Russian healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry are experiencing a pivotal moment. Over the past two decades, the domestic market has undergone a remarkable transformation, akin to what many nations achieve over generations. Through the influx of technology, the entry of international firms, government support initiatives, and the growth of a robust local industry, Russia has cultivated a competitive landscape. In numerous therapeutic fields, Russian patients now benefit from cutting-edge treatment protocols, and the standards of care at our leading clinics are objectively on par with international practices.
Now, amidst unprecedented upheaval, the industry stands at a critical juncture. On one hand, the external environment seems promising: national projects are underway, targets are being met, and ongoing dialogue between regulators and businesses is evident. However, a notable sense of disunity persists. The lack of cohesion among market players, regulatory hurdles that prolong the journey of drugs to patients under the state guarantee system, and the absence of standardized legal practices in public procurement for innovative medications all contribute to the limited availability of drug therapy for Russian patients.
The primary challenge today, in my view, is the absence of a unified, transparent, and shared long-term strategy with clear objectives (such as Pharma-2040 and Pharma-2050).
We often speak of achieving technological sovereignty and leading in innovation. Let's be realistic: it's unreasonable to expect to leap from elementary school to university overnight. Even the deployment of artificial intelligence cannot dramatically reduce the years required to develop, market, and integrate an original molecule into the healthcare system.
The industry needs to agree on common concepts now. To clearly fix and legislatively remove those barriers that may hinder the registration of innovations, the inclusion of drugs in the lists is delayed for years, the lists themselves are updated irregularly, and the existing pricing system does not yet allow the introduction of new models.
It is important to develop law enforcement practices to protect intellectual property rights, as this is a signal to manufacturers about the predictability of the market.
Strong companies and breakthrough technologies are created not by suppressing competitors, but by building on their own competencies and partnerships under the rule of law. The absence of rules and their enforcement poses risks to the stability of the entire system, threatening the quality and accessibility of products that the industry has achieved over the past few years.
In an effort to find strategic guidance, the industry is increasingly turning to China, which has made incredible technological strides in recent decades. However, it is important to remember the factors that contributed to this phenomenon. Beijing has been pursuing innovative leadership through pragmatic evolution rather than isolation. In the first stage, China purposefully transferred Western production facilities to its own territory, absorbing international technologies and standards. At the same time, the government invested significant resources in science and sent its best students to study at leading global and domestic universities. Only after building its own expertise based on global experience did Chinese pharmaceuticals begin to create original products.
We must cultivate our own school of biotechnological collaboration, leveraging international formats and engaging with global experts. Joint development and cooperation should take precedence over administrative measures.
Russian pharmaceutical firms have mastered generic production, adopting global best practices and GMP standards through technology transfer. Innovations are emerging, but the industry faces the challenge of transitioning from generics to original products. This requires enhancing government support, as manufacturers have noted.
It's crucial to assess the full-cycle model's limits for certain drugs. The economic and technological viability of such projects depends on markets beyond national borders.
Without foreign markets and partnerships, a full-cycle production model within Russia is less sustainable in the long run.
For these projects to thrive, they need access to international markets and technological collaborations.
In coming years, Russia aims to strengthen its position in medical innovation and set a long-term vision. A robust industry requires consistent steps. The strategy could include goals like developing a fixed number of original molecules, registering international drugs in Russia and the EAEU, forming sustainable research consortia, and training R&D and clinical professionals. Once a stable base is established, more ambitious targets can be set, from scaling exports to entering new international markets.
Creating a permanent platform, involving the state, local and international manufacturers, the scientific and medical community, and patient organizations, could be a crucial step. This initiative aims to develop proposals for a long-term strategy for industrial growth. By shifting from scattered meetings to regular dialogue, we can transform existing obstacles into opportunities for swift progress, while ensuring a balance of interests and upholding the patient's right to timely and high-quality treatment.
The pharmaceutical market is inherently global, and groundbreaking science and molecules transcend borders. Limiting export and partnership opportunities to "friendly" countries is akin to voluntarily restricting one's potential. A top-quality, innovative drug will always reach patients if the country establishes transparent and stable rules. Innovation thrives in an environment of certainty.
Healthcare is a complex arena where simple solutions are rarely found. It is a space where the interests of the state, as the primary payer, the doctor, who knows the best treatment, and the patient, who often lacks choices, intersect. In this dynamic, business, science, and government must avoid discord and focus on comprehensive solutions. It's time to openly address existing barriers and unite around a clear goal: ensuring continuous access to modern and effective medical care for all Russian citizens, regardless of the drug developer's location.
The industry requires not just short-term fixes, which can be highly effective, but also a long-term vision and stable rules. This will enable everyone to look ahead with confidence and secure a brighter future.
Now, amidst unprecedented upheaval, the industry stands at a critical juncture. On one hand, the external environment seems promising: national projects are underway, targets are being met, and ongoing dialogue between regulators and businesses is evident. However, a notable sense of disunity persists. The lack of cohesion among market players, regulatory hurdles that prolong the journey of drugs to patients under the state guarantee system, and the absence of standardized legal practices in public procurement for innovative medications all contribute to the limited availability of drug therapy for Russian patients.
The primary challenge today, in my view, is the absence of a unified, transparent, and shared long-term strategy with clear objectives (such as Pharma-2040 and Pharma-2050).
We often speak of achieving technological sovereignty and leading in innovation. Let's be realistic: it's unreasonable to expect to leap from elementary school to university overnight. Even the deployment of artificial intelligence cannot dramatically reduce the years required to develop, market, and integrate an original molecule into the healthcare system.
The industry needs to agree on common concepts now. To clearly fix and legislatively remove those barriers that may hinder the registration of innovations, the inclusion of drugs in the lists is delayed for years, the lists themselves are updated irregularly, and the existing pricing system does not yet allow the introduction of new models.
It is important to develop law enforcement practices to protect intellectual property rights, as this is a signal to manufacturers about the predictability of the market.
Strong companies and breakthrough technologies are created not by suppressing competitors, but by building on their own competencies and partnerships under the rule of law. The absence of rules and their enforcement poses risks to the stability of the entire system, threatening the quality and accessibility of products that the industry has achieved over the past few years.
In an effort to find strategic guidance, the industry is increasingly turning to China, which has made incredible technological strides in recent decades. However, it is important to remember the factors that contributed to this phenomenon. Beijing has been pursuing innovative leadership through pragmatic evolution rather than isolation. In the first stage, China purposefully transferred Western production facilities to its own territory, absorbing international technologies and standards. At the same time, the government invested significant resources in science and sent its best students to study at leading global and domestic universities. Only after building its own expertise based on global experience did Chinese pharmaceuticals begin to create original products.
We must cultivate our own school of biotechnological collaboration, leveraging international formats and engaging with global experts. Joint development and cooperation should take precedence over administrative measures.
Russian pharmaceutical firms have mastered generic production, adopting global best practices and GMP standards through technology transfer. Innovations are emerging, but the industry faces the challenge of transitioning from generics to original products. This requires enhancing government support, as manufacturers have noted.
It's crucial to assess the full-cycle model's limits for certain drugs. The economic and technological viability of such projects depends on markets beyond national borders.
Without foreign markets and partnerships, a full-cycle production model within Russia is less sustainable in the long run.
For these projects to thrive, they need access to international markets and technological collaborations.
In coming years, Russia aims to strengthen its position in medical innovation and set a long-term vision. A robust industry requires consistent steps. The strategy could include goals like developing a fixed number of original molecules, registering international drugs in Russia and the EAEU, forming sustainable research consortia, and training R&D and clinical professionals. Once a stable base is established, more ambitious targets can be set, from scaling exports to entering new international markets.
Creating a permanent platform, involving the state, local and international manufacturers, the scientific and medical community, and patient organizations, could be a crucial step. This initiative aims to develop proposals for a long-term strategy for industrial growth. By shifting from scattered meetings to regular dialogue, we can transform existing obstacles into opportunities for swift progress, while ensuring a balance of interests and upholding the patient's right to timely and high-quality treatment.
The pharmaceutical market is inherently global, and groundbreaking science and molecules transcend borders. Limiting export and partnership opportunities to "friendly" countries is akin to voluntarily restricting one's potential. A top-quality, innovative drug will always reach patients if the country establishes transparent and stable rules. Innovation thrives in an environment of certainty.
Healthcare is a complex arena where simple solutions are rarely found. It is a space where the interests of the state, as the primary payer, the doctor, who knows the best treatment, and the patient, who often lacks choices, intersect. In this dynamic, business, science, and government must avoid discord and focus on comprehensive solutions. It's time to openly address existing barriers and unite around a clear goal: ensuring continuous access to modern and effective medical care for all Russian citizens, regardless of the drug developer's location.
The industry requires not just short-term fixes, which can be highly effective, but also a long-term vision and stable rules. This will enable everyone to look ahead with confidence and secure a brighter future.
Source: Kommersant.ru