Overview of the Russian market of herbal products

Abstract

Introduction. In the Russian pharmaceutical market, there is the following situation: herbal medicinal products (HMP) and dietary supplements based on plant raw materials (DS) have similar compositions, dosage forms and scope of application. They’re often considered analogues by consumers and specialists, which indicates the existence of common market for these products.Research aim is to investigate the state and development trends of the Russian HMP and DS market, assessing positions of foreign and domestic companies and general prospects for this market as well.Methodology. The study was conducted using IQVIA retail audit database, official sources of information on HMP and DS registration. In the market analysis the products were classified depending on the scope of application, composition and preparation methods, and dosage forms as well.Results. In 2020 pharmacy of HMP and DS sales amounted to 435.4 million units valued at 51.3 billion rubles in wholesale prices. Beginning with 2016, the average annual growth rate corresponded to 4.2%, in value terms. However, in volume terms, the sales were reduced in the average by 3.4% per year (due to cheap domestic medicines). The main part of the entire market comprises HMP (80% in units and 74% in value terms in 2020). The products, affecting respiratory system, genitourinary sphere, and digestion, provide more than three-quarters of all sales in value terms. More than half of the market is occupied by total extractive drugs. Solid dosage forms (tablets and capsules) account for half of the sales, plant raw materials and fees constitute more than one third. In 2020, Russian companies provided 28% of the sales of HMP and 67% of DS in value terms. In the context of the main segments, the market structure in 2016-2020 remained fairly stable.Conclusion. In the future, the market dynamics in value terms will be determined considering by household income and the epidemiological situation. In units, HMP sales will continue to decline through the unprofitable positions of the traditional domestic drug assortment. The increasing strictness of legislation requirements for the market of dietary supplements may contribute to investment in the development of HMP that are competitive to foreign products in terms of quality and consumer characteristics.