IMS’ Long tracks trends in Rx market

BOSTON — IMS Health VP industry relations Doug Long briefed a packed house of NACDS TSE attendees on the latest trends shaping the U.S. pharmaceutical market. 

Looking at historical trends over the past 10 years, Long noted that pharmaceutical sales had rebounded sharply in 2013 and 2014 following an all-time low in 2012 when “the market declined for the first time in its history,” Long said.

According to the latest IMS Health data, pharmaceutical sales grew 10.7% through June on a 12-month moving annual total basis, and was up more than 13% year to date through June, tracking at more than $346 billion. This despite a weak flu season and a weaker than expected allergy season this year.

Sales in 2013 topped $329 billion, with retail representing more than 71% of the market on sales of $236 billion, up 3.2%, and chain pharmacy leading the way, with sales of $115 billion, up 4.1%.