Russia's AIPM et al warn of dangers of a 'second extra'

Pharmaceutical associations uniting the largest foreign and Russian drug manufacturers and representatives of pharmacy chains, and the patient communities have asked Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to reject the initiative being developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which in the professional community has been called "the second extra."

In their opinion, this proposal could destabilize the market and provoke a shortage of drugs due to the restriction of competition. This is stated in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of seven associations, including the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (AIPM), the Union of Professional Pharmaceutical Organizations (SPFO), the League of Patient Defenders, and the All-Russian Union of Patients.

Pharmaceutical associations unite more than 60 companies, including Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Abbott (NYSE: ABT), AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Bayer (BAYN: DE), Servier, Merck (MRK: DE), Novartis (NOVN: VX), pharmacy chains - Neopharm, Rigla and others.