In the first half of 2026, a pronounced stagnation of the assortment matrix was recorded on the domestic pharmaceutical market. According to the database "Monitoring of the Release of Medicinal Products into Free Circulation in the Russian Federation" from the analytical company RNC Pharma, the total volume of SKUs (stock keeping units) released into civil circulation amounted to over 12.99 thousand, which compared to the same period in 2025 represented an increase of only 14 units (+0.1%). Against the backdrop of a nominal retention of the total SKU volume, a narrowing of the nomenclature range is observed, as the number of trademarks represented decreased by 74 units to 4.13 thousand, and the number of INNs decreased by 28 positions to 1.88 thousand. This trend is a direct continuation of the systemic slowdown in the expansion of the product portfolio that began a year earlier. While in 2024 the absolute growth of SKUs was 523 units, in 2025 the rate of expansion of the product matrix almost halved, with annual growth limited to 262 positions. At the same time, qualitative changes in the market structure were multidirectional: while the number of INNs increased by 26 units, the total portfolio of commercial brands decreased by 4 trademarks.

In the structure of new active substances that debuted on the Russian pharmaceutical market in the first half of 2026, modern fixed-dose combinations and import-substituting generics of domestic production occupied a key place. In the antihypertensive drug segment, an important new product was the two-component combination indapamide + candesartan from Akrikhin, marketed under the brand Giposart. This drug underwent the registration procedure in May 2025 and was released into civil circulation in January 2026. In the first six months, it demonstrated an impressive commercial result, generating retail sales of more than RUB 1 billion (at retail prices, including VAT). At the beginning of 2026, the product portfolio of the same manufacturer was also replenished with another fixed-dose combination — the lipid-lowering drug Otrio Plus (INN pitavastatin + ezetimibe), entered into the State Register of Medicines in February 2026. In addition to these products, new INNs for Russia appeared on the market in other therapeutic groups for the first time. In particular, AVVA RUS introduced the next-generation gastroprokinetic Peristalix (INN mosapride), which was approved by the Russian Ministry of Health in June 2025 and entered circulation in early 2026. Another important premiere of the year was the antihistamine drug Rupadox (INN rupatadine) from PIK-PHARMA. It represents the first and currently only domestic reproduced drug with this active ingredient, which appeared following the expiration in 2023 of the marketing authorization for the original imported drug Rupafin (H. Uriach y Cia.). The local generic was released in the form of an oral solution, which expanded the indications for use to children aged 2 years and older.

Furthermore, in the first half of 2026, a shift in the market trend emerged: the expansion of the imported assortment observed over the previous two years has been replaced by its contraction. The number of foreign-produced SKUs circulating on the Russian market decreased by 75 positions, settling at 3.98 thousand. Against this backdrop, localized products demonstrate significantly higher growth dynamics: the portfolio of domestic pharmaceutical companies increased by 98 SKUs compared to Q1–Q2 2025, and the total volume of Russian positions exceeded 9 thousand items. This trend fits within the long-term trajectory, as already in 2025, the assortment of domestic drugs grew by 247 positions at once, while the presence of foreign brands increased by only 6 SKUs compared to 2024 levels. Nevertheless, even with regard to pharmaceutical companies localized in our country, a slowdown in the dynamics of assortment development must be acknowledged. However, in a number of areas, the domestic pharmaceutical industry has transitioned from a quantitative strategy to qualitative development, focusing on unique positions with fundamentally different profitability indicators.

Fig. Changes in the Assortment of Domestic*/Foreign Companies on the Russian Pharmaceutical Market, SKU, units