Low-cost branded drugs are the main agents of market growth, transforming packaging, manufacturing, and supply mechanisms to address the increased demand for low-cost, quality drugs.

A major change is afoot in the pharmaceutical industry with the emergence of the private label medicine that is gaining a client base among the more economically conscious customers. A former niche segment, today the share of private label pharmaceuticals has increased as a good alternative at a reasonable cost, yet still with the benefits of quality and easy access.

These medicines are generally branded by a retailer or distributor and are changing the face of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Packaging is one great domain of influence. To accommodate the special needs of the private label pharmaceutical industry, packaging providers are changing their strategies to incorporate the specific design needs of the pharmaceutical industry, creating tailor-made and distinctive designs that create brand recognition and yet meet high regulatory requirements.

This change is not only affecting the mechanics of packaging and marketing the pharmaceuticals but also the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceuticals. This drive into affordability, quality, and brand differentiation is relegating pharmaceutical companies, as well as packaging companies to review their business to make it much more efficient and consumer-catching.

As the rise of private labels in no way is likely to decrease, the impact of the phenomenon is likely to produce a long-lasting effect in the industry, ranging, among others, in supply chain logistics and retail presentation.