Glycine sales in the Russian Federation have fallen for the fifth consecutive year, according to a report by Vedomosti referencing data from the analytics firm DSM Group. The coverage notes that in 2023, roughly 31 million packages of the drug were sold through Russian pharmacies, marking a 4.3% decline from the previous year’s 32.4 million. Earlier years showed a similar downward trend. In 2021, Russia moved 37.6 million glycine packs, followed by 40.6 million in 2020 and 46.6 million in 2019, signaling a sustained softening in consumer demand over time.
Industry observers highlight a shift in prescribing habits, with doctors reportedly issuing the medication less often due to questions about its clinical effectiveness. Depending on the diagnosis, patients were also being directed toward alternative treatments, including antidepressants, as clinicians weighed the therapeutic value and potential benefits for various conditions.
Prior to this, it had been reported that Corvalol would be available in Russia at the end of 2023, according to DSM Group, with sales collapsing to levels not seen since 2018. This reflects a broader pattern of reduced demand for certain over-the-counter remedies, as consumer preferences and medical guidelines evolve in response to safety concerns and regulatory considerations.
Overall, the data indicates that pharmaceutical sales of the drug have declined in recent years. For example, Corvalol captured about 46 million packs sold through pharmacies in 2021, and roughly 50 million in 2020, illustrating the larger context of market volatility for sedative and anxiolytic products in the region.
In related policy discussions, there has been mention that the Ministry of Finance is evaluating the possibility of imposing a special consumption tax on medicinal alcohol. This potential tax shift could influence consumer pricing and affordability, further affecting trends in demand for related products and overall market dynamics in the Russian pharmaceutical landscape. The broader implication for both manufacturers and retailers is a need to adapt to changing consumer expectations, evolving clinical guidance, and evolving regulatory frameworks that shape what patients can access and how therapies are prioritized within the healthcare system.