The value of the pharma market fell by 4.8% last year compared to 2014 to EUR 2.6 billion, according to market research company Cegedim. This was due to the decrease in the price of the prescription drugs that came into force on July 1.

The retail segment, namely the pharmacies, saw a 5.8% decrease in sales to EUR 2.3 billion in 2015.

The sales of prescription drugs in pharmacies fell by 10.5%, but was compensated by the 14.9% boost in the sale of non-prescription medicines. The sales of prescription drugs amounted to EUR 1.77 billion, whereas the sales of non-prescription medicines totaled EUR 523.5 million.

The sales of drugs in hospitals went up by 2.7% last year, to EUR 333 million.

French group Sanofi maintained its first place in terms of total drug sales in 2015, with a market share of 7.1%. Swiss group Novartis went up to second place, reaching a 5.5% market share, surpassing Hoffman La Roche (5.2%).

editor@romania-insider.com