In 2025, physical sales volumes of antiviral medicines used for the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (EphMRA groups J05B0, J05B4, J05B5 and J05B9) have remained largely stagnant. Between 1 January and 23 November 2025, a total of 70.5 million packs of such medicines were sold in Russia, which is 0.7% less than in the same period of 2024. This reflects the relatively favourable epidemiological situation observed this year. At the same time, according to the Retail Drug Sales Audit in Russia (total sell out) database of the analytical company RNC Pharma, the total value of retail sales in the category reached RUB 41.2 billion (at retail prices, including VAT), exceeding the year-earlier level by 11.1%.

So far in 2025, two peak periods of demand for antiviral medicines have been recorded. The first began in late January and reached its maximum in the first days of calendar spring: on 3 March, an absolute peak in daily consumption was observed at 528.4 thousand packs. The next wave of demand started in late August and peaked in mid-September, when on 15 September retail sales reached 493.9 thousand packs of antivirals for the treatment of influenza and ARVI. The autumn sales peak was relatively short-lived and failed to approach the spring consumption levels; by the end of October, daily sales had declined to around 200 thousand packs per day.

However, immediately after the November holidays, demand began to recover once again. On 5 November, 214.5 thousand packs of antivirals for the treatment of influenza and ARVI were sold, amounting to RUB 129.3 million at retail prices including VAT. From 17 November onwards, daily sales have consistently exceeded 260 thousand packs, excluding weekends (22–23 November).

The absolute leader in the category remains Ingavirin (Valenta), which accounts for approximately 18.4% of the category’s value sales and shows growth of around 8% in rouble terms. Arbidol (Otispharm) ranks second; however, its sales continue to decline. In 2025, its value sales decreased by 9%, while physical volumes fell by as much as 24%. This trend reflects strong pressure from direct analogues. For example, sales of Misufer by Obnovlenie increased 4.6-fold year on year, although this represents more an exception than the rule, as overall dynamics for umifenovir-based products remain negative. The top three is completed by Kagocel: following a relaunch, the product of Binnopharm has demonstrated strong performance, with 2025 sales growing by 28% in value terms and by 20% in packs.

In terms of growth dynamics, several oseltamivir generics stand out. In particular, sales of Seltavir (Ozon Pharmaceuticals) increased by 65% year on year in value terms, while a very similar trend was recorded for Flustop by the Belarusian company Academpharm (+63%). Notably, demand for the originator product Tamiflu (Roche) also rose significantly in 2025, with value sales increasing by 37%. Among the 18 direct analogues available on the market, Tamiflu confidently holds second place in terms of value sales.

Figure. Daily dynamics of retail sales of antiviral medicines for the treatment of influenza and ARVI (EphMRA groups J05B0, J05B4, J05B5 and J05B9) on the Russian retail pharmaceutical market (including the online channel), from 10 October to 23 November 2025.