While trade groups in the EU and US have called on their governments to provide more support for the off-patent drugs industry, generics players in other geographies have received more support.

Bangladeshi generics manufacturer Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. told Generics Bulletin: “The Bangladesh government has reacted with supportive policies during this time – and we hope that continues to be the case. For example, the government has implemented foreign currency controls due to the impact of inflation – but pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh are getting priority in the opening letter of credits for import of materials.”

Like many European and US firms Beximco has likewise felt the pinch of inflation, seeing an overall gross margin dent in Q1 as high commodity prices and BDT depreciation increased the cost of importing raw materials. Alongside increased salaries and allowances for staff, these factors led to a 17% operational expenses increase. (Also see "Beximco Faces Potentially Rough Ride In The Face Of Macroeconomic Headwinds" - Generics Bulletin, 22 November, 2022.)

The company added: “The Bangladesh pharma market is mainly dependent on individual private spending so high household inflation and a reduction in real income means it may be harder for some people to afford their treatments. This means that, as a producer of generics, we have a greater responsibility than ever to ensure that we can deliver high-quality products at affordable prices for people.”

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