PROMOMED’s Countermove
According to an official press release, PROMOMED is reducing the cost of the starter dose (2.5 mg). Patients will see savings of up to 2,000 rubles per pack.
The company emphasizes that the discount specifically targets the initial dosage required to begin therapy, aiming to lower the entry barrier for new patients.
“Reducing the retail price of Tirzetta at the 2.5 mg dosage is a vital step in making the start of therapy more accessible. This was made possible by scaling up production, optimizing operational processes, and implementing a full-cycle manufacturing concept.”
— Lyudmila Kovalchuk, Head of Endocrinology at PROMOMED Group
The Battle for Patients
PROMOMED’s decision follows an aggressive marketing move by GEROPHARM. On February 10, 2026, the St. Petersburg-based manufacturer cut prices for its weight loss drugs by up to 19%. Specifically, the price of Sejaro—the direct competitor to Tirzetta—was set between 4,700 and 5,500 rubles for a 2.5 mg pack. GEROPHARM CEO Petr Rodionov noted that the company aims to establish Sejaro as the “most affordable tirzepatide in the world.” For more details on GEROPHARM’s price reductions, see the report by PHARMPROM.
Experts believe that the simultaneous price cuts by two key players signal market saturation and a shift from managing shortages to fighting for market share. Both manufacturers have established full-cycle production in Russia, allowing them to manage costs flexibly and compete for long-term patient loyalty.
Global Comparison
Current pricing policies by Russian manufacturers make obesity therapy significantly more affordable in Russia than in the United States. These low prices were made possible by the Russian government’s implementation of compulsory licensing mechanisms, allowing Russian companies to produce life-saving medications without the consent of foreign patent holders.
Even with the launch of the TrumpRx federal discount program in the U.S. (February 2026), which brought the monthly cost of tirzepatide for Americans down to $299, Russian analogs remain approximately 4 to 5 times cheaper today.
