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. Canadians have traditionally enjoyed a high standard of healthcare, with health outcomes among the best in the world. Canada's national health service is managed and delivered by the provincial and territorial governments, which operate health insurance plans collectively known as Medicare. These are obliged to conform to the principles of the Canada Health Act: universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability and public administration. The increasing cost of Medicare has been the subject of much debate in recent years.

The pharmaceutical market is differentiated from the USA by its government control of drug prices, through the Patented Medicines Price Review Board. This generally keeps prices for branded medicines below those in the USA, and has led to much arguing in the USA over the legality and desirability of exporting drugs from Canada. In 2005, however, it looks as if Canada will legislate to significantly reduce this trade.

The Canadian market is fragmented, with reimbursement decisions resting with the various provincial governments. This can lead to wide variations in coverage for particular products. Concerns about the efficiency and modernity of Canada's system have led to several major initiatives in recent years, not least the Ten Year Plan finalised in October 2004. This is a C$41 billion agreement between the national government and the provinces to fund improvements in a number of key areas, such as reducing waiting lists, boosting home care and improving access to primary care. A National Pharmaceutical Plan is also part of the deal, which aims to improve access to drug treatment across the country.

Most large multinational firms conduct manufacturing and/or R&D in Canada. Locally-owned firms tend to be manufacturers of generics or development-stage biotech products. The leading Canadian manufacturer is Apotex, a privately-held generic company. The generic industry is currently fighting against government proposals to amend Canada's patent laws; the amendments would seek to end the process of ‘evergreening', but would also create a longer period of data exclusivity.