IMS Health forecasts the global pharmaceutical market will reach $880 billion in 2011, growing 5%–7%, compared with 4%–5% in 2010. The overall market is projected to rebound, but factors that prohibit growth, including major patent expirations and payer mechanisms to curb drug spending, will be stronger than ever. Drug sales in the 17 pharmerging countries are forecast to grow 15%–17% to $170–$180 billion in 2011. Drug sales in the third-largest market, China, are predicted to grow to more than $50 billion at a rate of 25%–27%. Sales in Japan are forecast to grow 5%–7%, while sales in Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK will grow 1%–3%. The US will maintain its title of the largest pharmaceutical market, with 3%–5% sales growth. US pharmaceutical sales will surpass the $310 billion forecast for this year by $10–$20 billion. In 2011, generic competition in major developed markets could affect products with more than $30 billion in sales. Five potential blockbuster drugs are expected to be approved by the end of next year.

Source: IMS