The Russian retail market for drugs used to treat asthma and COPD (EphMRA group R03) showed a decline in physical demand in January–May 2026 — during this period, Russians purchased 18.5 million packages, which is 3.4% less than in the same period last year. At the same time, the value volume has been growing steadily for several consecutive years. In the first five months of this year, total sales in this group increased by 2.6% in monetary terms, reaching RUB 11.3 billion (at retail prices, including VAT). In the full year 2025, the population of our country purchased a record number of packages (44.6 million units) worth RUB 25.7 billion. The growth rate compared to 2024 was recorded at +8.9% in physical units and +12.1% in ruble terms.

According to the "Retail Audit of Drug Sales in Russia (total sell out)" from the analytical company RNC Pharma, demand for asthma and COPD drugs increases in spring and autumn, but maximum consumption volumes consistently occur in December. In December of last year, retail sales reached a peak of 4.8 million packages worth RUB 2.8 billion. Minimum consumer activity is recorded by mid-summer, in July.

In the first five months of 2026, the average consumption level of asthma and COPD drugs in Russia was 123 packages per 1,000 citizens, which is 3% lower than in the same period last year. The highest per capita demand was recorded in Tyumen Oblast, where an average of 205.5 packages per 1,000 people were sold in the first five months of this year. Compared to the same period last year, consumption remained virtually unchanged (+0.2%). Second place in our ranking is occupied by Altai Krai, where from January to May of this year, an average of 169.6 packages per 1,000 people were sold; however, the decline in consumption here is quite significant (-14.3%). As in the country as a whole, a more favorable epidemiological situation played an important role here, since drugs such as Berodual (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Pulmicort (AstraZeneca) are actively used in the treatment of ARVI and both are characterized by a noticeable decline in demand this year. The top three is rounded out by the Republic of Crimea, where per capita consumption increased by 2.9% to 161.2 packages per 1,000 citizens. The TOP-5 also includes Novosibirsk and Moscow Oblasts, where consumption fell by 6.9% and 5.8%, respectively.

The high concentration of sales in leading federal subjects is driven by a variety of factors. For Tyumen Oblast, the key triggers are harsh climatic conditions and difficult outdoor working conditions at low temperatures. In Altai Krai, as a leading agricultural region, demand is stimulated by a high density of pollen allergens. Crimea's leadership is likely associated with seasonal migration of certain patients to the region, which is historically a key specialized recreational center for treating pulmonary pathologies. In Russia's largest megacities, a significant difference in consumption is noted: while in Moscow, the per capita indicator for January–May 2026 was below the national average, not exceeding 107 packages per 1,000 residents, in Saint Petersburg demand was noticeably higher, reaching 145 packages. This difference is obviously related to climatic factors.

The absolute minimum consumption was recorded in the Chechen Republic, where retail sales amounted to only 9 packages per 1,000 citizens. Low sales volumes are also characteristic of the Republics of Dagestan and Ingushetia, which showed results of 28 packages. As for the maximum growth in per capita consumption, Nenets Autonomous Okrug should be noted, with a growth rate of 16.6%; however, the region is also characterized by a relatively low consumption level (80 packages per 1,000 residents).