Calm Before The Storm: Pharma Opens 2019 With A Bang In China

Products old, new and reimbursed were the driving force for foreign drug firms including AstraZeneca, Merck and Pfizer and Sanofi to smash growth in China in the first quarter.

China flag with arrow graph going up showing strong economy and shares rise. Profit and success. Isolated vector illustration.
PHARMA SMASHES Q1 IN CHINA BUT PRICING UNCERTAINTY CLOUDS FORECAST • Source: Shutterstock

Pharma multinationals have started off strong in China in the first quarter, helped by growth for both mature and newer products, but several are also issuing cautions that there may be a general slowing in growth amid broader changes in the economy. A new competitive bidding scheme in major cities in particular is expected to put considerable further pricing pressures on some companies and products. 

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