Experts assessed the possibilities of parallel import of medicines to Russia

This way of solving the problem will only lead to higher prices, they say.

The theme of the existence of the Russian pharmaceutical market under sanctions became one of the main topics at the first international conference held in Moscow. In addition, the experts discussed whether parallel imports of medicines are realistic in the face of shortages and supply disruptions.

Formally, economic sanctions did not affect medicines and medical devices. However, the de facto situation has deteriorated significantly. Many pharmaceutical companies, on their own initiative, refused to register innovative drugs in the Russian Federation, and also introduced restrictions on the promotion of these vital goods, including advertising, support for educational events, social programs, etc. In addition, the sanctions seriously affected the logistics of supplies, and also affected a number of consumables, components and equipment, which have no analogues on the Russian market, and without which the production of domestic drugs was seriously affected.

Although, as noted by Vadim Kukava, Executive Director of the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies, despite logistical problems and currency volatility, foreign companies continue to supply drugs to our country. But Vilena Galkina, director of government relations at one of the Russian pharmaceutical companies, has a different point of view: “Formally, there are no sanctions against Russian pharmaceuticals. No one tells us in person that the refusals of our potential partners to work with us as an unreliable partner are connected with politics. But we understand what is behind these decisions.”

Many experts call on world powers not to impose any restrictions in the field of medicine: patients should not suffer. During the conference, the head of the Eurasian Patent Office, Grigory Ivliev, called any restrictions in the field of intellectual property and healthcare inhumane. “Pharmaceutics is not a place for sanctions. But we observe that illegitimate unilateral measures still appear,” he added.

“In the context of geopolitical tensions, it is important to determine a vector that will allow us to effectively respond to threats against providing the population with essential medicines,” said Sergei Kabyshev, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education.

In addition, experts called the parallel import of medicines not the best solution to the problems. According to Alexander Bykov, director of healthcare economics at a Russian company, parallel imports are unacceptable in the case of medicines: “Parallel imports are a time bomb. This way of solving problems will lead not only to an increase in prices, but also to an even greater formation of market defects.