Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov gave a detailed interview to RIA Novosti, summarizing the preliminary results of the pharmaceutical industry’s development for 2025. The head of the department noted double-digit market growth, success in the import substitution of complex molecules, and announced the launch of a new state support mechanism for innovative developments.
Market Dynamics and Local Share
According to the minister, local production is becoming a key factor in the stability of the healthcare system. In Q1-Q3 2025, total drug sales in Russia increased by 13.8% in value terms, reaching the mark of 2.2 trillion rubles.
Anton Alikhanov provided detailed statistics by segment:
| Market Segment | Volume / Share | Minister’s Comment |
|---|---|---|
| VED Market (9M 2025) | 1.2 trillion RUB (+11%) | Sustainable sales growth in the socially significant segment. |
| Share of Russian Drugs | > 40% (in value) > 62% (in volume) |
Strong positions of Russian manufacturers in physical terms. |
Import Substitution and Tech Transfer
The interview noted that the industry’s focus is shifting from simple forms to full-cycle production. In the first nine months of last year, 21 drugs from the VED list that were not previously produced in Russia were registered. Technological capability for production has been ensured for all these positions.
Innovation Case: Generium
As an example of the industry’s R&D potential, Anton Alikhanov cited the registration in October 2025 by JSC “Generium” of a drug with the INN Verenafusp alfa for the treatment of Hunter syndrome.
“This is the world’s first registered drug using a fundamentally new mechanism of action with penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Full-cycle production capability for this drug has been ensured in Russia,” the minister emphasized.
Plans for 2026: Subsidizing Science
Answering a question about support measures, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that Russian companies are actively using concessional loans from the Industrial Development Fund (IDF) and Cluster Investment Platform instruments (66.5 billion rubles of investment in current projects).
However, the main priority for 2026 is the creation of original innovative drugs. The Ministry is developing a mechanism for compensation of expenses for the last phase of clinical trials. Support will be provided to developers of molecules in the following classes:
- First-in-class: Drugs with a fundamentally new mechanism of action.
- Best-in-class: Drugs setting new therapy standards and possessing unique effects.
