Current issue #9, 2018

Pharma retailers size up a drogerie format

While food retail chains rekindle dreams of adding a pharmacy product range, pharma retailers have already struck back. Erkapharm Group has announced launching Ozerki drogeries. This piece of news has both sparked interest and got mixed reaction of the professional community. Sceptics remind that all attempts to master this format by pharmacies have failed so far. However, there are also optimists who believe that one of the top Russian pharmacy chains is likely to be a success in the new niche.

[PharmVestnik # 09, 20/03/2018, p. 1, cont’d p. 2]

// Health Management

Nine billion rubles to be additionally allocated for orphan drug procurement in 2019

The issue of funding part of the rare diseases from the so-called List 24 from the federal budget is still pending solution. However, according to Council of Federation Chairperson Valentina Matvienko, in case of centralized procurement of orphan drugs, their cost may be reduced by 30%. She also pointed out that about 9B RUB would be additionally allocated for the treatment of rare diseases in 2019. Experts believe that any decision, be it centralized purchasing or additional co-funding, will be beneficial for patients. The best-case scenario will be the adoption of both decisions.

[PharmVestnik # 09, 20/03/2018, p. 3]

// Pharma Retailing

Small pharmacy chains may survive through uniting

In recent years, the number of pharmacy associations has been growing. They do not only compete with large pharmacy chains but also fight with one another. Market players believe that there is future in store for such alliances as they are emerging as a real power capable of dictating their own terms to drug manufacturers. Top pharmaceutical retailers have to admit that pharmacy associations are strong competitors.

[PharmVestnik # 09, 20/03/2018, p. 4]

// Pharma Retailing

‘Georgian team’ quit Pharmacy Chain 36.6

As partners, Vladimir Kintsurashvili, Ivan Saganelidze, Temur Shakaya, and Igor Zhibarovsky have managed to substantially develop the 36.6 business. However, despite a business model modification, they, like former owners, counted on loaned funds and, most likely, have lost. According to insider information, none of the four businesspeople has not been associated with Pharmacy Chain 36.6 since 1 March 2018. Vladimir Kintsurashvili’s team was at the helm for 4 years.

[PharmVestnik # 09, 20/03/2018, p. 6]

// Government Supported Programs

Government guarantees in demand among phar...