Reduction in number of drugs on Russian market expected due to second extra rule

The range of drugs available in the Russian market may significantly decrease in the short term due to protectionist measures imposed by the government in regard of domestic drugs, which are purchased at state tenders.

Such a position was recently expressed by the All-Russian Union of Patients (AUP) in a letter to the national government, reports The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

In accordance with the AUP’s letter, the changes, which are currently introduced with regard to strategically important drugs, will provide preferences in government procurement for domestic drugs. According to the AUP, this will inevitably lead to an artificial monopolization of the drugmaking sector by leading domestic players and will result in the overall increase in healthcare costs.