BCC Research Blog | Industry Analysis and Business Consulting

Navigating Global Pharma: The Rise of Generic Drugs

Written by Karishma Arora | Feb 23, 2024 2:00:00 PM

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the demand for accessible and cost-effective medications is more pronounced than ever before. A significant player in this realm is the global market for generic drugs — a sphere that has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in recent years. Generic drugs are medicinal products that can be manufactured and marketed by entities other than the innovator company once the original patents have expired. These drugs are bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, offering the same therapeutic benefits but at a fraction of the cost.

As nations strive to enhance healthcare affordability and promote wider access to essential medicines, the generic drug market has emerged as a key facilitator of these objectives on a global scale. According to BCC Research, the size of the global generic drug market is expected to grow from $435.3 billion in 2023 to $655.8 billion by the end of 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during 2023-2028. Step into the realm of generics, where health meets wealth, and experience a front-row seat to a more inclusive and affordable healthcare narrative for everyone.

Driving Forces Behind Generic Drug Industry Growth

Patent Expirations: The expiration of patents on brand-name drugs opens the door for generic alternatives. This facilitates increased competition and contributes to the growth of the generic drug market.

Cost-Effectiveness: Generic drugs are generally more affordable than their brand-name counterparts, making them an attractive option for healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. This cost-effectiveness drives the demand for generic medications.

Government Initiatives and Policies: Governments and healthcare systems worldwide are recognizing the cost-saving potential of generic drugs. The implementation of favorable healthcare policies, such as generic substitution and incentivizing the use of generic medications, has accelerated the adoption of generic drugs. This shift not only benefits patients by reducing out-of-pocket expenses but also contributes to the overall sustainability of healthcare systems.

Changing Physician Attitudes: The perception of generic drugs has significantly improved over the years. Physicians are increasingly confident about the safety and efficacy of generic drugs and are more willing to prescribe them. This shift in attitude is largely due to rigorous regulatory standards ensuring that generic drugs have the same active ingredients and work the same way in the body as their brand-name counterparts.