|
Per pill price differences
across therapeutic categories: A study of the essential drug
brands marketed by multinational and local pharmaceutical
companies in Bangladesh
Nishat Chowdhury* and Eva Rahman Kabir*
*Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
nischow@gmail.com.
Accepted
30 October, 2009 |
|
The objective of this study was to comprehend the pricing
differentiation of essential drugs between the local
pharmaceutical companies (LPC) and multinational
pharmaceutical companies (MNC) of Bangladesh. Thirty five
(35) essential drug prices were collected from a local drug
directory, namely Bangladesh National Formulary 2006. The
mean and standard deviation of the prices of drugs belonging
to all therapeutics categories (Anti-infective drugs,
Central nervous system, Respiratory system, cardiovascular
system, gastrointestinal system, Endocrine system drugs,
Vitamin, drugs for Skin and Analgesic/painkillers) were
analyzed. Managers of two multinational companies (MNCs)
named GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Limited Bangladesh and
Sanafi Aventis Bangladesh; and three local pharmaceutical
companies (LPCs) named Square Pharmaceuticals Limited,
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited and Incepta Pharmaceuticals
Limited were interviewed after data analysis. A wide range
of price variations (p < 0.01) between MNC and LPC essential
drug products exist. Antibiotics have higher prices than
drug products belonging to other therapeutic groups. Since
infectious diseases are the major cause of morbidity and
mortality in Bangladesh, the government should consider
bearing part of the burden of antibiotic manufacturing costs
and deliver antibiotics to the market at reduced price
promoting rational prescribing. Further studies are needed
to delve the causes of anti-infectives high prices and to
propose affordability for treating infectious diseases. This
study evaluates the present situation of the pharmaceutical
marketing and pricing strategies in Bangladesh in light of
the status of the essential drug market. This study will be
helpful to assess essential drug affordability, to keep
pricing strategies appraised, to advise the drug
administration of options and to arrange for appropriate
levels of public healthcare.
Key
words: Local pharmaceutical company (LPC), multinational
pharmaceutical company (MNC), essential drugs, Bangladesh. |
