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. The Polish pharmaceutical industry has experienced many structutal changes in recent years. Most of the state-owned companies have been privatised and foreign firms account for a high proportion of sales. Many firms have benefited from the high level of foreign direct investment, with the modernisation of facilities leading to the issuing of GMP certificates. However, the regulatory environment still lacks transparency and Poland has not yet managed to amend its pharmaceutical legislation with the latest EU regulations. The drug reimbursement process is in need of attention, as applications are not dealt with in a timely manner and the system favours domestic producers.

Intellectual property rights remain a contentious issue, with the Polish authorities continuing to receive criticism from the international pharmaceutical community. Poland adopted the “8+2+1” data exclusivity formula in May 2004, but communication needs to be strengthened between the Polish Patent Office and the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocides, in order to prevent the registration of patent-infringing products.

Around 65% of Poland's pharmaceutical market is supplied by imports. France and Germany were the leading suppliers in 2005, accounting for over 30% of imports. Domestic production tends to concentrate on the generics market.