Industry figurehead on Russia's journey from 'pharm-bazaar to transparent pharmaceutical market'

The steps forward taken in the Russian pharmaceutical industry have been celebrated in an event to mark 15 years since the establishment of the Russian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (ARPM).

Viktor Dmitriev, general director of the trade group representing pharma companies in Russia, said that a crucial factor in progressing internationally had been the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

"At the time of the establishment of the ARPM, the pharmaceutical market in Russia was $2.8 billion,” he recalled. “According to results of 2002, the domestic production of medicines in monetary terms decreased by 3% to $ 865million compared to $896 million in 2001. In an unstable economy, it was difficult for Russian producers to compete with foreign pharmaceutical companies.”