Brazil: good growth in generic biz ahead

More than 20 drug patents to expire in the next two years and laboratories are looking for a market over $ 1 billion, said Brazilian National Association of Laboratories (alanac).

There is no doubt that someone is benefiting from the expiration of patents, here is what Alanac said: “The generic Viagra may become the drug with the highest turnover of the segment in the country in 2011.”

Pfizer lost its patent in June 2010 (a decision held by the STJ, posted here). The generic drug therefore, has been sold and marketed for only a few months and since its launch sales are growing at around 20% per month, the President of Pro-Generic, Odnir Finotti explains. He continues, “If we do not have large fluctuations, the total volume of business in 12 months for Viagra will be at least $ 84 million... But if the growth trend continues, sales of the drug could reach $ 150 million at the end of one year”.