A significant step has been taken in Russia to accelerate the development of its domestic pharmaceutical industry. An Interdepartmental Coordination Council for the Development of Domestic Pharmaceutical Innovations has been officially established. This new body is tasked with providing systemic support for the creation of innovative medicinal products across their entire lifecycle, from initial research to market entry.
The formation of the council is the result of a five-party agreement. Key signatories include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, along with the `Innopraktika` company and the `Innovative Engineering Center` organization. This collaborative framework, originating from agreements made at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, aims to streamline efforts across government, science, and industry.
The primary goal articulated for this initiative is the full-cycle support of domestically developed innovative drugs. This encompasses identifying potential biomolecular targets, conducting comprehensive research and development, and facilitating entry not only into the national market but also into international markets, particularly in “friendly countries.” The agreement outlines specific result targets for 2030 and 2036, signalling a long-term commitment to bolstering Russia`s pharmaceutical independence and export potential.
Officials involved highlight the strategic importance of this coordinated approach. Sergey Glagolev, Deputy Minister of Health, noted that the council will be instrumental in analyzing promising directions in fundamental and applied scientific research. This includes evaluating the potential of studying specific biological targets and identifying new medicinal therapies that are in high demand within the healthcare system. The process involves a detailed analysis, forecasting, and monitoring of the need for innovative drugs in Russia.
The council has already commenced its work. Its first meeting resulted in the approval of a work plan for 2025. The outcomes of this initial collaborative period are expected to be presented at the `National Healthcare – 2025` forum, offering an early glimpse into the progress being made.
Looking ahead, the council plans to expand its network of participants. Invitations are expected to be extended to prominent organizations such as the Federal Medical-Biological Agency, the Russian Academy of Sciences, state development corporation VEB.RF, the Russian Science Foundation, and other relevant development institutions, expert bodies, scientific organizations, and universities. This broad inclusion suggests an effort to consolidate expertise and resources from across the national innovation landscape.
Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, emphasized that the agreement will lead to a synchronized research agenda between ministries, healthcare bodies, and corporate research centers. This alignment is considered crucial for effectively analyzing and predicting the future needs for innovative medicines.
Confidence is high that this comprehensive strategy will yield tangible results. Natalia Popova, First Deputy CEO of `Innopraktika`, expressed optimism that this integrated approach will significantly increase the market share of domestic innovative pharmaceutical products, particularly within national public procurement of original medicines, targeting growth by 2030 and continued expansion thereafter. The ambition is clear: to create “world-class” domestic innovations by utilizing advanced tools like “horizon scanning” and pooling the best competencies available among the participants. Ekaterina Priyezzheva, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, reinforced this sentiment, describing the agreement as a vital step in strengthening cooperation between the state, science, and industry for the creation of innovative domestic medicines.
