New study shows prices of IPHA firms' medicines in Ireland at European average

The prices of Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association members’ medicines in Ireland are now at the average of a basket of nine European countries, according to a new study conducted by market research firm IMS Healthcare on behalf of the IPHA, which represents research-based medicines makers in Ireland.

The study showed that, when the 200 most frequently prescribed on patent medicines which amount to over 99% of the on patent segment of the market were examined, Irish prices were in line with those in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and the UK. The study examined the ex-factory price, or price paid to pharmaceutical companies, and does not include wholesaler or pharmacy mark-ups which influence the final price paid by the patient.

But generics more expensive than in other reference countries