Equation with unknowns
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 1, cont’d p. 5]
Public pharmacy associations still effective
Over the past 2 years, the Russian pharmaceutical retail sector has seen the emergence of several associations aimed at boosting pharmacy profits. This is quite logical as all of them have come across a serious external threat, i.e. the economic recession. It might have seemed that traditional lobbyist organizations have paled into insignificance. However, this impression is wrong, although their activities do raise certain questions.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 2]
Through hardships to… enforcement
FAS pushing enforced licensing once again
Six months after the notification about the start of the development of an enforced licensing regulation, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), without posting a draft document at the information disclosure website, presented it at a Russian Lawyer Association meeting. The pharma market met the return to this initiative with a mixed reception.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 4]
Biotics Medical Research & Production Complex marks 25th anniversary
Biotics MRPC CEO Yaroslav NARTSISSOV informed PharmVestnik about the company’s contribution into Russia’s contemporary history as well as about promotion of proprietary innovative drugs abroad.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 6]
SIA International escapes bankruptcy without extra funding
A year ago, the Russian pharma market players actively discussed the situation with SIA, Russia’s largest distributor. It looked like bankruptcy was inevitable. All of a sudden, a new shareholder has transpired that has brought along a new management team. A year after that, the distributor’s top management states that bankruptcy has been avoided; however, there is a lot of work ahead.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 7]
Their own truth
Private medicine wants more from compulsory medical insurance system
Against the background of the Russian Health Ministry’s statements that the share of private medical organizations operating within the framework of the government guarantees has been steadily growing, the recent statement by the All-Russia People’s Front (ARPF) sounds quite intriguing. ARPF experts are sure that half of the websites and call centers of Moscow private medical organizations that they have surveyed conceal their participation in the compulsory medical insurance program or, to be more precise, try not to publicize it. PharmVestnik investigates the reasons for such approach.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 8]
SIA International consolidates its hold in pharmaceutical retail
According to AlphaRM, SIA International’s pharmacy chain has already been granted licenses for pharmaceutical activities for nearly 60 addresses in Moscow federal city and Moscow region. According to RNC Pharma, as of the late July, shipments were made to 28 pharmacies. SIA’s pharmacies mostly operate in close proximity to X5 Retail Group’s stores.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 10]
MoH to check drug identity with mobile phones
Russia’s Health Minister Veronica Skvortsova is set to win the ultimate victory over counterfeit drugs. She proposed to implement the drug marking that would provide for the drug traceability with mobile phones on their way from the manufacturer to the customer as well as for the counterfeit drug share neutralization. Minister Skvortsova went on to say that the MoH’s ultimate purpose was to turn the current counterfeit drug share of 0.01 % into 0.00 %. However, experts surveyed by PharmVestnik believe that, if being implemented, this initiative may come across a number of obstacles.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 11]
Cumulative rating of Russian pharmaceutical distributors, H116
Judging by the public overreaction to the distributor rating publications at PharmVestnik website, it is the wholesale sector where the competition is especially tough in 2016. Previously, as a rule, it was in the aggravation periods that coincided with the Russian economic crises that both the readers and the rating participants put under a microscope the ranking changes, sales values as well as other rated parameters. Experience has shown that finally both close attention and positive criticism result in the rating reliability increase, which is IMS Health’s main objective.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, pp. 12-13]
Trust but verify
Pharma companies’ advertising activity, H116
The ethical aspects of advertising health products present an issue that has been continuously discussed at different levels. The opinions about potential solutions are poles apart ranging from a complete ban on such products advertising via any channels to advocating drug and dietary supplement promotion support in all ways possible. The latter opinion is more characteristics for commercial organizations for which drug and supplement sales are part of their earnings, while the former is typical of the professional medical community. In his recent dialogue with the media, Premier Dmitry Medvedev said that such advertising shall be based upon the expert council opinion as there are cases when the advertised goods fail to produce the effect promised.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, pp. 14-15]
Tip of the iceberg
Sales by TOP15 pharmaceutical companies in Kazakhstan
It looks like August is traditionally the month of economic shocks in the FSU countries. Kazakhstan is true to this “tradition”. A year ago, on August 20th, 2015, the Kazakhstan tenge was liberalized. In just one day, the KZT/USD exchange rate changed from 197.28 to 257. Quite naturally, the pharmaceutical market was affected together with all other sectors. This IMS Health report portrays the after-effects on the example of the TOP15 pharma companies.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 17]
Certificates and counterfeits
Within the framework of the 2nd Eastern Economic Forum, on September 2nd, there was a discussion of the initial results of operating under the “odd-man-out” regulation. In less than a year after this regulation has come into force, the regulators have been faced with a number of questions, e.g. whether the packaging is one of the local product criteria, how forged certificates may be avoided in the e-bidding course, and what needs to be done with mixed lots. The debates on the above issues involved the regulatory agencies, Association of Russian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and pharma companies.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 18]
Recession not in the way
On September 8th, Ekaterinburg pharmacy chain “Zhivika” opened its 200th pharmacy. According to the company management, the number of pharmacies is to reach 300 in 2018, after which expansion to neighboring regions is to start. The growing competition stimulates the company to develop faster.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 19]
Novosibirsk Pharmacy Chain to launch a Center of Excellence
The municipal Novosibirsk Pharmacy Chain develops a related business, i.e. professional medical consultancy services. Whereas before they were available at pharmacies, this fall the company plans to open its first Center of Excellence with a wide range of medical specialties.
[PharmVestnik # 28, 13/09/2016, p. 19]
