Russia's FAS to ease access of foreign drugmakers to state tenders

The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) is discussing with the government lifting of the "third extra" rule for public procurement of drugs, according to recent statements of Igor Artemyev, head of the FAS, reports The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

The "third extra" scheme is currently a mechanism to support domestic drugmakers during government tenders for purchases of drugs for state needs. The scheme means that a foreign supplier is not allowed to compete if at least two companies from Russia have already applied.

According to Mr Artemyev, the FAS has found several cases when a foreign company that applied with an excellent price offer was withdrawn from the auction, after which the remaining Russian companies sold drugs at significantly higher prices than the foreigner.