Strategic Analysis of the Kenyan Hypertension Markets

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of the Kenyan Hypertension Markets provides an overview of the Kenyan Healthcare Industry in the context of antihypertensive drugs as divided between the classes of drugs. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine key industry challenges, drivers, restraints, and trends; growth forecasts of this market; and provide key observations and recommendations.

Lifestyle Changes Increasing the Prevalence of Hypertension

Lifestyle changes are the main cause for the increase in the number of hypertension cases in Kenya. The rise of the middle class and drastic changes in their lifestyle has led to a sharp increase in the number of cases recorded in the past few years. At the same time, many more can seek treatment now than in the past because of better access to healthcare services and health insurance from their workplaces. A combination of these factors is expected to improve opportunities in the Kenyan hypertension market.

However, the increasing entry of generic drug manufacturing firms is diluting the market share of the big pharmaceutical companies as generic manufacturers are offering high volumes of anti-hypertensive drugs at low prices. "Since generic drug producing firms only have to register the drug (mainly) and not test the drug, many of these drugs are brought into the market in a short span of time," notes the analyst of this research service. "Moreover, the government is seen to favour generic producers because of their lower prices."

ACE Inhibitors Dominate Market

ACE inhibitors are the most commonly used active ingredient because their low prices go well with the high demand. While public hospitals normally offer ACE inhibitors and diuretics because they are cheaper, diuretics and centrally acting anti-hypertensive drugs are not produced by the market leaders due to profitability issues. There is also a growing trend towards calcium channel blockers, which are found to be highly effective. However, Beta Blockers are becoming obsolete.

Overall, the Kenyan hypertension market earned revenues of $24.0 million in 2006 and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5 per cent from 2006 to 2012. "While close to 80 percent of the anti-hypersensitive drugs used in Kenya are currently imported, there is a gradual shift towards local production due to the cost advantages," says the analyst. "The local production of the drugs is mainly controlled by Asian generic drug manufacturers with multi-nationals accounting for a very small portion."