Moscow's pharmaceutical industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announcing the launch of new medicine production facilities and a substantial increase in sector turnover.
According to the mayor's press service, the capital's pharmaceutical sector turnover reached 606.3 billion rubles in 2024, representing a 43.8% increase compared to 2023 at comparable prices. Production volumes also saw a 12.3% rise in January, demonstrating the industry's robust expansion.
New Treatments for Chronic Conditions
Moscow pharmaceutical companies are preparing to manufacture drugs based on monoclonal antibodies for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. These advanced biologics are expected to reach patients by the end of 2025 or early 2026, marking a significant advancement in domestic production of complex therapeutics.
The expansion also includes production of ready-made dosage forms for orphan diseases, with projected annual output between 3.8 to 5.4 million vials covering five International Nonproprietary Names (INNs). Additionally, anticancer drugs for seven INNs will be manufactured, strengthening Russia's pharmaceutical independence in critical therapeutic areas.
"On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city has created a set of effective tools to support the industry, which allows us to regularly bring in-demand drugs to the market and increase production volumes," said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Technopolis Moscow SEZ: A Pharmaceutical Powerhouse
The Technopolis Moscow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has emerged as a crucial hub for pharmaceutical innovation in the country. In 2024 alone, three companies from the capital's SEZ introduced 37 new drugs targeting socially significant diseases, including treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Currently, eight resident enterprises within the Technopolis Moscow produce vital medicines, with their combined product value exceeding 74 billion rubles throughout their operational history.
The SEZ's pharmaceutical facilities are strategically located at two sites: Alabushevo and Pechatniki, forming what officials describe as the country's largest pharmaceutical cluster. These facilities feature high-tech production lines and modern laboratories essential for advanced drug development and manufacturing.
Public-Private Partnership Model
A key factor in the success of Moscow's pharmaceutical expansion is the city's innovative approach to public-private partnerships. Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, highlighted that "offset contracts are concluded with pharmaceutical companies from Moscow's SEZ, under the terms of which enterprises manufacture innovative medicines, and the city guarantees their purchase."
This arrangement provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with market certainty while ensuring a stable supply of essential medications for Moscow's healthcare system. Mayor Sobyanin noted in his annual report to the Moscow City Duma that almost 100% of prescriptions in Moscow are now filled with the necessary drugs.
Industry Support and Future Growth
The Technopolis Moscow SEZ provides a territory with special legal status and preferential business regimes for investors. Spanning over 390 hectares, the zone has consistently ranked as a leader in international and national industry ratings for several years.
With more than 300 pharmaceutical enterprises already operating in Moscow, the city government continues to provide active support to facilitate increased production volumes and expanded product ranges. This growth directly contributes to the critical mission of ensuring reliable access to medicines and medical products for Russia's population.
The pharmaceutical sector's expansion aligns with Moscow's broader strategy to develop high-technology industries and reduce dependence on imported medications, particularly for treating chronic and serious conditions that affect significant portions of the population.
