Per Pill Price Differences in Bangladesh

The objective of this study was to comprehend the pricing differentiation of essential drugs between
the local pharmaceutical companies (LPC) and multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNC) of
Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) essential drug prices were collected from a local drug directory, namely
Bangladesh National Formulary 2006. The mean and standard deviation of the prices of drugs
belonging to all therapeutics categories (Anti-infective drugs, Central nervous system, Respiratory
system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, Endocrine system drugs, Vitamin, drugs for
Skin and Analgesic/painkillers) were analyzed. Managers of two multinational companies (MNCs)
named GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Limited Bangladesh and Sanafi Aventis Bangladesh; and three
local pharmaceutical companies (LPCs) named Square Pharmaceuticals Limited, Beximco
Pharmaceuticals Limited and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited were interviewed after data analysis. A
wide range of price variations (p < 0.01) between MNC and LPC essential drug products exist.
Antibiotics have higher prices than drug products belonging to other therapeutic groups. Since
infectious diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh, the government
should consider bearing part of the burden of antibiotic manufacturing costs and deliver antibiotics to
the market at reduced price promoting rational prescribing. Further studies are needed to delve the
causes of anti-infectives high prices and to propose affordability for treating infectious diseases. This
study evaluates the present situation of the pharmaceutical marketing and pricing strategies in
Bangladesh in light of the status of the essential drug market. This study will be helpful to assess
essential drug affordability, to keep pricing strategies appraised, to advise the drug administration of
options and to arrange for appropriate levels of public healthcare.