Import substitution leads to growth of drug manufacturing in Russia

According to Rosstat, in 2017, the output of medicines was 12.3% higher than in 2016. The drugs for the treatment of nervous system accounted for the largest share in the output of pharmaceutical companies (about 1 billion packages), while the highest growth was reported in the segment of medicines for sense organ diseases. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade said that output growth was facilitated by state support to Russian manufacturers.

In the past year, the output of medicines for sense organ diseases (including eye and ear diseases) increased by 31.8%. The second highest growth was reported in the segment of hormonal drugs (12.2%), followed by the medicines affecting nervous (12%) and circulatory systems (11.2%).

Overall, for the year, the largest output was registered in the segment of drugs for the treatment of neurological diseases (983 million trade units, including packages, ampoules, vials). The top three positions also include medicines for the treatment of digestive tract and metabolism disorders (648.8 million trade units), and cardiovascular diseases (588.5 million units).

The Ministry of Industry and Trade added that the growth of “Russian pharmaceutical market and increase of import substitution” were driven by a set of measures of state support for domestic manufacturers, and the attractiveness of the industry for private investors “due to its innovation.”