Current issue #24, 2016

Moscow trying to sell Stolichnye apteki pharmacy chain

On August 26, an acquirer of 100% of Stolichnye apteki JSC shares is to be determined. An interest on part of investors is high; however, they are mainly interested in the real estate assets. Moscow government insists that pharmacies must function in the buildings where they are currently located until 2018. There is no ultimate answer regarding what will happen to an acquirer that will not comply with this requirement. An express desire to clarify the situation indicates that this pharmacy chain is most likely to disappear from the Moscow map if no potential owner from the pharmaceutical industry transpires.

[PharmVestnik # 24, 02/08/2016, p. 1, cont’d p. 2]

Ministry of Economic Development assesses state programs

The Russian Ministry of Economic Development presented to the government a consolidated report on the implementation and efficiency of the state programs as of 2015. The ministry’s analysis was based on annual reports of the relevant agencies as well as the funds allocation information provided by the Ministry of Finance. The Development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry for 2013—2030 program was evaluated among others. For some aspects, e.g. “the responsible agency’s efficiency”, the Ministry’s of Industry and Trade index was just 25%.

[PharmVestnik # 24, 02/08/2016, p. 3]

An efficiency mirror

Russia’s regions waiting for orphan disease patients drug coverage funding

The Federal register of rare disease patients includes about 15,000 subjects, of whom more than 7,000 are children. According to experts, since 2013, the drug coverage costs associated with this patient category increased by 6 bn RUB. Far from all regions obligated to allocate funding for drug procurement can carry the burden. At the moment, it is still unclear whether a tranche from the federal government may be expected. An opportunity of allocating extra-funds was discussed at a recent government meeting under a socioeconomic agenda. It is known that the discussion centered on 20 bn RUB, of which 8 bn RUB are allegedly to be allocated for regions in order to cover orphan disease patients ...