leading drug class, will continue to experience strong double-digit growth, contributing to the annual 20% advance of the MDD market during the forecast period.

According to the new Emerging Markets report, entitled Major Depression in China, this growth will be fueled, in part, by increasing urbanization and a greater exposure to risk factors.

"The risk of major depression among urban populations is more than four times that of rural populations. Major depression is most common in urban areas of China with over 75% of prevalent cases found in these areas in 2007," commented Matthew Winton, an analyst at Decision Resources.