Research on the pharmaceutical market in Poland

The pharmaceutical market in Poland is one of the most innovative industries, as confirmed once again by research in this sector. What was the structure and dynamics of the pharmaceutical market in the past year? In what direction is medicines manufacturing heading, and what do new regulations, technological innovations, and investments bring? This article contains all the key information on the state of the pharmaceutical market in Poland in 2021, based on valuable reports and studies.

Pharmaceutical Market in Poland — Report. Year-on-Year Changes

2020 — What Was Most Important for the Market?

The year 2020 was an unusual period in the development of the pharmaceutical market and economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to IQVIA research, the value of the pharmacy market in 2020 was 37.2 billion PLN gross (2.2% more than in 2019). One of the biggest surprises was the growth dynamics of the e-commerce segment—growth rates reached 43.9%, and a significant portion of pharmacy sales moved online.

However, in 2020, the production of new prescription drugs—both reimbursed and non-reimbursed—declined, while the dynamics of new over-the-counter (OTC) products (CH, or Consumer Health) saw a 23% increase, most likely due to increased production of pulse oximeters and thermometers.

What Was the Situation in These Areas in 2021?

As seen above, in 2020, the pharmaceutical market experienced slight growth, primarily due to changes in consumer behavior (reduced doctor visits, lower levels of treatment for diseases other than COVID-19, the need to cut expenses due to the economic crisis). However, according to experts’ predictions, the Polish pharmaceutical market in 2021 began to return to normal.

Growth in the Value of the Pharmaceutical Market in Poland

The value of pharmaceutical distribution of medicines and para-pharmaceuticals in 2021 was 56 billion PLN at gross prices, representing an 8% year-on-year increase.

Pharmacy Outlets — Significant Declines

Over the last four years, the number of community pharmacies in Poland has decreased by over 10%, or about 1,400 locations (data from the Polish Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers), with most closures affecting independent pharmacies. In December 2021, the number of operating pharmacies stood at 11,947, returning to levels from several years prior. This situation is directly linked to the 2017 amendment of the Pharmaceutical Law (the so-called “Pharmacy for Pharmacists” law), which mandates that each new pharmacy must be run by a pharmacist within a personal partnership.

Where Do Patients Buy Their Medications?

Despite recording significant growth, the e-commerce segment still cannot compete with brick-and-mortar pharmacies—these remain the top choice for purchasing medications, especially OTC drugs. However, it is worth noting that since 2016, the percentage of people purchasing from online pharmacies has increased from 2% to 16%, with forecasts predicting a continuing upward trend.

Drug Availability

According to an IQVIA report, there is a need to understand what factors influence differences in the launch timing and availability of new drugs for patients—Poland has a relatively small number of available drugs, and the time before they become accessible is quite long. The problem is even more pronounced for oncology drugs.

Polish Pharmaceutical Market — Forecast for the Coming Years

According to projections from reports (e.g., PMR report), the value of the pharmaceutical market in Poland is expected to grow to 54 billion PLN by 2027 (an increase of nearly 11 billion PLN, or 25%).

The Growth of e-Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-health (not only e-commerce pharmacy sales but also health-related applications and online medical services) and the online sale of OTC drugs. In the coming years, we may also see the possibility of selling Rx (prescription) drugs online, with home delivery rather than just in-pharmacy pickup (source: Impact of the Pandemic on the Pharmaceutical Market).