Russia suspends state purchases of some original anti-cancer drugs

Russia has suspended state purchases of a number of original anti-cancer drugs due to problems associated with sanctions and the ever-growing isolation of the country in the international arena, The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent reports.

So far, state purchases of at least two drugs for the treatment of breast cancer have stopped, among which are Abraxane (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel) from the USA’s Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Piqray (alpelisib) from the Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX).

According to the Russian State Register of Medicines, they have no generics, while Piqray is considered the only drug for a certain mutation of breast cancer. In 2023, both drugs were included in treatment regimens financed by compulsory medical insurance in Russia, however there is a high possibility that further supplies of these drugs to the Russian market will be completely suspended. Both drugs are not in the list of vital in Russia, which complicates their further purchases.