In 2025, the Russian retail market for systemic antibacterial drugs (group J01 according to the EphMRA classification) exceeded RUB 44.2 billion at retail prices, including VAT. Compared with 2024, consumer spending in this category increased by 7.4%. Over the year, pharmacies sold 167.5 million packages of systemic antibiotics, equivalent to 1.24 billion minimum dosing units (MDU). At the same time, physical demand for antibacterial agents has been declining for the third consecutive year. Compared with 2024, sales decreased by 2.8%; a year earlier the decline amounted to 2.1%, and in 2023 unit sales fell by 1.4%. The trend in minimum dosing units has also remained negative for several years.

According to the “Audit of Retail Sales of Medicinal Products in Russia (total sell-out)” database of the analytical company RNC Pharma, the bulk of physical sales of systemic antibiotics (more than 78%) is formed by three major groups: cephalosporins (36.3% in packages), broad-spectrum penicillins (23.5%), and macrolides and their derivatives (18.2%). The strongest growth in both value and unit terms in 2025 was demonstrated by the smallest subgroup — rifampicin-based drugs. Over the year, retail sales of these products increased by 46% in value terms and by 35% in packages.

In this context, beta-lactam antibiotics excluding penicillins and cephalosporins also stood out. This subgroup includes, among others, meropenem and aztreonam, which showed year-on-year growth of 17% in value terms and 14% in unit sales compared with 2024.

Despite ongoing global efforts to develop new antibiotics, the number of market launches in recent years has remained limited. One of the most notable registrations in Russia last year was Emblavio (INN aztreonam + avibactam), the first combination antibiotic specifically designed to combat gram-negative bacteria producing metallo-beta-lactamases, developed by Pfizer. However, the product has not yet entered commercial circulation. Among relatively recent launches, the third-generation cephalosporin cefpodoxime can be highlighted. It is currently supplied to Russia by Alkaloid (North Macedonia) under the brand name Doxef and by the Turkish holding Ulkar under the brand Cefpotek. Compared with 2024, combined retail sales of these products almost tripled.

The absolute leader in terms of value sales in 2025 was Amoxiclav (INN amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) by Sandoz. The drug accounted for 16% of the category and demonstrated growth of 32% in value terms and 22% in packages. Panсef (INN cefixime) by Alkaloid retained second place; its sales increased by 11% in value terms and by 12% in unit terms over the year.

The highest growth in physical sales among the top ten brands in 2025 was recorded for Suprax (INN cefixime) by Cheplapharm. Sales of the drug increased by 65% in packages year on year, while consumer spending on it rose by 26%. High growth rates were also observed for Klacid (INN clarithromycin) by Abbott, with value sales up by 21%.

Negative dynamics within the top group were recorded for unbranded azithromycin (–1%), ceftriaxone (–5%), and levofloxacin (–2%). In addition, spending on Sumamed by Teva declined slightly (–0.3%).

TOP-10 systemic antibacterial drug brands (group J01, EphMRA) by value sales on the Russian retail market in 2025