Transformation of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market – new opportunities and potential Pharmaceutical Industry Review, September No 4 (97) 2023
in localizing the production of their pharmaceutical products in our country and in establishing cooperation with domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers in other areas.
What is the current stage of development of the medicines verification program? Which healthcare experts are involved in this process?
As you know, in early July, the Ministry of Health and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry signed a memorandum on the implementation of a national drug verification system. As part of this agreement, we expect to cooperate with businesses actively. Establishing cooperation and dialogue with the European Medicines Verification Organisation (EMVO), which I am working on, will help to create a system for verifying medicines by EU standards. In particular, it will be very important to interact with them when writing the terms of reference for the creation of a national electronic system for the verification of medicines. At present, while Ukraine is still a candidate for EU membership, we cannot immediately join the single European verification system, which is why our task at the development stage is to take into account all the technical nuances that will allow us to integrate the national system into a single data exchange space with the EU in the future. By the way, this is exactly how the system for exchanging information on the verification of medicines between EU countries is structured: each country has its national electronic verification system, which is synchronized with a single European hub. Ukraine will definitely join this hub. Perhaps it will be possible to do so even faster than gaining EU membership. However, there are certain difficulties because joining this hub entails financial costs. Usually, countries bear these costs for the pharmaceutical business, so
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it is important to understand how much it will cost the pharmaceutical industry as a whole and when the pharmaceutical business will be technically ready to join this hub. We see that Ukrainian manufacturers are eager to associate with a European verification organization. The main thing is to develop a roadmap and get confirmation from the Europeans that they are waiting for us now, not when we become full members of the EU.
In your opinion, is export development on the agenda?
Of course, the development of exports is quite timely. The Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry has high- quality production processes, and the system of state regulation is also at an appropriate level. The focus on exports is not just timely, it is a necessity. Today, as long as we are in a state of war, the state must ensure both the strengthening of military capabilities and plan for the reconstruction of the country. All of this requires money, i.e. a capable economy for all Ukrainian businesses. The country's export orientation means increasing our GDP, i.e. the funds that the country needs right now. In addition, export development implies expansion of production capacities, and thus the creation of new jobs, which has also become particularly important due to the consequences of the war – reduction of production in large industry and the agricultural sector, forced internal resettlement. There are also quite pragmatic business motivations that confirm the relevance of export development. Europe and other countries have lost a major exporter of medicines – russia – due to the war and sanctions. So now they are looking for those who can fill this market deficit, especially in terms of basic generic drugs. This is where Ukraine is a very powerful player and has enough quality medicines and production capacities.
There are other sectors where the Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry can successfully develop. There is interest in the future import of Ukrainian-made vaccines. We are already holding talks with Guatemala, Egypt, and African countries, which are seeking to meet their needs for vaccines, insulin, immunoglobulins, and other basic drugs. Establishing cooperation with such countries by the Ministry of Health will be a solid foundation for expanding Ukrainian exports. These countries are looking for producers and are potentially interested in establishing exports from Ukraine.
And finally, what are your wishes and advice to representatives of business?
The tips are simple, but they require a comprehensive and strategic approach – increase your capacity, develop the skills and competencies of your specialists, establish links with international business communities and specialized associations, participate in conferences, invest in innovation and research. The pharmaceutical industry, as well as the production of medical devices, is growing extremely strongly and rapidly. Every year, it presents new methods and approaches to treatment and diagnostics and introduces innovative drugs. What does this mean? Our globalized world is constantly evolving, life expectancy is increasing, and the quality of life is becoming more important, including in the area of health. By the way, the EU also focuses on innovation. In 2022 alone, EU countries spent more than EUR 9.7 billion on research and development in the healthcare sectors, which is 11.5% more than in 2021. This is the fastest-growing sector in the EU in terms of research investment. After all, research and development are crucial for increasing business competitiveness, developing the economy, and improving the well-being of citizens.
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