Global Industry Overview: Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical manufacturers produce a diverse range of preparations for human and veterinary treatment. The majority of these firms' products are produced in final form for consumption such as ampoules, tablets, capsules, vials, ointments, medicinal powders, solutions, and suspensions. Industry output consists of two important lines. Pharmaceutical preparations promoted primarily to the dental, medical, or veterinary professions are called "ethical" drugs, also known as prescription drugs. Those sold openly to the public are commonly described as "over-the-counter" (OTC) drugs. Industry firms may also produce therapies derived from genetic engineering or related biotechnology processes.
Industry Snapshot
The pharmaceutical...