The Russian government is implementing an expansion of the Vital and Essential Medicines List (VED), with the new provisions taking effect on Sunday, August 13. The update adds more dosage forms for four medicines, broadening how these drugs can be supplied and used within the healthcare system.
One notable change concerns glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, an antiviral combination used in treating chronic hepatitis C in children. The revised list introduces coated granules for this medicine, which can improve ease of administration and dosing accuracy for younger patients. In addition, a new dispersible tablet form has been added for sapropterin, a treatment option for phenylketonuria in both adults and children, offering another convenient method for patients to take their therapy.
For the anesthetic drug Prosidol, a sublingual tablet form has now been included, providing an alternative route of administration that may benefit certain clinical scenarios and patient needs. Another addition targets the immunosuppressant pirfenidone, with the introduction of film-coated tablets to expand how the drug can be prescribed and consumed in routine care.
Price regulation continues to play a key role in the program, with the costs of more than 800 medicines on the Vital and Essential Medicines List subjected to state control. This pricing framework aims to ensure more predictable access to essential therapies across the country and support budgetary planning for healthcare providers and patients alike.
The expansion was signed into effect on June 10, when Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the decree to grow the list of essential drugs. The timing aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster access to lifesaving medications and to streamline the inclusion process for new and high-priority treatments within national supply and reimbursement systems.
In the lead-up to the effective date, industry representatives called for a rapid assessment of newly proposed medicines for potential inclusion in the lists of essential and lifesaving drugs, as well as consideration for high-cost nosologies. This indicates a proactive stance by manufacturers and healthcare stakeholders toward ensuring prompt recognition and funding of important therapies as the medical landscape evolves.
These developments underscore a broader policy objective: to stabilize drug availability and affordability while expanding therapeutic options for patients who rely on critical medicines. The government’s approach reflects a combination of regulatory oversight, pricing discipline, and a mechanism to accelerate access to newer formulations and delivery methods that can enhance treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.
Observers note that the updated VED framework may influence international suppliers and distributors operating in Russia, as well as neighboring markets, given the interconnected nature of pharmaceutical supply chains. The changes also highlight how national lists and price controls interact with global drug development pipelines, potentially shaping procurement decisions, hospital formularies, and insurance coverage considerations in Canada and the United States as markets monitor similar policy moves and their practical implications.
There is a growing expectation that additional drug forms and dosage variants will continue to appear on the list, corresponding to advances in pharmacology, personalized medicine, and pediatric care. Stakeholders from healthcare providers, patient groups, and industry players will likely monitor further updates closely to anticipate changes in prescribing patterns, reimbursement pathways, and patient access timelines. The ongoing dialogue between government authorities and the pharmaceutical sector remains central to balancing innovation with public health priorities, ensuring that essential medicines reach those who need them most in a timely and affordable manner.
A previously noted remark from a high-level official drew media attention, reflecting broader public interest in the governance of national health policy and the perception of oversight structures. This commentary illustrates how policy actions can provoke discussion about the balance between government control and the private sector role in delivering essential health services.