9 February, an online meeting with representatives of manufacturers and distributors of medicinal products was held at the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The meeting was organized pursuant to the instruction of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to analyze the situation with the availability on the market of critically important medicines (Methotrexate, Lamotrigine).
The goal was to find anti-crisis solutions and mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicinal products to pharmacy chains, taking into account the needs of patients and the capabilities of the pharmaceutical market.
During the meeting, in particular, the following issues were discussed:
- Plans of manufacturers and distributors to accelerate the supply of certain medicinal products, including the possibility of prompt production of additional batches;
- Systemic solutions at the state level aimed at stabilizing the market, in particular ensuring transparency of pricing, predictability of regulatory procedures and laboratory control;
- Coordination of actions between regulatory authorities and manufacturers for the purpose of timely response to shortage risks and meeting patients' needs.
Based on the results of the meeting, the parties exchanged updated information on the volumes and timelines of supply of certain medicinal products.
According to the information provided by representatives of manufacturers and distributors:
Methotrexate. Injectable forms of the product are already available in warehouses in Ukraine. On 10 February, a truck with tablet forms from one of the manufacturers in Germany is scheduled to depart. After customs clearance and quality control, the product will immediately begin to be supplied to pharmacies. Another manufacturer plans delivery in April 2026. Going forward, stable supplies from various manufacturers are expected.
Lamotrigine. The facilities of one of the manufacturers of the product in Ukraine, which accounted for a significant share of the market, have been repeatedly damaged as a result of missile and drone attacks by the russian federation on the territory of Ukraine, which temporarily affected production. Production is currently being restored. As of today, the product is already in warehouses in Ukraine, and its distribution to pharmacies is ongoing. Other manufacturers have also accelerated deliveries to meet patients' needs.
