Crying All the Way to the Bank

Despite generics' increasing market share and the slowed pace of blockbuster discoveries, the industry has reason for optimism. A recent IMS World Review report shows that audited global pharmaceutical sales grew 12 percent in 2001. The report tracks sales of approximately 90 percent of all prescription medications and certain over-the-counter products in 70 countries.

2001 Global Pharmaceutical Sales by Region

IMS estimates 2001 global pharma sales were $392 billion, with North America, Europe, and Japan accounting for 87 percent of that. North America was again the most dynamic region, garnering $181.1 billion-almost half

of total sales. Europe's growth was up 10 percent to $88 billion. Japan's grew slowly but steadily at 4 percent, reaching $47.6 billion. Latin Ameri-can sales were flat, while sales in Asia (excluding Japan), Africa, and Australia, increased 9 percent.

Leading Therapy Classes in 2001 Global Pharmaceutical Sales

The report showed that anti-ulcerants' 14 percent growth helped it remain the leading therapeutic class worldwide, as it has for the past 11 years, representing 6 percent of all sales. AstraZeneca's Prilosec (omeprazole)-with $6.1 billion in sales-represents 32 percent of the class. Cholesterol reducers, ranked second, grew 22 percent to $18.9 billion. A major factor in that growth is the world's top-selling medicine, Pfizer's Lipitor (atorvastatin), which was up 31 percent to $7 billion.