Espicom's in-depth pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data for raw materials and finished products and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. Along with Romania, Bulgaria represents one of the least developed European countries of the former Soviet bloc. However, the economy has been subject to ongoing reform since 1997, due to the transfer of power from the Communist Party to more reform-minded governments. The prospect of EU membership, which was attained in January 2007, drove recent economic reforms and changes within the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceutical legislation has been harmonised with that of the EU. Problems still exist over the length of time it takes to place a drug on the Positive List, however. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the criteria used to determine which pharmaceuticals make it onto the reimbursement list. It is hoped that the amendments to the Medicinal Products in the Human Medicines Act in April 2007 will resolve these issues.

Manufacturers are now required to comply with GMP standards and many have invested heavily to modernise production facilities. Many of the country's leading manufacturers have been privatised in recent years and multinational activity has become increasingly significant with the joint development of drugs between GlaxoSmithKline and Sopharma. Generic drugs continue to have a sizeable market presence in Bulgaria, due to their low cost. They represent around 80% of the market by volume and 50% by value.