Historical Developments of Bosnia and Herzegovina Pharmaceutical Industry – the Past and the Future Perspectives of Domestic Manufacturing

BACKGROUND: History of pharmaceutical industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) has its roots from 1951. Importance of domestic industry not just from economical aspect but also from public health perspective and as scientific base has not been evaluated previously. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to provide the review of the pharmaceutical industry developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its roots, current position and future perspectives.. METHODS: Research of published scientific papers as well other documents and archives of pharmaceutical manufacturers has been conducted. We have also analysed market trends focusing on domestic producers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Over more than seventy years of B&H pharmaceutical industry has been developing. During Yugoslavia only two companies existed of which one, Bosnalijek is still present, while Sanofarm has been closed. After 1996, expansion of domestic manufacturers started and today six companies are present. They are mainly oriented to generic drugs production in different forms. Total market share of domestic producers in B&H is 20-25% which is relatively low comparing to other countries. Many of domestic manufacturers are exporting their products to some of the most demanding markets in Europe and Middle East. CONCLUSION: Long history of domestic drug manufacturers in B&H gives solid legacy for future developments. Importance of local producers has been confirmed during war in B&H and COVID-19 pandemic as a crisis situation, mainly from public health perspective and sustainable supply of essential medicines. Higher support by state and collaboration with academia in order to expand portfolio, especially in area of biologic medicines is required in future.