When there is a potential shortage of certain medicines in Russia, authorities take swift steps to ensure these drugs remain available on the market. The Russian Health Minister, Mikhail Murashko, outlined this approach in an interview with RIA News during SPIEF, highlighting the government’s readiness to act quickly when risks to drug supply arise.
Murashko explained that decisions are made to grant rapid access to medicines the country needs in moments of risk. This approach is especially relevant for generics and biosimilars, which can be brought to market through accelerated procedures while maintaining the integrity of the evaluation process. He stressed that the goal is not to bypass safety or efficacy standards but to streamline pathways so essential medicines reach patients sooner when supply is uncertain.
According to the minister, even with a faster route to market, innovative therapies that have the potential to save lives can be introduced using simplified procedures. The underlying message is that rapid access does not compromise the quality of evidence. Clinical trials continue to adhere to rigorous standards, and a robust body of high-quality data is collected to support confident decision-making.
Post-authorization oversight remains a priority. Once a drug secures authorization, ongoing monitoring ensures it continues to meet high benchmarks for safety, effectiveness, and overall value. This ongoing surveillance assures patients and healthcare providers that rapid access does not erode the established quality framework for medications in the country.
Earlier reports noted that compulsory health insurance exclusions affected two cancer medicines that have no direct equivalents. Since 2024, the purchase of those drugs, Abraxan and Picray, through the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund has been halted, signaling a shift in how certain high-need therapies are funded and accessed. This development underscores the balance between ensuring affordability and maintaining rigorous assessment and monitoring processes for oncology treatments.
Beyond human medicine, Russian researchers have been active in the development of import substitution in veterinary medicine. This effort seeks to reduce dependence on foreign supplies by strengthening domestic capabilities for essential veterinary drugs, contributing to more resilient animal health systems and broader public health protections. The ongoing work in both human and veterinary medicine demonstrates a broader strategic priority: safeguarding supply chains while sustaining rigorous scientific evaluation and patient safety across sectors. (Source: Russian Health Ministry remarks at SPIEF and related communications from RIA News.)