Laboratory Diagnostics (Russian Market)

2023

Sales of reagents for medical laboratories in Russia decreased by 13%, to 161.2 million packages

In 2023, sales of diagnostic reagents in Russia amounted to 161.2 million packages. This is 13.3% less compared to 2022, when the volume of sales of these products was estimated at 185.8 million units. The fall was recorded for the first time since 2019. This is stated in the BusinesStat report, published at the end of September 2024.

The study takes into account various reagents for medical laboratories. These are, in particular, reagents for biochemical, hematological, immunological, histological/cytological analysis, PCR analysis, etc. Among the leading enterprises of the industry are named FGANU "FNCIRIP named after M.P. Chumakov RAS" (Institute of Polio), FBUN Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, FGBU "N.F. Gamaleya" Ministry of Health of Russia and LLC "DNA-Technology."

In 2019, according to estimates, 62.3 million packages of reagents for medical laboratories were sold in the Russian Federation. In 2020, an increase of 17.8% was noted - to 73.4 million units, and in 2021 there was an increase of another 49.3% with a final result of 109.7 million packages. Sales jumped 69.4% in 2022.

The BusinesStat review says that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the dynamics of sales of diagnostic reagents in Russia. In addition, other studies were conducted, which are usually prescribed by doctors in both public and private medical institutions. However, their volume decreased due to a decrease in the availability of medical care in areas not related to the treatment of coronavirus. In 2022, a rush increase in demand was recorded due to the worsening geopolitical situation and the departure of some Western producers from the Russian market. For example, reagents and equipment have ceased to be supplied by companies such as Radiometer, Thermo Fisher, Beckman Coulter, Immucor. Fearing possible failures in the import of reagents to European equipment, laboratories increased purchases of Russian and Chinese-made products.^[1]

The volume of the Russian market for genetic testing services over 5 years has grown 4.4 times, reaching 6.2 billion rubles

From 2018 to 2023, the volume of the Russian market for genetic testing services increased 4.4 times, reaching 6.2 billion rubles. In the future, the industry will continue to demonstrate steady positive dynamics, as stated in a study by Smart Consult, the results of which were released on August 20, 2024.

It is noted that in 2018-2023, the demand for products for genetic testing, including software, reagents, equipment and other consumables, increased 2.7 times in monetary terms. At the same time, the most significant growth occurred in 2020-2021, that is, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then a short-term decline in demand was recorded with its subsequent stagnation. Analysts highlight several key factors contributing to the development of the market for genetic testing services in the Russian Federation:

• Initial stage of industry formation and increasing awareness of the service in Russian society;
• Growing popularity of private medicine and laboratory diagnostics;
• Increased prevalence of cancer in the country;
• Experience in the development of markets in Europe, USA, China;
• Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, prevention of aging and the development of age-dependent diseases.

According to Smart Consult analysts, the saturation of the Russian market for genetic testing services in 2023 reached 38.04%. At the same time, in some areas, low indicators are recorded: these include oncogenetics (about 1.1%) and non-invasive prenatal tests (about 3%).

According to experts from Smart Consult, the industry will continue its sustainable development and by the end of 2028 will reach a volume of 14.8 billion rubles. Thus, 2.4-fold growth in relation to 2023 can be shown.^[2]

Reduction in the volume of the Russian laboratory diagnostics market for the second year in a row (-8.73% to 413.2 million studies)

In 2023, the laboratory diagnostics market in Russia amounted to 413.2 million studies. This is 8.73% less compared to 2022, when a decline was also recorded. The negative dynamics is primarily due to a decrease in the number of procedures for detecting the coronavirus COVID-19, as stated in the materials of BusinesStat, presented at the end of June 2024.

Statistics take into account the number of studies of biomaterial (blood, urine, feces, sputum, saliva, etc.) sent to medical laboratories. Various types of analyzes are considered: biochemical, hematological, immunological, coagulological, molecular genetic, chemical microscopic and cytological. Among the significant players in the industry are named "Laboratory Gemotest," "Independent Laboratory" Invitro, "" KDL Domodedovo-Test, "" Invitro SPb, "etc.

According to BusinesStat, in 2019, 308.3 million laboratory tests were performed in Russia. In 2020 and 2021, an increase of 18.59% and 32.02% was recorded, respectively - to 365.7 million and 482.7 million. At the beginning of 2020, only state laboratories were engaged in research on COVID-19, but as the coronavirus spread and demand for testing increased, several private organizations were involved in testing. And subsequently, all laboratories that submitted an application to Rospotrebnadzor received permission to conduct research to detect coronavirus .

In 2022, due to a decrease in the incidence, the number of laboratory tests declined: the decrease on an annualized basis amounted to 6.21% - to 452.8 million. At the same time, the decline was restrained due to stable demand for "traditional" studies, such as a clinical blood test, "hospital four" (detection of antibodies to HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), etc.^[3]

Decrease in the laboratory diagnostics market by 5.5% to 246 billion rubles

In 2023, the laboratory diagnostics market in Russia amounted to approximately 246 billion rubles. This is 5.5% less compared to 2022, when the costs in the corresponding segment were estimated at 260.3 billion rubles. Thus, the industry showed a decline for the first time after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as stated in a study by the marketing agency BusinesStat, the results of which were presented on February 22, 2024.

It is noted that in 2019, before the spread of the coronavirus, about 105.4 million people used the services of medical laboratories in Russia. Against the background of COVID-19, the load on laboratories began to grow: for example, in 2020, the number of customers reached 107 million, and in 2021 - 116.9 million. In 2022, the number of laboratory diagnostics patients in Russia increased to 117.4 million people. However, then the situation began to change: the number of tests associated with the coronavirus began to decline. In addition, the work of the laboratories was complicated by the sanctions crisis: there were problems with logistics and payment for imported equipment, medical products and reagents.

𝓲

Pexels

The study says that the rapid growth in the turnover of diagnostic laboratories was observed precisely during the peak of the pandemic, when the demand for PCR tests and antibody tests was high. So, in 2020, revenue in this segment jumped on an annualized basis by 60% - to 178.1 billion rubles, and in 2021 - by another 46%, reaching 259.7 billion rubles.

As coronavirus restrictions were lifted, laboratory revenue began to decline. Nevertheless, the result shown in 2023 is 121% higher than in pre-pandemic 2019, when the market turnover amounted to 111.3 billion rubles. Analysts note that demand has shifted from covid studies to "traditional" laboratory tests, which are usually always prescribed by doctors.^[4]

2022

Imports of Chinese analyzers tripled

Deliveries of analyzers for clinical diagnostic laboratories (KDL) to Russia from abroad by the end of 2022 increased by 3.3% compared to 2021 and amounted to 6.5 thousand units. This is evidenced by data from BusinesStat analysts, which were released in early April 2023.

In 2022, the import of Chinese analyzers into the Russian Federation significantly increased and exceeded 2 thousand units (in 2021 - 472 units). At the same time, imports from Europe (primarily from Germany) noticeably sank. So, in 2022, 2.72 thousand units of analyzers for KDL were delivered to the Russian market from the EU countries, including 1.26 thousand units from Germany. For comparison, in 2021, imports from the EU countries amounted to 4.9 thousand pieces, from Germany - 3 thousand copies.

In China, a wide range of medical equipment of various price segments is produced - there are products of budget brands, and there are premium lines that are practically not inferior in quality and capabilities to Western models. It takes only time to obtain registration certificates of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the equipment that was not previously supplied from China, experts say.

According to the study, for 2018-2020. the import of laboratory analyzers to Russia increased by 33.5%: from 6.73 to 8.99 thousand units. The largest increase in supplies was noted in 2020 - by 18.2% compared to 2019. As the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads, the burden on the medical laboratory has increased significantly. For this reason, an accelerated renewal of the laboratory equipment fleet was carried out in 2020.

According to the analytical forecast, which was announced in April 2023. in the near future, imported supplies of laboratory analyzers to Russia will be reduced against the background of active development of domestic production. At the same time, the share of Chinese analyzers for KDL will continue to grow in imports.^[5]

Increase in the number of points of reception of medical tests by 57.3%

By January 2022, there were 5871 medical test points in Russia (for example, blood test, biochemistry, PCR tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus, tests for antibodies to it, etc.), which is 57.3% more than a year earlier. This is evidenced by the data of the 2GIS geoservice.

Analysts took into account laboratories and diagnostic centers that conduct research, as well as points that take tests and deliver them to laboratories.

The most significant increase in the number of medical examination points by the beginning of 2022 relative to the same period of 2019 was noted in Moscow (+ 72%), Nizhny Novgorod (+ 71%), Voronezh (+ 70%), as well as St. Petersburg and Volgograd.

In Russia, for 3 years, the number of points for receiving medical tests increased by 57%

According to the 2GIS, the largest number of reception points for medical tests in cities with a population of one million (taking into account suburban settlements) by the beginning of 2022 operate under the brands Invitro (737), Gemotest (599), KDL (215), Helix (198) and Citylab (153).

The report also states that the most significant increase in the number of medical examination points occurred in 2021 - there were 1132 more of them (in 2020 - 518, in 2019 - 488). In 2021, the average monthly number of searches for such points on maps more than doubled compared to 2019. Peaks were recorded in October 2020, June, July and October 2021.

According to a study by the analytical resource Chek Index of the OFD Platform, in January 2022, the average cost of PCR testing for coronavirus in private clinics and laboratories increased by a third compared to the same period in 2021 - to 2296 rubles. Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov instructed regional departments to check the validity of the cost of PCR tests in the constituent entities of the country.^[6]

2021

The number of users of medical services in Russia for the year increased by 9.2%

The number of users of medical laboratory services in Russia in 2021 increased by 9.2% compared to 2020 and reached 116.9 million people. This is evidenced by data from BusinesStat analysts, released at the end of April 2022.

According to the report, in 2017-2019, the number of consumers of laboratory services increased from 104.1 million to 105.4 million people. The capabilities of laboratories were constantly expanding, networks were increasing the number of branches, new types of research appeared. The only deterrent was population decline.

The number of users of medical laboratory services in Russia in 2021 increased by 9.2% compared to 2020 and reached 116.9 million people.

Analysts called the increase in the incidence of coronavirus the reason for the increase in the number of users of medical laboratory services. This led to an increase in the volume of research aimed at identifying it. In addition, in 2021, patients managed to realize the deferred demand for medical services after strict quarantine restrictions in 2020. State medical institutions have resumed the provision of routine medical care.

According to experts, the decrease in real disposable incomes of the population against the background of the aggravation of the foreign policy situation, as well as the rise in prices for analyzes due to the rise in the cost of imported diagnostic reagents and components in the context of the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions, will stop the growth of the market. Restraining the market from falling will be the high social significance of laboratory diagnostics services and a significant share of the public sector in the market. The state will ensure the stable functioning of its own laboratory service. The commercial sector will be forced to focus on maintaining an existing network of laboratories and sales offices, restructure supply chains for imported reagents, medical products, consumables and equipment, and restrain the growth of the average check as long as possible in order to maintain sales volumes.^[7]

Mishustin allocated 6 billion rubles to update 84 laboratories in clinics

On June 17, 2021, it became known about the allocation by the Government of the Russian Federation of almost 6 billion rubles for the modernization of at least 84 laboratories in medical institutions. The funds will be used to purchase equipment and an instrument base, including for the detection of rare and new infectious diseases.

The government continues to work to modernize the infectious diseases service. The experience of combating the coronavirus COVID-19] has shown how important it is to detect the infection in time and effectively, to prevent its further spread. To do this, it is necessary to continue equipping regional laboratories that carry out such work, - said Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at a government meeting (quoted by TASS Information Agency of Russia).

Mikhail Mishustin allocated 6 billion rubles to update 84 laboratories in clinics

According to him, the renewal of laboratories is an important measure to create a system that will protect people from possible risks in terms of the spread of infections.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that 17 billion rubles will be allocated to modernize the infectious diseases service in 2021. According to Golikova, the authorities will also implement measures to ensure the safety and protection of the population from external and internal threats, sanitary and epidemiological well-being. In addition, it became known that a plan of measures has been prepared to develop and strengthen the sanitary and epidemiological service, designed until 2028.

The government has already allocated more than 1 billion rubles to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from the reserve fund to provide interbudgetary transfers to the regions for equipping and re-equipping laboratories that carry out "etiological diagnostics of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 by nucleic acid amplification methods."

In addition, Mishustin allocated more than 800 million rubles to Rospotrebnadzor for the purchase of laboratory equipment for diagnosing coronavirus.^[8]

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation approved the rules for laboratory research

On June 1, 2021, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation registered an order of the Ministry of Health of Russia "On Approval of the Rules for Laboratory Research." The document will enter into force on September 1, 2021 and will be valid until September 1, 2027. Read more here.

2020: Sales of diagnostic reagents in Russia increased by 19.1%, to 77.9 million packages

In 2020, 77.9 million packages of diagnostic products were sold in Russia, which is 19.1% more than a year earlier. This is evidenced by BusinesStat data.

According to the study, for the diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, domestic and foreign companies in 2020 promptly developed test systems and actively offered them to medical laboratories. The volume of other studies decreased due to a decrease in the availability of medical care in areas not related to the treatment of COVID-19.

Diagnostic drugs can be reagents of a non-infectious direction - for biochemical, hormonal and some other types of diagnostics, usually intended for quantitative research methods, or infectious direction, for the diagnosis of infections of viral etiology or caused by microorganisms, usually applicable for qualitative methods. Diagnostic preparations include dyes for microscopic examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent reagents and polymerase chain reaction test complexes.

Sales of diagnostic reagents in Russia increased by 14.5% in 2016-2019 - from 57.1 million to 65.4 million packages. The number of laboratory tests carried out at the expense of state funding and patient funds increased by 2.8% during this period - from 272.2 million to 279.7 million. Sales of reagents grew faster, as the share of analysis complexes, various panels and checkups in the arsenal of medical laboratories increased.

In 2021, a noticeable increase in sales of diagnostic reagents is predicted in Russia - by 15.4% compared to last year, to 89.9 million packages. On the one hand, research on the detection of coronavirus will continue to be in demand. At the same time, the implementation of deferred demand for research not related to coronavirus is expected, since during the period of quarantine restrictions in 2020, the provision of planned medical care was suspended.^[9]

2019: Russian laboratory diagnostics market up 3%

According to BusinesStat estimates, 280 million laboratory tests were carried out in Russia in 2019. This market grew by 3% due to the following factors:

• equipping laboratories with new equipment;
• raising awareness of Russians about modern diagnostic methods;
• the development of new strains of bacteria and viruses;
• opening new laboratory network offices in the regions of the Russian Federation;
• the overall aging of the population.

The Russian market for laboratory diagnostics increased by 3%

Among the largest diagnostic laboratories in Russia, experts attributed (listed in alphabetical order):

• "Dialab plus Invitro SPb";
• "Invitro Samara";
• "Invitro Siberia";
• "Invitro Urals";
• "KDL Domodedovo-test";
• "KDL test";
• Laboratory "Gemotest";
• Laboratory "Litech";
• Hemodialysis Laboratory;
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Center;
• Scientific and Methodological Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics "Sitilab";
• Independent Laboratory "Invitro";
• NPF "Helix";
• Advanced Medical Technologies - Laboratory;
• Northwestern Center for Evidence-Based Medicine;
• "Citylab";
• SL Medicalgroup;
• "Tias lotus";
• Centralized Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory.

According to experts, the Russian market for laboratory diagnostics in 2020 is on the rise, which is facilitated by the pandemic. On the one hand, large-scale testing of Russians for COVID-19 is being carried out. At the same time, the explosive growth of the total market volume is not predicted, which is associated with a decrease in the number of prescribed and conducted analyzes in most areas except coronavirus due to the re-profiling of medical institutions and the introduction of a general self-isolation regime.

BusinesStat analysts believe that in 2020 there will be a change in the market structure: the emergence and growth of the share of tests for coronavirus amid a reduction in planned research in other areas. The growth of the market will occur even against the background of the crisis and the stagnation of real incomes of Russians due to the objective need to conduct laboratory tests for the correct diagnosis.^[10]

Notes