Norway receptive to 'cost-effective' new drugs

The macroenvironment for the Norwegian pharmaceutical industry is improving. Politically, the centre-left coalition is expected to hold together at least until the general election but the risk of the coalition breaking up has grown, notes a new report from ResearchandMarkets.

Economically, the recession was far less pronounced in Norway than in most other European countries and economic recovery is now strengthening. Legally, laws on intellectual property and patent provision are in line with World Trade Organization/Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) regulations. However, Norway remains on the US Trade Representative's Watch List for concerns over patent protection. Demographically, the population is aging, increasing demand for pharmaceuticals in the near term.

The introduction of international reference pricing has had a moderating effect on Norwegian pharmaceutical price levels, and a step-price system for off-patent drugs has ensured that prices for all generics have fallen. Important steps towards cost-containment have also been taken for reimbursable pharmaceuticals, including the use of a first-choice system.