Eygptian Pharmaceuticals: Horizon 2010

With an estimated annual growth rate of 10%, the Middle East is now consistently outpacing traditionally sought-after “pharmerging” heavyweights such as China and Brazil. The United Arab Emirates is at the center of this newfound momentum-asserting its own credentials as a prospective destination for big-ticket foreign investment in healthcare.

Behind an economic revival in Portugal, including healthcare spending growth, the nation’s life sciences sector is benefiting as well, with Portugal diverging from the European averages to show an increase in R&D and innovation.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is traditionally known as a global powerhouse for the production of bulk drugs and generics, but less heralded is the growth India has made on the pharma world stage in several other areas, including biotechnology and R&D.

Away from the glare of publicity, a tranche of bold reforms in Canada, aimed at harmonizing the national health system and delivering value for money, are fast nearing completion.

Still motivated by its challenging, underdog past, Poland has strengthened its economic engine in Europe, where the nation’s pharmaceutical sector is increasingly pursuing enlightened approaches in areas such as market access and evidence-based decision-making.

The global importance of the Indian pharmaceutical industry and the affordable generic drugs it produces is indisputable. But despite its evolving international role, India’s domestic healthcare system remains underperforming and undercapitalized.