The antidepressant market, put at approximately 22m euros and2.4 million units, rose by 3-4% in the first five months of theyear (in terms of the number of units), a trend that may maintainby yearend.
The volume growth is generated by the rising number of depressedpersons going to the doctor for treatment. Still, theantidepressant market accounts for less than 1.5% of thepharmaceutical market, of 2bn euros last year. On the other hand,in terms of value, the market witnessed stagnation or a slightdownward trend as a result of product price cuts by the HealthMinistry.
"However, the market has volume growth perspectives by yearend,and in terms of value it will probably stay at the level of 2008.The trend in units is a little different from that in value. Thiscan be accounted for by a series of regulations of the HealthMinistry that cut producer prices, as well as by the population'sfalling purchasing power (...)," said Simona Mocanu, business unitmanager with Romastru Trading, a company marketing and promotingWyeth products.
Whereas price cuts dragged the market downward in terms ofvalue, recession will bring growth in units.
"Another important factor influencing this market is the numberof patients diagnosed with depression and receiving treatment. Amidthe current economic conditions, their number will go up, but thevolume will not compensate the fall in value," Mocanu said.
Psychologists also support the assertion. "I cannot complain.The number of consultations has risen," says Nicoleta MihaelaTudor, a psychologist with Romar clinics. She says that afterpeople get used to this new situation, depressions willsubside.
Depression would become the second most serious public healthissue in the world in 2020, according to WHO data, quoted byLundbeck, one of the main players on this market.
The domestic antidepressant market in the first four months ofthe year reached around 6m euros, down 15.7% from a year ago. Interms of volume, though, the market advanced by 3.9%.
At present, most antidepressants are on the list of 90%subsidised drugs or free drugs, so that this market is supported bypublic funds. Despite its small value compared to the overall levelof the drug market of around 2bn euros, the niche ofantidepressants has giants such as GSK (2 products), Novartis (5products), Ranbaxy (5 products), Pfizer (1 product), Servier (3products) fighting for market share. The leader is Servier, withannual sales of almost 4m euros and a 17% share. Second comeLundbeck and third Wyeth.
While it is not among the segments boasting the fastest growthpaces, the antidepressant market is maintaining its growthperspectives for the following period.
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