MADRID, 13 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Drug Observatory of the Spanish Federation of Pharmaceutical Companies (FEFE) has emphasized that pharmaceutical market growth is "stabilized" at around 3.5 percent and does not foresee major changes in the coming months, based on current trends.
This is noted in its latest report, based on data from June, a month in which the Spanish market continued its trend of "solid growth," thanks to the leadership of prescription drugs and innovative brands.
The market reached a turnover of €2.32 billion , representing a 9.6 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024, while unit volume grew by 1.6 percent. This increase consolidates a positive trend sustained throughout the year, with a cumulative turnover of €27.02 billion over the last twelve months (+6.2%).
Ethical medicines accounted for the largest share of the market, with €1,609.7 million (+10.6%) and significant growth in volume (+2.6%). Among these, the main drivers of growth were GLP-1 antidiabetics (+46.2 million euros) and, in terms of volume, combined lipid-lowering products.
The report also highlights the dynamism brought by the Consumer Health segment, particularly thanks to sunscreens. Meanwhile, generics remain flat, reflecting less competitive pressure on price compared to previous years.
By autonomous community, growth was consistent in Andalusia, Madrid, and Catalonia, reinforcing the market's strength. Particularly noteworthy is Ceuta, which leads relative growth in both ethical medicines and consumer health.
LIMITED INCREASE IN CONSUMPTION
According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, there was a limited increase in consumption last June compared to the same month in 2024, with no abnormal incidents, either related to morbidity or holidays.
The number of prescriptions issued reached 96.2 million, representing a 4.41 percent increase compared to the same month last year, which was 92.1 million. Spending increased by 6.82 percent, and the average cost per prescription increased by 2.31 percent.
Regarding the cumulative and year-on-year figures, the increase has increased from €13,009.2 million in 2024 to €13,577.3 million this year. Thus, the year-on-year increase is €568.1 million, an amount higher than the previous month.
MUTUALITIES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
The document indicates that civil servant mutual insurance companies account for approximately €525 million in annual spending on medications, representing 3.75 percent of total expenditure. The number of prescriptions is also similar, at 3.74 percent, and the average cost per prescription is €11.58 in mutual insurance companies and €11.62 overall.
The Observatory finds it surprising that the average cost per prescription is practically the same as that of other National Health System (NHS) users, considering that the contribution from mutual fund users is 30 percent.
In the distribution by mutual insurance companies, Muface accounts for 69.3 percent of prescriptions; Isfas 27.3 percent; and Mugeju 3.4 percent.
