India's asthma drug market expected to top $400 million in 2014; bulk drugs to grow to $17 billion

The Indian market for drugs to treat asthma will grow from $246 million in 2009 to $403 million in 2014, representing an annual growth rate of ten percent. According to the Emerging Markets report titled Asthma in India from research and advisory firm Decision Resources, this growth will be fueled by improved access to medical care, a growing drug-treated population and a rising number of higher-income, brand-conscious asthma patients demanding more-efficacious agents.

"At $246 million, India's asthma market is close to some European Union countries in dollar terms," said Decision Resources analyst Manashi Sherawat, noting that, "in 2009, multinational pharmaceutical companies accounted for 5% of total sales in the Indian asthma market and while uptake of Western-branded asthma drugs will increase by 2014, these drugs will face fierce competition from less-expensive Indian brands and generics."

Fixed dose combos a major opportunity