[Cost reductions and their effects on drug research].

There are numerous reasons for the decline in pharmaceutical R and D in Germany. To mention the most important: inadequate public sponsoring of R and D activities and the late onset of biotechnology support. Cost containment in drug spending is also a major hurdle for R and D investments. An overview for the time span from 1992 to 2001, initiated by the OECD organization, reveals that average price increases for drugs in Germany are at their lowest levels as compared to other markets such as Canada, the USA, Australia and the remaining European markets. In addition, R and D productivity has, in general, decreased. Independent of locations and despite the use of new technologies, it has even worsened. This situation has not changed through the introduction of biotech products. For Germany, it is recommended to increase the investment in R and D, in order to reduce bureaucratic overheads and to better estimate innovation.