Pharmaceutical compounding in Russia: analysis of open competitive procurement and segment prospects

Objective. To analyze state procurements of compounded medecines in the Russian Federation. Material and methods. We analyzed data from a unified information system designed for state procurement. Excel database containing information on prescription, dosage form, quantity, cost, year of purchase, region, customer and contractor was created. The study covered 1.255 contracts between January 1, 2016 and December 1, 2022. Results. Consumption of pharmacy-made medicines procured by public medical organisations decreased by 49% in monetary value and 46% in units throughout the study period (2016—2022). Medicines produced upon the request of medical organizations constituted 0.001% of total volume in Russian pharmaceutical market. The procurement structure primarily consists of low-cost dosage forms such as solutions for external use (74%) and powders (5%). Compounding pharmacies are still essential for pediatric medical care, but their potential for enhancing medicine accessibility in other therapeutic fields remains largely untapped. Conclusion. Pharmaceutical compounding in Russia presently relies on conventional methodologies and primarily encompasses low-profit product offerings with conventional one- and two-component formulations. Preservation and development of small-scale and personalised pharmaceutical compounding necessitate regulatory adjustments, reassessment of product selection policies, creation of medications aligned with contemporary pharmaceutical technology standards, modernization of pharmacy production facilities and higher qualification of pharmaceutical staff.