Russian manufacturers are developing an analogue of the drug “Zepatier” from hepatitis C

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation reported that a number of Russian manufacturers are developing an analogue of the foreign drug Zepatir for hepatitis C. The ministry emphasized that the patent for this drug is valid in the country until March 2030. Earlier, Kommersant learned that the American pharmaceutical manufacturer MSD warned The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Roszdravnadzor on the termination of the supply of Zepatier to Russia.

The press service of the ministry said “Prime”that the analogue of the drug can be put into circulation in Russia after the exit of the MSD company from the market. In addition, both voluntary and compulsory licensing mechanisms can be used.

“The Government of the Russian Federation has the right, in case of emergency, to decide on the use of an invention, utility model or industrial design without the consent of the patent owner, notifying him of this as soon as possible and paying him proportionate compensation. The mechanism of compulsory licensing of medicines is an exceptional measure to provide the population with the medicines they need,” the Ministry of Industry and Trade explained.

Representatives of the pharmaceutical industry also told the agency that the drug is currently available in Russian pharmacies.

According to Kommersant, the company has already notified Russian partners about changes in trade policy, but we are not talking about an instant halt in exports. At a minimum, the decision will not affect deliveries scheduled for 2024.

“Zepatier” is one of the three most popular regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C 1, 3 and 4 genotypes in adults. Last year, its share in state-paid purchases of relevant drugs amounted to 19 percent, in the first half of 2023 – 18 percent.

Read more in the material “Kommersant” “Pharmaceutical market falls into hepatia”.

Alexander Kislov