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Britain’s
Pharmaceutical
Industry, like its petroleum industry, is one which possesses a
national comparative advantage both technologically and in the
balance of overseas trade; yet it is not easy to delineate. Until
quite recently, some member companies also made ranges of
different products such as foodstuffs, household goods and heavy chemicals. Moreover, many producers in the UK are subsidiaries of
overseas pharmaceutical corporations. Even so, the companies
involved do form a recognisable industry, competing among
themselves in the field of high-technology health care.
The outlines of such an industry began to emerge in the 1930s but
became far more distinct after 1948 when the
National Health
Service (NHS) was set up. Official policies of actively
encouraging the technological leaders – foreign as well as British
– at the expense of the less adventurous followers, through its
pricing and clinical testing rules for prescription drugs, allowed
those comparative advantages to be built up. Vigorous competition
flourishes also in marketing and in distribution to retail
chemists
and to other outlets for both ethical drugs and ‘over the counter’
remedies.
This article outlines some of the principal changes that have
taken place from 1851 onwards in the systems of manufacture and
distribution of these medicines. It also addresses the question of
how and why the transformation occurred from low- to high2
technology production, from small to large scale, and from
dependence on imports of advanced drugs to a high degree of
self-sufficiency at home.
Lancaster’s Summary
Pharma Mix combines pharmaceutical experience with cutting edge
new media technology to produce creative, cost-effective solutions
for pharmaceutical brands.
Online advisory boards to shape strategy
Interactive and "sticky" patient and healthcare
professional websites
Meeting organisation using online technologies
delivering professional events
International webconferencing for medical events
Market Access tools for European market entry
Cost effectiveness combines with professionalism, delivery and
creativity to ensure that Pharma Mix projects always make you
smile.
We are an independent, full service medical communications agency
that strives to amaze clients whether within the pharmaceutical
industry, professional bodies or clinical institutions.
We specialise in developing integrated communications programmes
designed to support your branded products and professional service
programmes
We target, communicate with and influence your key customer
groups, both face to face and through the use of innovative new
media solutions
We help develop and manage your key selling messages - from
creation and endorsement through to delivery
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Quality
