Changing face of drug alliances

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Multinational pharmaceutical companies have enjoyed intellectual property protection, reduced tariffs and better market access after China's entry into the Word Trade Organization (WTO). Multinational companies accounted for 27 percent of the total sales and 33 percent of the total profits of the pharmaceutical industry in China last year.

After cashing in with patented drugs and high-priced strategies, many multinational companies are now getting ready to extend the lead gained in the mainstream hospitals to the grassroots level. Since 2007, many companies have started brand-building exercises at the grassroots level and are also promoting chronic disease drugs with doctor training and patient education.