Government not to extend local status for repackaged drugs
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 1, cont’d p. 5]
Russian GMP Inspectorate to “make friends” with pharmaceutical manufacturers
In mid-September, manufacturers, regulators as well as other parties concerned met in Yaroslavl within the framework of the 1st All-Russia’s GMP conference. According to the conference lead organizer Vladislav Shestakov, Director of FBI State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices, this way the GMP ideology started evolving in the country. However, the largest Russian and foreign manufacturers are well aware about the good manufacturing practices. Thus, it was rather a presentation of the Russian GMP Inspectorate and its attempt to establish relationships with pharmaceutical companies.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 2]
Sample not for sale
Rostech not to get rid of Sintez’ shares
According to Rambler – RNC, within the next two weeks, Natsimbio, a Rostech company, will make a decision on selling an equity stake of Sintez, a Kurgan-based pharmaceutical plant. Natsimbio representatives denied this information and stated that, on the contrary, the company intended to develop this asset. PharmVestnik tried to make out whether there were any grounds for such rumors.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 3]
Goods on their way
The market getting ready for GDP implementation
The Russian GDP Code developed on the basis of a similar Eurasian document is not the best project. A relevant order has been drafted for more than a year and nonetheless was negative in terms of the regulatory impact assessment. It is still unknown when it may become effective. In early September, market players started being worried about potentially too tough regulations. Besides, PharmVestnik was informed that the issuance of wholesale trade licenses was terminated. The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare and Social Development refuted this information.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 4]
Pharmaceutical manufacturers consider incidental sea water import ban by government
RNC Pharma analyzed potential effects of a ban on cooking salt and sea water imports to Russia. The experts stated that, as a minimum, three foreign companies and one Russian manufacturer were in the risk group. To remind: from November 1st, 2016, commodity sub-item 250100 that constitutes the framework for sea water and sea water-based product imports to Russia will be entered into the Import Restriction List.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 4]
Experts forecast inbound health tourism rate growth
Against the background of the Russians’ overall concern about the quality of and access to the domestic healthcare services, experts have mixed emotions regarding the MoH’s plans to actively develop health tourism. On the one hand, this encourages optimism: the more foreigners the higher medical services quality. On the other hand, this sets them wondering. According to the latest data by Rosstat, Auditing Chamber, and Zdorovie (Health) Foundation, there is still shortage of healthcare cadres; healthcare computerization issues have not been resolved so far; and medical services quality still attracts a lot of criticism. Nonetheless, there is a trend demonstrating the foreigners’ interest to the Russian medicine. At the same time, it turned out that the figures provided by the relevant agencies and organizations differ a lot. PharmVestnik found out why.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 6]
HIV infection drug procurement to be centralized
In November, the Russian MoH will be receiving HIV drug applications for the treatment of HIV, HBV, and HCV infected patients from sub-Federal entities. This information was released at the press conference within the framework of the 1st All-Russia’s GMP conference by Elena Maksimkina, Director of the Department for Drug Provision and Medical Device Circulation Regulation under the MoH. However, a document changing the HIV drug procurement regulations currently in effect is nonexistent so far.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 7]
Molecular genetic technologies help fighting cancer
Oncologic diseases still rank second among mortality factors following cardiovascular disorders. The cells of each tumor possess a unique set of mutations correlated with typical cancer-specific markers. Based on these markers, oncologists have learned to diagnose and treat cancer with molecular precision making therapy personalized as much as possible.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 8]
Done with the Board
36.6 Pharmacy Chain announced Board members, short-term plans, and debts, both their own and third-parties’
In late September, OJSC 36.6 Pharmacy Chain held a press conference dedicated to the Board members voting. Besides, a lot of other interesting information was released.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 8]
Many healthcare computerization issues are ignored
Mikhail Elyanov on IHIS development barriers
The contemporary history of the Russian healthcare computerization dates back to 2010 when the Integrated Healthcare Information System (IHIS) development concept was approved, and about 30 bn RUB were allocated to this end from the state budget. In April 2015, an IHIS development roadmap was adopted, with the MoH earmarking additional 700 mn RUB. In June 2016, the Russian Auditing Chamber published its findings on this project implementation progress: the auditors are sure that the funds have been spent without proper legal ground. PharmVestnik interviewed Mikhail ELYANOV, President of the Medical Information Technology Development Association, on what has been torpedoing healthcare computerization.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 9]
Report on hair care product sales at pharmacies as of June 2016
The Russian pharmacy segment selling hair care products faces hard times. As cosmetic and hygienic products are not vital, consumers tend to save on them in favor of more important goods. Thus, over the past three years, the hair care market shrank by 0.1% in value terms and 22.8% in real terms. In terms of sales, it amounted to 5.05 bn RUB and 15.9 mn packs over the period of July 2015 to June 2016.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, pp. 12-13]
Drug state bidding sector report, H116
This report may offer certain grounds for optimism in respect of the Russian pharma market, at least in respect of the bidding winners.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, pp. 14-15]
Regional chain retailers structure, H116
Despite the inflationary pressures, large-scale consolidation is still underway in the pharmacy chain sector. Whereas before we saw large-scale M&A deals that used to change the top retailer rankings, currently the focus is on targeted local acquisitions. By the way, not only well-known M&A heavy-hitters but also companies that traditionally prefer an organic growth are currently after acquisitions.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, pp. 18-19]
Health economics for fun
How subsidies protect local manufacturers against competition
Since the beginning of the year, Armavir Biofactory’s sales increased by 30%. According to the factory management, this is due to the import substitution program, product line extension, and competitive advantage at low prices. PharmVestnik tried to make out whether that was true.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 20]
Kazakhstan drafts a hepatitis C patient register
Hepatic disorders rank first in Kazakhstan as mortality factors among diseases of the digestive system (73.0 per 100,000 population in 2013, and 73.5 in 2014). Hepatitis C was on top of the agenda of the conference that attracted participation of lead specialists of the Republican Hepatic Center (Astana), leaders of a relevant patient advocacy association, and the media.
[PharmVestnik # 30, 27/09/2016, p. 21]
