The Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion Pharma, which produces life-saving drugs, has announced the termination of its activities in Russia. This follows from the company's report for the first half of 2023.
According to the document, operating profit decreased by 25 million euros compared to the same period last year due to the «termination of commercial activities in Russia.» The document does not specify when exactly the company left the Russian market.
Pharmaceutical Bulletin drew attention to the fact that the Orion Pharma report did not say anything about the termination of supplies to Russia, however, Roszdravnadzor data indicates a sharp reduction in the introduction of the company's medicines into civilian circulation. In particular, the publication draws attention to the decline in supplies of the hormonal drug Divigel.
The decision to reduce activities in Russia was made by the pharmaceutical company after the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine. In the fall, Vedomosti sources reported that Orion Pharma began liquidating the Russian office. On July 17, 2023, it became known that Valenta Pharm bought the rights from Orion Pharma for the drug Regidron for the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract — it is planned to localize its release in Russia.
Orion Pharma has worked in Russia for about 15 years — the manufacturer is one of the hundred largest pharmaceutical companies, according to DSM Group. In particular, the company is engaged in the production of life-saving drugs — for example, the drug Metipred, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.