Nordic pharmaceutical market growth during February–July 2008 was approximately 3%, varying between -1% in Norway and 7% in Finland. A contributing factor to the modest growth is the increase in legislative measures to restrict the growth of pharmaceutical costs.

In Estonia and Latvia the growth continued at a double digit rate. The Baltic markets are characterised by high inflation and an overall weak economic outlook. Pharmaceutical consumption is still below the EU average, and the legislative environment regarding pharmaceuticals is still developing.

The market growth was unchanged in Poland compared to the corresponding period last year.