RBC-Ufa, RBC-UFA Open Studio: All-Russian GMP-conference, August 27, 2024
Dmitry Zaitsev, Pharmstandard JSC CEO
Interview with Pharmstandard JSC CEO
In the RBC Ufa TV channel’s Open Studio, Dmitry Zaitsev, CEO of Pharmstandard JSC, spoke about the advantages of the GMP standard and consumer confidence in domestic medicines.
This is the ninth time the GMP conference has been held. How important is such a major industry event for pharmaceutical manufacturers?
“This is a critical platform for professionals to exchange views with colleagues and discuss pressing issues with regulators. Without such conferences, I think each enterprise would be living in its world and would not be able to learn from the experiences of others. Therefore, the importance of such events cannot be overemphasised. We are regular conference attendees and hope to participate in the future consistently.”
The GMP standard has only become known in Russia relatively recently. What does this system mean for advanced domestic pharmaceutical companies?
“We recognised this term earlier than many people because we started working with foreign companies and adopted the GMP culture from leading foreign manufacturers. We have had a GMP certificate from the European Economic Union for many years. GMP is the highest quality standard for us, distinguishing a modern company from others. Today, we can’t think of ourselves without it.”
What does adherence to good practices bring to physicians and patients?
“I think without even realising it, consumers feel confident that they are taking a really high-quality, efficient drug. We have all heard of contamination and mix-ups at facilities that do not operate according to GMP standards; there have even been tragic cases, including in our country. Today, for manufacturers who work to standards, this is inherently impossible. Therefore, consumers and physicians need to be sure that the drug will not cause harm, and GMP is one factor that ensures this safety.”
How is confidence in domestic medicines maintained? What are the most effective ways?
“We realise that the stereotype “imported is better” really exists; it is not an empty phrase. We have conducted surveys, and we see that a significant part of consumers trust foreigners by definition, overshadowing Russian manufacturers. We believe that this is indeed a pressing issue. When there is a high-quality and efficient Russian drug, there is no point in being in the blindfolded notion that it is something old and unnecessary. From our point of view, the primary vehicle for increasing confidence in Russian medicines is the medical community. When we invite doctors to our plant, we see how their attitude towards Russian manufacturers, specifically us, changes. They are surprised to learn that modern high-tech production is possible in Russia. Other public events, including conferences such as these, also increase confidence.
This problem has now been taken up at the government level. We believe that decisive steps will be taken in the coming years. We realise that Russian pharma is no longer the same as it was 20 years ago. Today, it is a modern, one of the most successful, and fastest-growing sectors of the Russian economy. We compete with foreign manufacturers on an equal footing. I am sure this stereotype will gradually disappear in the coming years.”
Dmitry, is domestic pharma ready to replace imported drugs to ensure pharmaceutical sovereignty in our country?
“Of course, we are optimistic about the future of the Russian pharmaceutical industry. The Pharma-2020 programme was once adopted, and it played a very big role in the industry’s development. It literally assembled a new modern pharmaceutical industry in the Russian Federation from the legacy handed down to us by the Soviet Union. The Pharma-2030 programme has already been adopted, and we expect a significant part of it will be devoted to bringing new innovative drugs to the market This is already happening.
Biocad brings new state-of-the-art developments to the market every year. For example, here in Ufa, we launched the world’s first drug for Bekhterev’s disease, a blood coagulation factor VIII drug. This is one of the most modern production facilities in the world, and we realise that Russian pharmaceutical companies are world-class manufacturers today. Russian pharma is ready to offer patients a full range of high-quality, efficient products. So, I think Russian patients can rest assured that we will not disappoint them and that we will provide them with medicines.”
Author
Ravil Vatolin
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