Sales for generic drugs globally have increased 14 per cent at an annual rate, more than the single-digit growth rate at brand-name drug makers recently.  With more baby boomers soon becoming eligable for the medicare prescription drug plan, and billions of dollars worth of drugs coming off patents this year and next, Generic drug companies will do very well for the next few years.  Click here for the full story.

Long term risks do exist, a lack of innovation and blockbuster drugs in the current environment could spell trouble down the road.  As the pipeline for blockbuster drugs going off patents slows down, companies will have to adjust their strategies.

Organic now means personal care.  Recent research shows organic and natural personal care product revenues shot up 200% in the past 4 years - Click here for the story and numbers.

Despite that surprising growth, there is more in store.  Or in the store.  The forecast for the next 5 years is almost another doubling in revenues as the consumer increasingly angles for organic products.  Is this personal care, healthcare or cosmeceuticals.  Whatever it is,  it surely has fast growth for the players involved.  

Biotech firms may continue to benefit from genetically modified crops despite the continuing controversy on the subject.  Click here for full story.

Currently, only 2% of crop areas include genetically modified crop plantings but the total crop area planted has doubled since the year 2000.  Clearly both governments and the consumer has mixed emotions on the subject, but the agribiotech sector continues to profit by the continuing trend towards genetically modified crops and food products. 

The manufacturing output has risen 25 percent in July based on the strength of the biomedical output in Singapore. This is the sharpest rise in three years. The biomedical manufacturing sector grew by an outstanding 78 percent from a year ago.

Economists warn that this is an exception and not the rule. They also point out that the biomedical field is volatile and this growth should not be expected. Singapore is an excellent spot for the biomedical industry due to its orderly and hard-working society.

Companies are being advised to learn the risks and opportunities associated with marketing pharmaceuticals in Asia.  See the complete story here.   According to a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the pharmaceutical companies need to get established in Asia to really understand the market and its dynamics.

In addition to this call to have an on-the-ground presence, protecting intellectual property is still a valid concern as more government regulation and protection is needed.   Governments are issuing various incentives to promote regional investment by pharmaceutical companies.

With an opportunity this great, how can a publicly-held pharmaceutical company not try to navigate the risk for its shareholders?

Based on a recent study by AARP, individual caregiving saves the country hundreds of billions of dollars annually because it relieves the burden on our health care system.   AARP estimates the value at $350 Billion.  The typical caregiver is a 46-year old female who gives up 20 hours a week to provide unpaid care.  Unfortunately, being a caregiver also has a dramatic negative impact on the caregiver’s ability to earn money.

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According to a Diamond Management and Technology Consultants study, there is a $40 billion opportunity in health care being created over the next 5 years.  This include opportunities in the following areas; integration and infrastructure, planning/decision support, payment processing, supplemental coverage and consumer health care financing.

Everyone knows that health care is a problem, what has always been the challenge is roping in the opportunities.  Click here for the full story.

According to a recent study by Harris Interactive, 70% of Americans turn to the web first for medical information while 72% include that doctor as the primary source.

Doctors are probably seeing more patients that are informed enough to be dangerous. One wonders if doctors wish the patients knew less and never questioned their diagnosis.

See the whole story by clicking here.