Producers predict little growth, more competition

Many producers of pharmaceutical intermediates makers at the annual CPhI expo, held in November 2003, are expecting very little sales growth for 2003. The difficult market conditions will continue because of fewer new chemical entities being approved, and a steady increase in competition from Asian manufacturers. Bayer chemicals and Downpharma were among the few companies predicting near or double-digit sales growth in 2003 and 2004. Both the companies have attracted about 50 new projects this year, reflecting their expanded technology offerings.