Russian watchdog suspects cartel agreement in domestic pharmaceutical market

The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) plans to initiate proceedings against some foreign drug manufacturers operating in the Russian market, on the suspicion of price-fixing and cartel formation, according to recent statements of Andrey Tenishev, head of the department of fight with cartels of FAS, reports The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

The names of the companies that are involved in the investigations are not disclosed, due to secrecy of investigation, however, according to some sources close to FAS, among them are some well-known Western drugmakers.

According to Mr Tenishev, if the companies sell their drugs without a cartel agreement, prices for them during public procurement should be reduced by 15%-30%. However this is not evident in the case of Russia.