Business Monitor International

Market: Healthcare and Medical

Published Date: 25/03/2009

Market Research Report Title: Iran Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Report Q2

Table of Contents: View Table of Contents

Report Type: Market Report

Country: Iran

Number of Pages: 77

Summary: BMI is forecasting a 10.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the Iranian pharmaceutical market, meaning an increase in total value from US$2.25bn in 2008 to US$3.65bn by 2013. We believe the main drivers for growth will include a growing population, a rise in domestic drug manufacturing, and the greater burden of disease imposed by respiratory illnesses. Total healthcare spending is expected to rise from US$24.3bn in 2008, to US$50.0bn by 2013, reflecting the increasing demand on medical services.

The prevalence of respiratory diseases and cancers in Iran is increasing at a significant rate, according to the Tehran Times. The Behesht-e Zahra Organisation conducted a demographic study in Tehran during 2007-2008 to determine the scale of the problem. During this period, 762 people died from lung cancer in Tehran, while 291 people died from respiratory diseases. Over two thirds of those dying from respiratoryrelated disease in the capital were men. A further 401 people have died from lung cancer during 2008- 2009, with more expected be added to this number pending an additional consensus on figures available.

According to BMI′s Burden of Disease Database (BoDD), the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to lung cancer will increase to 142,934 by 2030, from 71,937 in 2009. Significantly, the proportion of lung cancers to the total cancer burden in Iran will rise from 14.3% in 2009 to 18.0% by 2030.

During February 209, the Iranian government announced the addition of new prescription drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) and anaemia. The new drugs launched in Iran for the treatment of MS are believed to include an interferon beta-1b. No originator names have been disclosed, however it is possible that the likely candidate is Betaseron manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. Stunningly, a version of fingolimod by Novartis has been launched as well as a biosimilar version of EMD Serono′s Rebif. The Iranian pharmaceutical firm CinnaGen Biopharma is rumoured to be releasing another interferon beta- 1a preparation, despite its first MS drug CinnoVex already available in the country.

Iranian pharmaceutical manufacturers are disadvantaged by the government′s poor intellectual property protection regime. Developing a molecule for combination therapies may qualify for patent protection in other countries. However, while weak patent law adherence continues in Iran, BMI expects this will create significant barriers for Iranian companies prospecting trade on the global market. BMI cautions that inaccurate reporting and contrasting interpretations are indicative of emerging markets. Additionally, Iran′s track record for irregularities in its pharmaceutical policies presents difficulties in accurately assessing the drug sector.

Iran′s growing population and increased demand for healthcare has led to growing investment in drug manufacturing plants, which will contribute to the rise in exports. As foreign investment is limited by government rules, BMI encourages the development of local production facilities, which will reduce Iran′s reliance on imported patented products.

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