Drug sales up 5% in year to September 2007

Retail pharmacy drug sales in 13 major markets grew 5% overall US$ terms, during the 12 months to September 2007, reaching $407.55 billion, reports IMS Health's Retail Drug Monitor. The rate of increase has stayed unchanged since April 2006 (Marketletters passim).

Argentina remains the fastest-growing market surveyed by IMS, despite year-on-year growth easing to 17% at $2.57 billion, down from the 19% reported for August (Marketletter October 22). Meanwhile, former trail-blazing Brazil has maintained 10% expansion in the latest period, which is still the second fastest national rate recorded in the survey. Mexico's acceleration to 9% in last month's report has stalled to resume an 8% annual growth to $8.54 billion. Overall, the leading players in the Latin American market grew 10%, matching the previously-reported performance and confirming the region as the fastest-growing in the study.

Japan's growth at 2%, reaching $56.78 billion, remains well above reports in previous months. The Japanese market, where IMS includes hospital sales in its study, had been declining. Australia and New Zealand combined confirmed a 6% growth for $6.57 billion.