The international pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim decided to halt the import of Micardis into Russia, a move that does not interrupt the supply of telmisartan based medicines within the country. This update came from Roszdravnadzor, the Russian health oversight authority, and was reported by TASS, the state news agency. The key takeaway is that while Micardis and Micardisplus will no longer be shipped to Russia from January 2023, patients relying on telmisartan remain able to access medicines containing this active ingredient through other suppliers and brands that are approved for use in Russia.
Roszdravnadzor clarified the situation by noting that the stoppage pertains specifically to that branded line of angiotensin II receptor blockers. Telmisartan, a widely used antihypertensive medication class, is supplied through a network of manufacturers and distributors beyond Boehringer Ingelheim. For patients and healthcare providers, this distinction means continuity of treatment options without interruption, even as one company withdraws its particular product from the Russian market.
In a broader context, early September reports indicated that Russia increased its imports of pharmaceutical products from Brazil during the first seven months of 2023. The expansion of import channels highlights Russia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its pharmaceutical supply and ensure access to essential medications amid global shifts in trade and regulation.
Among the Brazilian and other international medicines noted in these trade movements were insulin products such as Fiasp, Protafan, and Actrapid. These medicines are widely used in diabetes care to address different needs in glycemic management, from rapid-acting to long-acting insulin therapies. The presence of these injections in trade data underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent supply of critical diabetes treatments for patients who depend on them daily, with clinicians closely monitoring individual treatment plans to optimize outcomes.
Additionally, the conversation around medicine accessibility in Russia has touched on broader policy developments, including discussions in the State Duma about measures to ensure free or affordable medicines for the population. Debates in legislative forums reflect an ongoing national interest in safeguarding access to essential drugs, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients, and strengthening public health resilience in the face of international procurement changes. The outcome of such policy discussions can influence how quickly and reliably patients obtain necessary therapies across a range of conditions, from cardiovascular disease to metabolic disorders.