Current issue #15, 2016

Foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers developed a Code of Good Practices

In April 2016, a Code of Good Practices for the pharmaceutical industry came into force; the code was co-developed by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) and Association of European Businesses (AEB). Now the association members may be willing to join this document and thus protect themselves against conflicts with their counterparties. In essence, this code is a “side effect” of lengthy court proceedings between Israeli manufacturer Teva and Russian distributor Biotec. However, this document embraces not only manufacturer—distributor relationships but also other aspects of the pharma business.

[PharmVestnik # 15, 26/04/2016, p. 1, cont'd p. 4]

FAS considers mandatory licensing to be last resort

In mid-April, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Federal Antimonopoly Service, and legal firm VEGAS LEX held a meeting in order to discuss the prospects of implementing mandatory licensing. The FAS snatched at the opportunity to explain that they did not consider mandatory licensing the main tool for increasing drug affordability and availability.

[PharmVestnik # 15, 26/04/2016, p. 2]

Experts advise to take care when splitting companies operating in Russia into local and foreign

Local manufacturers become increasingly active when claiming their rights to special preferences. The status of a “Russian” (local) manufacturer grows into a powerful reason in the struggle for a market share. However, while striving to win as influential patron as the government, businesses forget that foreign companies that have passed the entire localization path are as legitimate claimants upon all kinds of preferences as themselves. This point was brought to light, among other things, by leaders of the relevant associations who advocated the interests of the localized market players when speaking at a joint meeting of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs commissions for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

[PharmVestnik # 15, 26/04/2016, p. 3]

Main pharma industry awards presented

On April 21, the results of the 16^th Annual All-Russia Open Contest “Platinum Ounce” were summarized. Justice was done to the most promising ideas, best practices implemented, performance of business models etc.

[PharmVestnik # 15, 26/04/2016, p. 5]

Health Minister reports successes as of 2015

On April 20, a closing collegium of the Ministry of Health was held that discussed the achiev...