Emerging
Asia-Pacific countries show the highest growth at 15%, compared to 2% in the
U.S. and Europe. BRIC countries remain a 'wild card.'
Life-sciences
industry growth is expanding domestically and overseas. For instance, according
to an early April announcement by San Francisco-based Burrill & Company,
new initiatives focused on funding translational research that is, converting
discoveries in the lab to clinical interventions directly benefiting human
health and early-stage companies have brought together public and private
sectors, particularly with the goal of building life-sciences centers in
specific locations.
In
all, Burrill & Company identified
more than $2.6 billion in expected funding through nine initiatives announced
since the end of February, the company's release says. One notable joint
venture is the $760-million partnership between Russian Federation-owned and
Moscow-based Rusnano, and Princeton, NJ-based venture capital firm Domain Associates LLC. Through that,
technology will find its way to Russia, while the joint venture will provide
funding to 20 U.S.-based firms.
As for
overall life-sciences growth, data suggest a continued growth of mid-single
digits, says Jamie Hintlian, pharma vice president for Aspen Technology Inc.. However, we must
differentiate the regulated markets that is, Europe and North America which
will grow at 2 percent or so; and the emerging markets, namely APAC
[Asia-Pacific countries] at 15 percent. But as Hintlian notes, The wild card is
the BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China where investments in market
development and infrastructure are starting to pick up steam.
Hintlian
mentions two sector challenges. One is the continued rise of biologics and need
for manufacturing capacity and expertise. Another he notes, which is perhaps
good news for the healthcare consumer, but a challenge to the sector, is the
continued increase in generics share. Interestingly, the generics manufacturers
invest in branded medicines in pursuit of higher-margin offerings.
Article
provided by C. Kenna Amos, an
Automation World Contributing Editor.
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