Forecasting Health: How Seasons Impact Pharmaceutical Demand

Seasons and the Pharmaceutical Industry

During summer, demand rises for air conditioners, ice creams, and sodas; in winter, the need for warmer clothing increases; and during the monsoons, umbrellas become more sought after. However, the impact of seasonal changes extends beyond these industries. The pharmaceutical sector also experiences seasonal shifts in demand. Notably, there is an uptick in demand for respiratory, anti-malarial, anti-infective, and therapeutic pharmaceuticals, with the monsoon season serving as a key driver of this increase.

Let’s look at some Numbers

According to a report by the market research firm Pharmatrack, there was a 200% increase in the market for Poractant Alfa usage in July. The report also noted that the surge in demand for anti-asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) products was a key driver of growth in the respiratory market. Similarly, the rise in respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and skin infections during the season likely contributed to the double-digit growth in the anti-infective segment, which includes anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-TB products. The anti-malarial category experienced the highest growth in July at 13.9%, followed by a 12.8% increase in the anti-infective segment, and a 10.5% growth in respiratory drugs. The double-digit growth in therapies for seasonal diseases has played a significant role in boosting the Indian pharmaceutical market.

Summers are the season for Oral electrolytes along with the monsoons and so there has also been a significant growth in this segment.

What’s the Takeaway?

Pharmaceutical demand is heavily influenced by seasonal and climatic conditions. During summer, particularly in regions with extreme heat, dehydration becomes common, along with food poisoning due to food spoilage, as well as eye infections and skin issues. In winter, ailments like the common cold, pneumonia, and sore throats are prevalent. Consequently, the demand for pharmaceuticals varies from season to season. Understanding and predicting these seasonal changes in demand can greatly assist pharmaceutical professionals in meeting increased needs and boosting sales. With the ongoing climate changes, it has become increasingly important to anticipate how seasonal shifts will affect the demand for pharmaceutical products. As extreme weather conditions become more common, people are more susceptible to infections. Accurately forecasting the demand for medicines to address these seasonal illnesses can significantly benefit the pharmaceutical industry.

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