Drug production in Russia

Pharmaceutical market of Russia

Main article: Pharmaceutical market of Russia

2025

In the Amur region for ₽400 million launched an enterprise for the production of larch extracts for drugs and cosmetics

In August 2025, the Amur Region put into operation a new plant for the production of larch extracts worth more than ₽400 million. Ametis has opened a high-tech workshop for the production of dihydroquercetin and arabinogalactan in the territory of the advanced development of Amurskaya. Read more here

In the Saratov region for ₽4,5 billion launched a plant for the production of zinc oxide for pharmaceuticals

In July 2025, a zinc oxide plant worth ₽4,5 billion was commissioned in Balakovo, Saratov Region. The project is being implemented by Ecocinc. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, drying and protective properties. Read more here.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the creation of the Big Serpukhov SEZ, which will specialize in the production of medical devices

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree of March 7, 2025 on the creation of a special economic zone (SEZ) of the industrial and production type "Big Serpukhov." It will be located on the territory of the urban district of Serpukhov, Moscow Region. Read more here.

The first frozen starter plant for the pharmaceutical industry in Russia has been launched

In February 2025, the first production of cryogranulated starter cultures in Russia was launched. This project was implemented by the Green Lines company (part of the Soyuzsnab group), investments in it amounted to ₽500 million. Read more here.

2024

In Russia, sales of microbiological nutrient media that are needed for the production of drugs increased by 17% over the year to 1290 tons.

Sales of microbiological nutrient media in Russia amounted to 1.29 thousand tons in 2024. Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the figure increased by 17%. This is evidenced by data from the analytical company BusinesStat, released in October 2025.

In 2020, sales of microbiological nutrient media were at around 1.10 thousand tons. In 2021, the volume of sales increased by 5% and reached 1.16 thousand tons. The maximum growth was recorded in 2022 - the figure increased by 27% and amounted to 1.47 thousand tons.

In 2023, the market adjusted by 12%, the volume of sales decreased to 1.29 thousand tons. In 2024, the indicator remained at the level of 1.29 thousand tons without significant changes compared to the previous 2023.

Leading manufacturers of microbiological culture media in the Russian market:

• FBUN "Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor";
• FSBI "NITSEM named after N.F. Gamalei";
• LLC "Minimed";
• FBUN "SSC PMB";
• LLC Ecolab"."

The demand for nutrient media is formed mainly in laboratory diagnostics and the pharmaceutical industry. The increase in the number of studies and the expansion of quality control in the production of medicines and biologics support a stable demand for these products.

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly accelerated the development of the market. The need for laboratories in nutrient media has increased, which stimulated the localization of production in Russia.

In the post-pandemic period, several factors determined the market dynamics. There was a decrease in purchases of imported nutrient media. The rise in the cost of imported products led to a reorientation of consumers in favor of Russian and Asian suppliers. Government orders supported this trend.

After adjusting demand as the epidemiological situation stabilizes, the market began to recover. The increase in domestic production capacity contributed to the growth of supply. The list of studies in clinics has expanded. Rapid and remote diagnostics technologies have spread.^[1]

3252 new pharmaceutical companies registered in Russia for the year

In 2024, 3252 new companies were registered on the Russian pharmaceutical market. For comparison, a year earlier, 3300 new enterprises appeared in this area, and in 2022 - 3455. In general, the number of registrations of such organizations in Russia has been declining for ten years in a row. This is evidenced by the data of the service for checking Rusprofile counterparties, published in mid-September 2025.

According to the Kommersant newspaper, referring to Rusprofile statistics, during January-August 2025, about 1.9 thousand enterprises engaged in the pharmaceutical business were registered in Russia. This is 10% less compared to the same period of the previous year. The figures presented cover companies for which the main activity is declared the production of drugs, retail and wholesale trade in them, the work of agents in the field of wholesale pharmaceutical products and the collection of medicinal plants.

A decrease in the rate of registration of new companies is observed in all segments of the pharmaceutical industry. In particular, during January-August 2025, 63 pharmaceutical manufacturers appeared in Russia, while 90 of them were registered in the same period of 2024. The number of registrations of pharmacy organizations on an annualized basis decreased from 662 to 601. The wholesale segment added 1.1 thousand companies against 1.21 thousand a year earlier. Wholesale agents increased by 138, while in 2024 - by 147.

Experts attribute the observed trend to the consolidation of the industry. Elena Vatutina, general director of the Pharmnanie platform, notes that it is difficult for new companies to compete with large players who have long entrenched in the market. At the same time, the retail segment is actually fully occupied by federal and regional networks, while the wholesale distribution sector is controlled by several large structures.^[2]

Growth in total revenue of Russian pharmaceutical manufacturers by 20% to ₽834 billion

The total revenue of Russian pharmaceutical manufacturers in 2024 increased to ₽834 billion, which corresponds to an increase of 20% compared to 2023. This is evidenced by the data of the study of the service "Kontur. Focus," published in early June 2025. The analysis includes companies working in the production of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

According to analysts, in 2023, the total revenue of the industry was ₽694 billion. In 2022, this figure was at the level of ₽660 billion. Revenue growth in 2023 was 5.2%, and accelerated to 20% in 2024.

The total revenue of Russian pharmaceutical manufacturers for the year increased to ₽834 billion

A significant part of the increase in revenue is due to industry inflation. According to the DSM Group, the total volume of the Russian pharmaceutical market in 2024 amounted to ₽2,85 trillion. Russian companies occupy about a quarter of it.

For three years, the Russian pharmaceutical industry has grown both in terms of the number of players and in terms of total revenue. The study sample includes projects that operate under several OKVEDs, denoting pharmaceutical activities.

The number of registered enterprises in the pharmaceutical industry in Russia increased by almost 1.5% and reached 1,903 thousand companies. The largest number of registrations occurred in 2023 - the industry was replenished with 47 new pharmaceutical manufacturers.

In 2022, 42 new market participants opened a business, the same in 2024. From January to May 2025, another 28 players were registered. In 2022, 38 manufacturers closed their businesses in the pharmaceutical industry - the largest number in the last three years.

In 2022, a number of foreign pharmaceutical companies left the Russian market, although Western sanctions did not imply a ban on doing their business in Russia. This caused concern of the government and patient organizations for the range of drugs on the Russian market.^[3]

15 pharmaceutical companies with the highest revenue growth rates

The revenue of the 15 leading pharmaceutical companies, which showed the highest growth rates in the Russian retail market, increased from 57% to 144% in 2024. Such data are contained in the rating published in April 2025 by the analytical company RNC Pharma. The leading positions in the list were taken by Russian manufacturers.

According to the company, in 2024, the share of TOR-100 corporations in terms of ruble sales accounted for more than 86% of the retail pharmaceutical market in Russia. In total, products of more than 830 corporations were present on the market, which is six positions more compared to 2023.

Among the leaders in sales dynamics, the first place was taken by Geropharm, whose sales increased 2.4 times. In the retail market, the corporation is represented by 17 brands, but the main growth driver was the drug Semavik (semaglutide), which went on sale at the end of 2023. At the end of 2024, the cost of it in retail amounted to more than ₽6,3 billion.

The second position in the ranking was taken by the Russian company Promomed with sales growth of 78%. The company's portfolio in the retail segment includes 134 brands. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues: Quincent and Enligria, which entered the market in 2023, played a key role in sales growth.

Another Russian company Velpharm closes the top three with sales growth of 57%. In the retail segment, the manufacturer has 128 brands, most of which showed double-digit sales growth.

Among foreign pharmaceutical companies, Yadran (+ 52%) became the leader in terms of growth dynamics in 2024. The company's success was largely driven by sales of acne drug Aknekutan, which saw sales rise 82%.

Of the companies included in the growth dynamics TOR-15, the largest number of brands in pharmaceutical retail are represented by Pharmasintez - 187 brands. Over the year, the volume of sales of the manufacturer's products increased by 42%. Biocodex has the least number of products among the fastest growing companies - 5 brands, while all of them, with the exception of Otipax, showed twofold sales growth.^[4]

17.8% increase in drug production to ₽844,3 billion (RNC Pharma data)

In February 2025, the results of the production of drugs in Russia for 2024 became known. According to RNC Pharma, the volume of production of finished drugs for the year amounted to ₽844,3 billion, which is 17.8% more than in 2023. Production in natural units reached 4.12 billion packages, which is equivalent to 83 billion minimum dosage units (MED).

According to Pharmaceutical Bulletin, in December 2024, the volume of drug production amounted to ₽90,5 billion, which is 33.5% more than in December 2023. At the same time, the total production of drugs in natural units showed a decrease: compared to 2023, the volume of drugs in packages decreased by 1.2%.

Drug production in Russia increased by 17.8% over the year and reached ₽844,3 billion

During 2024, Russian pharmaceutical enterprises ensured stable production volumes. The largest decline in the production of drugs was recorded in March, when the volume decreased by 7.3% year-on-year, and the maximum growth occurred in July and amounted to 15.5%.

The total number of manufacturers producing medicines in 2024 reached 462 companies, which is 15 more than in 2023. The production of prescription drugs increased by 4.1% in packages, while the production of over-the-counter drugs decreased by 2.2%. At the end of the year, the share of prescription drugs in the total production reached 49.3%.

Ozone Pharmaceuticals remains the leader among manufacturers of prescription drugs, providing more than 10% of total production. The top three manufacturers also included Binnopharm (5.2%) and Pharmasintez (4.5%). However, Binnopharm reduced production by 6.7% in packages.

In 2024, Azithromycin became one of the most popular prescription drugs, the volume of production of which increased by 53.5%. The main suppliers of this medicine were Ozone and Velpharm. Production of Azithromycin at the Ozone plants almost tripled, and Velpharm resumed production of this drug after no shipments in 2023.^[5]

Drug production growth by 18% (Rosstat data)

The Federal State Statistics Service in early February 2025 published data on the growth in the production of medicines and medical materials in Russia. In 2024, the figure increased by 18% compared to 2023. According to the ministry, in December, production increased by 34.7%, which became one of the most significant monthly growth during the reporting period.

According to TASS, in 2024, 540 new names of medicines appeared on the Russian pharmaceutical market with a total volume of 52.1 million packages. During this period, 61 new international non-proprietary names were introduced with a production volume of 3.6 million packages.

Drug production in Russia increased by 18% over the year

According to the Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies, 36 of the new international non-proprietary names were imported, and 24 were produced in Russia. One drug was produced both in the country and supplied from abroad.

Yegor Zhavoronkov, head of the department for work with socially significant goods of the CRPT, notes that the new international non-proprietary names cover a wide range of pharmacological groups. The largest share is occupied by sex hormones and modulators of genital function - 20%.

A significant part of the new drugs are vitamins - 17%, antitussive drugs and agents for the treatment of colds - 10%, muscle relaxants - 10% and drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with impaired acidity - 8%.

Rosstat also recorded an increase in the production of biologically active food additives by 20.5% to 29.6 thousand tons in 2024. In December 2024, the production of dietary supplements increased by 26.5% compared to December 2023 and by 19% compared to November, reaching 3 thousand tons.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have the opportunity to produce drugs with one active ingredient under various trademarks, which contributes to the expansion of the range in the drug market.^[6][7]

Growth of dietary supplements production by 20.5% to 29.6 thousand tons

Production of biologically active additives in Russia in 2024 increased by 20.5% and amounted to 29.6 thousand tons. This was announced by the Federal State Statistics Service in February 2025. In December 2024, output reached 3 thousand tons, which is 26.5% more than in December 2023. Read more here

2023

Vaccine production doubled to 39.92 million doses

In 2023, about 39.92 million doses of vaccines of various types were produced in Russia. This is almost twice as much as in the previous year, when the volume of output was estimated at 21.11 million doses. Such data are given in the study of the Business Profile group, the results of which were published on February 4, 2025. Read more here

Increase in antibiotic production by 60% to 1,621 tons

At the end of 2023, 1,621 tons of antibiotics were produced in Russia. This is about 60% more compared to 2022, when the volume of output was estimated at 1007 tons. This is stated in the study of the Business Profile group, the results of which were published on February 4, 2025. Read more here

Hydrogen peroxide production in Russia for 4 years increased by 9%

In 2023, approximately 113 thousand tons of hydrogen peroxide were produced in Russia. This is 4% more compared to the previous year, when the volume of output was estimated at 109 thousand tons. BusinesStat cites such data in a report submitted on March 27, 2024. Read more here.

The growth of drugs produced in Russia to 1483 names

In 2023, the production of 1,483 names of medicines was established in Russia, which is 45 more than a year earlier. The number of brands on the pharmaceutical market during this time increased by 141 positions and reached 2964 items. This is evidenced by the data released on February 1, 2024 by the analytical company RNC Pharma.

According to experts, the development of the assortment in 2023 was almost exclusively due to prescription drugs, the total number of SKUs in the competitive group increased by 502 names. The natural dynamics of the products released in the Rx-category was also higher. Here, relative to 2022, the volume of shipments increased by 3% in packages, while shipments of over-the-counter drugs decreased by 6.2%.

Production of 1,483 names of medicines was established in Russia

For the group of prescription drugs in 2023, the total number of companies shipping drugs to the market amounted to 380 units (28 more than in 2022). And this is despite the suspension of the activities of individual structures, in particular, in 2023, the packaging of a number of GSK vaccines was stopped, which was previously carried out at the SmithKlein Beecham-Biomed site in Petrovo-Dalniy near Moscow. Elpida showed the maximum natural dynamics in 2023: the volume of shipments increased by 15.6 times compared to 2022, we are talking about the supply of the drug of the same name for the treatment of HIV infection.

The second result is demonstrated by Ever Pharma, which last year multiplied the production of Cerebrolysin in partnership with the Russian company Sotex. We also note the NovaMedica company, which last year ensured a 6.1-fold increase in production, the dynamics were provided by the antimigrenous drug Relonova and the sleeping pills Levroso^[8]

Drug production growth by 7.2% to 651 billion rubles

In 2023, Russian pharmaceutical enterprises produced drugs worth 651 billion rubles, which is 7.2% more than a year earlier. This is evidenced by Rosstat data published at the end of January 2024.

According to TASS, citing materials from the department, the production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes increased by 1.9% in 2023. Serums and vaccines in doses for 2023 were produced by 25.5% more than in 2022, and in ampoules their production decreased by 15.5%.

Russian pharmaceutical enterprises produced drugs in the amount of 651 billion rubles

The production of pharmaceutical substances in 2023 decreased by 11.9%. According to Rosstat, dressings and similar products, including those impregnated or coated with medicines, were manufactured in the amount of 665 million packages at the end of 2023, which is 15% higher than a year ago.

According to RNC Pharma estimates, the volume of production of finished medicines in Russia in 2023 amounted to 716.5 billion rubles (in shipping prices of manufacturers, including VAT). Ruble dynamics compared to 2022 was recorded at 7.2%. The natural volume of products produced for the year amounted to 4.09 billion packages, which is 2% less than in 2022.

According to analysts, given the abnormal behavior of consumers and other market participants in the comparison period, even this result can be recognized as positive. Moreover, when conducting calculations in the minimum dosage units (MED), dynamics generally go into a plus. Here, relative to 2022, the increase was recorded at 1.2%. In total, at the end of 2023, pharmaceutical manufacturers localized in Russia shipped more than 80.6 billion MED of finished drugs, calculated in RNC Pharma.^[9]

2022

Russian manufacturers of cosmetic drugs increased their production by 47.6%

In 2022, 1.39 million packages of cosmetic drugs were produced in Russia, which is 47.6% more than in the previous year. This was reported in the market research agency "GuideMarket" in mid-June 2023. Read more here.

8.4% increase in drug production

In 2022, drugs worth 608 billion rubles were manufactured in Russia, which is 8.4% more than a year earlier. Such data are given in the statistics of Rosstat (published in early February 2023).

According to the department's calculations, the production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes in 2022 increased by 8.6% compared to 2021. The production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes in 2022 increased by 8.6% compared to 2021. Dressings and similar products, including those impregnated or coated with medicines, were produced 597 million packages in 2022, which is 22.9% more than in 2021.

According to estimates by the consulting company Yakov & Partners, the volume of the Russian pharmaceutical market in 2022 reached 2.8-2.9 trillion rubles, which is 20% more than a year ago, equal to 2.3 trillion rubles. According to the company's estimates, by the end of 2022, 550 Russian and 570 foreign pharmaceutical companies were operating on the domestic market. Despite the lack of explicit restrictions, ten manufacturing companies from "unfriendly countries" have already faced difficulties due to the rupture of supply chains and the political situation in the world, analysts say. At the same time, in 2023 and subsequent years, 95% of the market may be under threat, Yakov and Partners warn, implying import dependence on the Russian pharmaceutical industry.

Most foreign companies have stopped investing in their Russian projects, marketing and promotion, which could subsequently lead to the complete withdrawal of their drugs from the Russian market, Yakov and Partners analysts say. According to their calculations, the share of foreign companies in the Russian market is now about 25% in the budget and 23% in the commercial segments. Collectively, companies from "unfriendly countries" occupy more than half of the drug market, while Russian players account for 36%.^[10]

Russian pharmaceutical companies increased by 80% the production of new drugs amid the departure of foreign manufacturers from the Russian Federation

In January-July 2022, Russian pharmaceutical companies registered more than 740 new drugs in the country, which exceeds 80% of all registration certificates approved during this period (data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, published in December 2022). This indicator is due to the departure of foreign manufacturers from the Russian Federation.

According to the National Labeling System, by December 2022, Russian pharmaceutical companies produce more than 1600 drugs with one active ingredient (international non-proprietary name, INN). In total, about 2500 INNs operate on the market, according to DSM Group CEO Sergei Shulyak. Imports are completely replaced by 45 species out of 808 vital and essential drugs.

As Nikolai Bespalov, Development Director of RNC Pharma, explains, foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers have begun to adjust product portfolios amid import substitution. In addition, many refuse individual products or dosage forms if Russian enterprises have begun producing analogues of such drugs.

His words are confirmed by the general director of DSM Group Sergey Shulyak: when Russian analogues appear, it is economically unprofitable to import a foreign drug. Therefore, a number of foreign companies have localized the production of drugs in Russia and are participating in state tenders.

According to RNC Pharma estimates, by the third quarter of 2022, the number of foreign drug brands sold in Russia decreased to 2073 from 2517 by the beginning of 2018. Companies can produce a drug with one active ingredient, but under different brand names. For example, drugs with the active ingredient diclofenac are registered under the brands Voltaren, Veltavel, Flector Rapid, Orthophen, Naklofen, etc.^[11]

2020: Rosstat: Drug production in Russia increased by 20%, reaching 486 billion rubles

The production of drugs in Russia in 2020 increased by 19.9% compared to 2019 and reached 486 billion rubles. Such data are provided by Rosstat.

According to the department's calculations, the production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes increased by 23% in 2020 compared to the previous year. The annual production of serums and vaccines in ampoules in money increased by 59.2%. In quantitative terms, doses of serums and vaccines were produced by 0.4% less than a year earlier.

By the end of 2020, the production of pharmaceutical substances increased by 17.5% compared to the indicator of one year ago. The production of provitamines, vitamins and their derivatives reached 488 tons (+ 20.6% by 2019), antibiotics - 560 tons (+ 1.7%).

Rosstat also cites data according to which dressings and similar products impregnated or coated with medicines were produced in the amount of 264 million packages in 2020, which is 5.1% less than a year earlier.

According to DSM Group analysts, the pharmaceutical market turned out to be one of the industries that felt the turbulence of 2020 to the greatest extent. Income growth due to the rush demand for medicines, an increase in the role of the public sector, increased activity of regulators and equally active lawmaking - all these factors have become for the industry both strength tests and new opportunities, experts say.

The state segment remains a key driver of the growth of the pharmaceutical market in Russia, and its share of investments has been growing over the past two years. In this regard, the largest buyers of drugs traditionally remain the Ministry of Health of Russia and the Department of Health of Moscow. The rating of the largest drug suppliers also remains stable:

• Pharmstandard;
• R-Pharm;
• Farmimex^[12]

2019: Russia is a manufacturer of drugs, not medical equipment

In Russia, unlike some other countries, the main share of medical and pharmaceutical production falls on drugs, and not on medical equipment.

2014: Transition to GMP production standards

One of the factors that affects the dynamics of the pharmaceutical market in the Russian Federation in 2014 is the introduction of requirements for mandatory compliance with GMP (Good manufactured practice) production standards with 01.01.2014 (Federal Law "On the Circulation of Medicines" No. 61-FZ). The closure of enterprises that cannot be modernized can lead to a reduction in supply and an increase in prices for domestic medicines.

2011: Largest producers

The Russian pharmaceutical market is importo-oriented. 76% of drugs in monetary terms, which are consumed by the population, are produced abroad. Therefore, the first places in the ranking manufacturers are occupied by foreign companies:

• Sanofi,
• Novartis.
• On the third line is the Pharmstandard only domestic manufacturer in the TOP-20 leading players in the pharmaceutical market. Russia

Notes