RESEARCH SUMMARY -Latest Outcome of Our Research-
02/19/09
Research on the OTC Drug Market in Japan 2008
-See the PDF for details and exhibits.-
Research Outline
Yano Research Institute has conducted a study on the OTC drug market according to the following research outline.
1. Research timing: From June to October 2008
2. Research targets: 18 leading OTC drug manufacturers in Japan
3. Research methodology: Face-to-face interviews, telephone and email surveys, and literature search
Summary of Research Findings
The market size of OTC drugs through pharmaceutical channel for 2007 is 738 billion yen, 0.4% decrease over the previous year.
The market size of OTC drugs (incl. quasi-drugs) through pharmaceutical channel (sales channel to drugstores and pharmacies) was estimated at 738 billion yen, down by 0.4 percent from the previous year. On the other hand, if food channel (sales channel to convenience stores, general merchandise stores and supermarkets) is included, the market size of OTC drugs (incl. quasi-drugs) increased, mainly in the health drink sector, for the first time in eight years.
Common cold drugs, health drinks and lifestyle-related disease products drives market expansion.
By pharmacologic effect, common cold drugs and health drinks drove market expansion. In addition Chinese medicines to prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome and facial whitening products sold well in 2007.
While OTC drug market expands due to the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, securing profits may be difficult.
The revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law will be fully enforced in June 2009 and entrants into the pharmaceutical drug business from other industries, such as general merchandise stores and convenience stores are expected to increase.
Published Report
Report Title: OTC Drug Market 2008
*The information provided in the "Research Summary" is what is as of the date of announcement and could be altered or renewed without any prior notice.
