Pharmaceutical Market Of Ukraine Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE ASSORTMENT OF COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES REGISTERED ON THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET OF UKRAINE AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC AVAILABILITY

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are a group of medications widely used by women of reproductive age worldwide that contain progestin and estrogen or progestin alone. COCs remain one of the most common contraceptive methods used by women of reproductive age, with approximately 151 million users worldwide. The aim of the work was to research the range of combined oral contraceptives (COC) registered on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine and to assess their socio-economic availability using the example of AKS Pharmacy No. 55 (Odesa, 162/2 Kostandi St.) for the year 2023. Research materials and methods. Analytical (data from the State Register of Medicinal Products and the search system tabletki.ua) and pharmacoeconomic (estimation of economic availability based on the indicator of adequacy of solvency Ca. s) research methods were used. Results and discussion. It was established that as of May 15, 2024, 36 trade names (TN) of COC preparations of foreign production were registered in Ukraine. The lion's share of the market is represented by IV generation COCs - 60% of the total assortment. 3rd, 2nd and 1st generation COCs account for 23, 14 and 3% of TN drugs, respectively. The type of composition containing only progestin is represented by 2 TN preparations. It was noted that among 12 TN COC drugs - "Regulon No. 3*21" tablets; "Femoston 1/10 No. 56" tablets and "Rygevidon No. 63" tablets belong to the middle range (Ca. s. = 6,5-7,5 %). All the other 9 TN COCs belong to the high range (Ca. s. less than 5 %). Conclusions. The range of combined oral contraceptives registered in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine is completely provided by imported manufacturers, and according to the results of socio-economic availability of COCs it was established that these drugs belong to the category of high and medium availability.

Prospects for the development of Ukraine’s pharmaceutical market in the wartime and post-war economy

The pharmaceutical market of Ukraine has undergone significant changes and challenges due to the ongoing war and associated economic difficulties. Military actions have resulted in substantial damage and destruction of production and logistics facilities, disruptions in the supply of medicines, reduced availability of pharmaceuticals for the population, and challenges in importing raw materials and finished drugs. On the other hand, this crisis situation has revealed new opportunities for the development of domestic production and localization of pharmaceutical products. This could strengthen the pharmaceutical sector, reduce dependence on imported drugs, and ensure long-term resilience of the industry during the reconstruction period. The aim of this study is to assess the current state of the pharmaceutical market in Ukraine, analyze the impact of the war on key aspects of the industry—production, logistics, import, and export of products—and explore opportunities for the sector’s adaptation and development in the post-war economy. Particular attention is paid to analyzing consumer demand, the availability of medicines, as well as the prospects for production localization, the development of generic drugs, strengthening national infrastructure, and improving the competitiveness of domestic products. The review indicates the necessity of strategic state support to create favorable conditions for the development of the pharmaceutical sector. This includes tax incentives for companies specializing in drug production, investment subsidies for the modernization and construction of new pharmaceutical plants, promotion of pharmaceutical clusters, and stimulation of scientific research and development. Key measures also involve supporting small and medium-sized pharmaceutical enterprises through financial and educational programs, creating microfinance opportunities for new manufacturing ventures, and developing training and certification programs to enhance the professional level of industry workers.

HERBAL MEDICINE IN DENTISTRY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

The treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa and inflammatory-dystrophic diseases of the periodontal tissues is a major concern in modern dentistry. The use of herbal medicines is one of the most promising areas of pharmacotherapy, employed both as standalone treatments and as part of comprehensive therapeutic regimens. Currently, nearly 50% of medications in the global pharmacotherapeutic arsenal are derived directly from medicinal plant materials. The high interest in herbal remedies stems from several key factors, including their natural origin, complex structure, pharmacological versatility, cost-effectiveness, and their applicability in treating a wide range of diseases. The development of modern herbal medicine is considered a priority in public health, aimed at preventing acute and chronic diseases and improving quality of life. At the same time, evidence-based approaches to medicinal plants are rooted in the principles of "phytonics," which emphasize the standardized production of herbal medicines at all stages. The aim of thus study is to review the literature on the use of herbal medicines in dental practice. The current range of phytopreparations available on the pharmaceutical market in Ukraine includes both well-established herbal products and new preparations that have undergone experimental testing and now require evidence-based clinical validation. Conclusion. Phytotherapy in dental practice presents a promising approach due to the polytropic effects of herbal medicines. Future research must adhere to the principles of scientific rigor to ensure the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.

The study of the range, availability and affordability of vitamin B1 medicines combined with vitamin B6 and/or B12 in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Aim. To conduct a study of the range of combined neurotropic vitamins B in the pharmaceutical market, to analyze their availability and affordability for patients with neurological diseases. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, ATC classification, and information on statistical retail prices from the online service www.tabletki.ua. Such research methods as systematization, generalization, comparative, marketing, content analysis, pharmacoeconomic analysis by the “cost of illness” method were used. Results. The pharmaceutical market of vitamin A11DB group Vitamin B1 in combination with vitamin B6 and/or B12 registered in Ukraine as 43 trade names (TN) of medicines has been analyzed taking into account all dosage forms; among them, 53.5 % are medicines of domestic manufacturers. Among dosage forms, the vast majority are solutions for injection (65.1 %). Only 56 % of the registered medicines are accessible, i.e. available for sale in regional pharmacies, with an equal proportion of domestic and foreign manufacturers. In 63 % of the drugs studied, the price liquidity ratio indicator shows fluctuations from 0.51 to 1.0, which indicates a significant range of drug prices, a relatively low level of competition in the market, and negatively characterizes the availability of these drugs for the population. It has been found that for injectable dosage forms of the drugs studied, the coefficient of adequacy of solvency ranges from 1.41 % to 3.30 %, and for oral medicines – from 0.67 % to 6.20 %, i.e., the cost of purchasing one package of a complex vitamin B medicine does not exceed 6.20 % of the average monthly salary on the example of the Odesa region, which is not included in the List of territories where military operations are (were) conducted or temporarily occupied. A pharmacoeconomic analysis has been conducted using the “cost of illness” method; and the drugs of choice have been selected taking into account the information on their equivalence provided by the manufacturer. According to the results of this analysis, it has been found that the cost of treating polyneuropathy with complex vitamin B medicines produced in Ukraine is 1.4-6 times more affordable than in the case of imported analogues. Conclusions. The results presented indicate the need to introduce additional mechanisms for compensating the cost of vitamin B medicines in order to increase the level of socio-economic affordability of pharmaceutical care provided in pharmacies. In addition, they can be used in the formation of the range of medicines to ensure the availability of medicines of choice, taking into account the most affordable cost of the treatment course.

Possibilities of Helicobacter pylori eradication based on current Maastricht VI/Florence Consensus recommendations in the world and in Ukraine

Objective — to determine the role of adding tetracycline to bismuth‑containing quadrotherapy in the increasing of eradication effectiveness. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is recognized as the main pathogen of humankind more than 40 years ago. Despite the treatment of H. pylori — positive individuals and the reduction of infection transmission in populations with improved socio‑economic standards of living, it remains the most widespread bacterial pathogen of humankind, infecting almost half of the Earth’s population. As a result, this pathogen continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The issue of effective H. pylori eradication with its main goal to prevent of gastric cancer, remains relevant for many years. According to the current provisions of the latest Maastricht VI/Florence consensus, eradication is indicated for all infected patients, since H. pylori is recognized as a pathogen of the stomach, and H. pylori — associated gastritis is an infectious disease that causes a sequential cascade of carcinogenesis. Eradication therapy enables cancer prevention at any age in adults, but its effectiveness decreases with age. Therefore, timely and effective anti‑helicobacter therapy can prevent negative consequences in H. pylori — infected patients. The threshold for H. pylori eradication in most countries often does not reach the required level of 85%, including in Ukraine. Among the main factors, reducing the effectiveness of anti‑helicobacter therapy at the current stage is the growing resistance of H. pylori to antibacterial agents. In Ukraine, the level of clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori is not precisely determined, but, without a doubt, it is high. A rapid increase in resistance to fluoroquinolones is also noted. Because of this, one of the schemes for the first line of eradication therapy in the modern treatment algorithm in accordance with the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus recommends quadrotherapy with preparations of colloidal bismuth subcitrate, proton pump inhibitors, tetracycline and metronidazole lasting 10—14 days. In May 2024, Ukrainian pharmaceutical market will be supplied with new drug «Tetramax» containing 500 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride in one capsule. This is the only tetracycline in Ukraine with a convenient dosage, which can now be prescribed for effective H. pylori eradication. This approach is relevant and most effective in conditions of uncertain or high resistance to clarithromycin.

Sociological research of the men’s androgenic alopecia problem

Diseases of the skin and its appendages currently occupy one of the leading places in terms of prevalence. In addition, today the relationship between dermatopathologies and the psychoemotional state of people and vice versa is clearly monitored. Psychodermatology is engaged in the study of exactly this regularity. One of the most common trichological diseases is androgenic alopecia, which is characterized by excessive hair loss under the influence of androgens in individuals with a hereditary predisposition. Androgenic alopecia is often accompanied by secondary mental disorders, which significantly impair the quality of people’s life. It is relevant to conduct sociological research of this problem among men of all age groups. Such research will reveal the level of influence of androgenic alopecia on the psychoemotional state of men who may be potential consumers of medicines and dermatocosmetics. The aim of the work was to conduct a sociological study to establish the impact of androgenic alopecia on the psychoemotional state of men and their readiness for pharmacotherapy. Materials and methods. Sociological research was conducted from 01.03.2019 to 31.08.2019 by surveying 150 men aged 18 to 66. Respondents were visitors to pharmacies in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions of Ukraine, who gave written consent to participate in the survey. Only persons with visible manifestations of androgenic alopecia according to the Norwood scale were included in the survey. All respondents were divided into the following age groups: from 18 to 20 years old, from 21 to 30 years old, from 31 to 40 years old, from 41 to 50 years old, from 51 to 60 years old, from 61 years old and older. The distribution was carried out to segment the target market. The results of the study were displayed as percentages with 95 % confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.1.2 (R Core Team (2021). The results. According to the results of the sociological study, 48.7 % of interviewed men consider that androgenic alopecia is a problem which can affect the emotional state and, so, the quality of life. As a result, about 90 % of the respondents indicated that they need to expand the assortment of effective remedies to solve this problem on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, of which 36.7 % are ready to pay for a course of effective pharmacotherapy from 200 to 500 hryvnias. Conclusions. The obtained results confirm that androgenic alopecia has a negative effect on the psychoemotional state of men and worsens their quality of life. To solve the problem of androgenic alopecia, men are interested in using effective medicinal or dermatocosmetic products

The analysis of dynamics of physical accessibility of pharmaceutical aid in Ukraine

The level of development of the country's health care system can be assessed in different ways, in particular by the level of pharmaceutical aid provision to the population. The quality of pharmaceutical aid for the population depends on many factors, including physical accessibility and the number of pharmacies located in a certain area. The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of changes in the physical accessibility of pharmaceutical aid provision for the population and changes in the number of pharmacies in Ukraine during 2017–2022. Annual reports of the State Service of Ukraine for medicinal products and drug control, regarding licensees in the field of economic activity in the production of medicines, wholesale and retail trade of medicinal products, circulation of drugs have been used for the analysis of dynamics. It was established that the pandemic of the coronavirus disease, which was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) coronavirus, and the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation had a significant impact on the development of the pharmaceutical market in Ukraine according to the results of the study. There is a general tendency to decrease the number of economic entities conducting their activities in the retail trade of medicines, while simultaneous increasing the places of activity, which may indicate the globalization of the pharmaceutical market. However, it can also cause a reduction in the quality of the competitive environment and limit the choice of pharmaceutical aid providers by patients. Thus, in the studied period, the number of economic entities decreased by more than 1,400. The number of pharmaceutical establishments engaged in the compounding of medicinal products also decreased significantly, by 23.5%. The total number of economic entities engaged in activities related to the circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors also decreased significantly, which definitely worsened the physical availability of this group of drugs.

The study of the physicochemical properties of rectal cream samples with the carrot extract and rutin

The modern arsenal of drugs aimed at eliminating pathological processes of the anorectal zone, as a rule, consists of suppositories and soft drugs. When using suppositories, hemorrhoidal nodes may be injured, uneven distribution of the drug along the walls of the anal canal may be observed. In addition, with external and combined hemorrhoids, there is a need to apply the drug not only to the walls of the anal canal, but also to the perianal skin. Therefore, preference is given to the use of soft drugs since the process of their introduction is as easy as possible. Today, the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine has a wide range of products for the treatment of diseases of the anorectal zone, but the constant increase in the number of patients indicates that this problem has not been solved. Therefore, the study on the creation of a new rectal soft medicine that will have a complex effect on pathological processes and expand the range of domestic drugs for use in proctology is relevant. Aim. To substantiate the type of base for a soft rectal medicine by studying the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the experimental samples. Materials and methods. The study objects were samples of a soft dosage form of various compositions and the reference drug “Procto-Glivenol Cream” (VAMPHARMA S.R.L., Italy). Samples on different carrier bases were examined by their organoleptic and textural properties; their colloidal and thermal stability, viscosity and pH were studied. Results and discussion. It has been found that the use of a sample on a gel base with Aristoflex does not ensure the presence of an optimal adhesive layer between the mucous membrane of the anorectal zone and the dispersion medium of the drug. The proxanol-188 sample does not have satisfactory thermal and colloidal stability indicators. The use of an emulsion base provides the necessary ability to spread over the surface, adhesion and cohesion. Conclusions. Therefore, for further research, it is advisable to use a sample of the rectal cream, which is an emulsion system.

Marketing research of the ukrainian pharmaceutical market of medicines for cognitive impairment

The war in Ukraine causes people constant nervous tension and stress, as a result, there is an increase in the number of cases of diseases of the nervous system. It has been established that worsening of cognitive impairment is more often diagnosed, so there is a need for proper rational pharmacotherapy. The presence of cognitive impairment occurs in almost 30% of patients with post-COVID syndrome and in 70% of patients in the first 6 months after a stroke. Nootropic drugs are increasingly being used to restore and improve cognitive function. The aim of our research was to study the range of drugs of the ATC group N06B X «Various psychostimulants and nootropics», which are presented on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine as of February 2024 for formation of needed offers of domestic and foreign drugs during wartime, optimization of meeting the needs of patients with cognitive impairment, and relevance of drugs development by domestic manufacturers. In order to conduct marketing research, an analytical review of information sources on the reference group of drugs registered on the Ukrainian market (psychostimulants and nootropics) was used: The State Register of Drugs, the Compendium, instructions for the use of drugs. The methods of our research were information search, generalization, marketing research, graphical and mathematical and statistical methods. The results of the analysis of the ATC of group N06B X «Various psychostimulants and nootropics» showed that 17 active pharmaceutical ingredients are registered in the modern pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, which are represented by 156 trade names (TN). We conducted a study of the range of drugs ATC of the N06B X group «Various psychostimulants and nootropics» depending on the country of manufacture. It has been established that the drugs of this group are represented by 12 countries. Analysis of the nomenclature in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine showed that 95 TN are produced by 24 Ukrainian manufacturers, 61 TN – by 20 foreign manufacturers. It was found that pramiracetam and phenylpiracetam preparations are represented only by foreign manufacturers, which indicates the need to introduce to the market new drugs of domestic production. In the studied assortment of drugs of the reference group, 90% of the total number are monocomponent drugs. The most common forms of drugs in this group are solutions for injection (40%) and tablets (35). The largest share of such dosage forms as solutions for injection and tablets is represented by cytocoline and piracetam preparations, which indicates a high need for such dosage forms of this group of drugs in the treatment of cognitive impairment. The results of the study may be relevant in the formation of the necessary assortment of drugs in pharmacies to meet the needs of patients with cognitive impairments.

Бади, які «маскуються» під лікарський засіб: стан проблеми та наслідки

Today, the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine and other countries has seen the emergence and active development of a trend of launching new pharmaceutical products registered as dietary supplements that are "disguised as a drug" by their properties. Unscrupulous manufacturers resorting to such approaches,namely, when bringing dietary supplements to the market under the guise of drugs, save time and significant funds,some of which they direct to aggressive marketing, sometimes trying to mislead doctors, pharmacists and consumers. A similar situation has unfolded around the drug Proteflazid® manufactured by Ecopharm LLC (Ukraine), which is currently widely and successfully used to treat a number of viral diseases. Therefore, the awareness and conscious position of doctors and pharmacists should become a reliable safeguard against a distorted understanding of the role of drugs and dietary supplements in modern medicine and pharmacy. Keywords: drugs, dietary supplements, antiviral effect, efficacy and safety of therapy.

Research of the Competition Level for Manufacturers and Distributors of the Pharmaceutical Market in Ukraine

The article analyzes the development of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, proves the prospects of this industry in terms of the impact on the national economy and indicators of dynamics in the period from 2018 to 2021. During this period, the influence of global processes on the dynamics of the production indicators and sale of goods in the pharmaceutical market, the impact of the COVID pandemic is assessed and its consequences, as well as the beginning of a full-scale war of the RF against Ukraine.
 A retrospective study about the development of the main players of the pharmaceutical market in Ukraine at all levels of the medical products-representatives movement: from production to distribution of products by distributors, taking into account the national and foreign affiliation of a specific counterparty. The level of market monopolization was evaluated according to the Lind and Herfindahl-Hirschman indices, which are the most common methods among scientists for identifying the level of market concentration. It is illustrated that newly created and small enterprises of the pharmaceutical market, which constitute a competitive environment in the industry, deserve special attention. According to the results of the analysis, enterprises with an extremely high level of market concentration for manufacturers and distributors were also identified: “Farmak” and “Darnytsia” and “Optima-Pharm LTD” and “BaDM”, respectively.
 Among the manufacturers, a comparative analysis of structures in dynamics using the coefficient of structural shifts was additionally applied - to generalize the intensity of changes for 2021 and 2022. In the structure of distributors, particular attention is also paid to the enterprise «Venta LTD», which closes the top three enterprises in the farm industry, but has a risk of nationalization due to the share of Russian capital in the total assets of the enterprise, which gives time to other suppliers to occupy places on the trade niches, forming an oligopoly on market. As a result, specific decisions regarding state regularization as a way to solve the problem of pharmaceutical market monopolization by some of its representatives, related to the main principles of ensuring a competitive environment: transparency, control, support and protection of enterprises, are given to the conducted analysis. The specified information constitutes a promising direction of research – cooperative relations between manufacturers and distributors for the establishment of a logistics chain in today’s conditions.

Immunomodulators as objects of the pharmaceutical market. Message III. The product conjuncture of immunosuppressants and their place in the state guarantees program of medical care of the population

Immunosuppressants (ІS) are used to prevent a number of autoimmune diseases, non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases and rejection of transplanted organs. Global ІS market is characterized by high growth rates.
 The aim of the work: analyze the immunosuppressants product nomenclature on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, as well as their characteristics from the point of view of state guarantees of medical care of the population.
 The research materials: the sources of special and scientific and methodical literature; The State Register of Drugs of Ukraine (as of February 1, 2023), the Register of Drugs that are subjects to reimbursement by the state guarantees program of medical care of the population, as of February 14, 2023. The methods of information search, analysis, generalization, and marketing research have been used.
 It has been established that 27 INN of immunosuppressants in the form of 134 trade names had been registered in Ukraine. Almost half of the studied drugs consisted of lenalidomide (23.13%), tacrolimus (15.67%) and mycophenolic acid (9.70%). Immunosuppressants are presented in the shape of 7 dosage forms, mostly in capsules (55.22%).
 It has been found that immunosuppressants are characterized by absolute import dependence, 127 foreign manufacturers from 27 countries have registered 133 trade names (99.25%), and the Ukrainian manufacturer (JSC "Farmak") - only one position (0.75%) and even that is from products in bulk. Germany is characterized as the country that has the highest production activity of immunosuppressants (22.83% of the enterprises had an indicator of production activity of 20.81%), and among the producers there are two pharmaceutical enterprises: Novartis Pharma Stein AG, Switzerland and Sinton Hispania S.L, Spain (production activity indicator 3.76% both).
 The Register of drugs subjects to reimbursement under the state guarantees program of medical care of the population has included 5 INN of immunosuppressants in the form of 21 trade names for people in the post-transplantation period. Four-fifths (80.95%) of them belong to expensive drugs, as evidenced by their retail price per package of UAH 1,000 or more. However, patients can receive 15 trade names free of charge, for the other 6 trade names patient’s payment ranges from 8.09 to 33.95% of retail value.
 The obtained results can serve as a prototype for the formation of the product nomenclature of drug manufacturers, wholesale pharmaceutical enterprises and pharmacies.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASICS OF SPRAY TECHNOLOGY FOR EXTERNAL APPLICATION

The basics of the technology for the preparation of a spray formulation for external use with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects was developed. The quantitative content of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients was proposed. Comparative analysis of some indicators of the obtained spray with analogues on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine was carried out. Material calculations allowed to estimate the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients for the preparation of the spray and its packaging in bottles with a dropper in the laboratory. Based on the material calculations, a basic technological scheme for the production of the finished product was proposed. Economic calculations have been carried out, which demonstrate a high level of economic profitability of the development of such a preparation.

Analysis of the range, economic availability and volume of consumption of antiestrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer

Aim. To study the range, economic availability and consumption volumes of antiestrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer.
 Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis of the range, as well as the analysis of changes in average retail prices, economic availability and consumption volumes of hormone therapy for ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer presented at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in 2017-2022 were performed.
 Results. At the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in 2017-2022, 3 INNs of anti-estrogens were presented during the entire period under study: tamoxifen (L02B A01), toremifene (L02B A02) and fulvestrant (L02B A03). The value of the solvency adequacy ratio (Ca.s.) of the population for each drug under research decreased at the end of the study period. For almost every trade name (TN) of the drugs studied during individual years, the Ca.s. indicator was slightly higher than in the previous period, but this was not systemic in nature and did not affect the general trend of decreasing Ca.s., which, in turn, indicated an increase in the affordability of all TN of antiestrogens studied for an average citizen of Ukraine. There is an overall clear trend towards a year-on-year decrease in the consumption of anti-estrogens mainly due to a decrease in the consumption of tamoxifen drugs, but there is a steady trend towards an increase in the consumption of fulvestrant.
 Conclusions. At the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine within 2017-2022, anti-estrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(–) breast cancer were presented by 3 INNs: tamoxifen, toremifene and fulvestrant. It has been found that for almost all drugs studied there is a steady trend towards increasing economic availability due to an increase in average wages, despite an increase in average retail prices. A trend towards a decrease in the consumption of drugs from the group of anti-estrogens has been determined mainly due to a decrease in the consumption of tamoxifen drugs.

Legal and ethical dilemmas in the process of providing information to users of hormonal contraceptives

Aim. To elucidate legal and ethical dilemmas in the process of providing information to consumers of hormonal contraceptives (HC) at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine and search for ways to solve them.
 Materials and methods. The method of logical and content formulation of the problem, systematic and statistical methods, desk and field methods of marketing research, such as analysis of patient information leaflets for HC, the content analysis of publications in scientific and practically-oriented medical and pharmaceutical publications, the questionnaire survey method, tabular and graphic means of visual presentation of the data obtained were used in the work.
 Results. The problem of preserving the reproductive health of women using hormonal agents associated with the possible abortive effect of modern HC has been highlighted. The role of pharmacists in providing consultations when dispensing prescription medicines, in particular HC, has been determined. According to the results of the research, it has been found that there are gaps in the assessment of the quality of information work of pharmacists when dispensing HC from pharmacies. Directions for improving the information support of HC consumers taking into account regulatory and ethical aspects have been proposed. The expediency of expanding the data in patient information leaflets regarding the pharmacodynamics of drugs has been substantiated; it will minimize the psychological consequences of the use of contraceptives under the condition of a non-exclusive abortive effect.
 Conclusions. The paper highlights the legal and ethical dilemmas associated with dispensing modern HC without a doctor’s prescription and the possible abortive effect of the study group of drugs. Taking into account the social significance of regulating the information support of HC consumers, as well as legal and ethical norms, there is a need to develop and implement additional instructional and informational materials on the rational purpose and application of HC.

Immunomodulators as objects of the pharmaceutical market. Message II. Research of the price conjuncture of the retail market segment and economic availability of immunostimulants

An important direction of scientific research is the constant monitoring of prices and economic availability of immunostimulants, the results of which can serve as a basis for making appropriate management decisions regarding the improvement of the provision of this group of drugs to the population of Ukraine.
 The aim of the work is to conduct a situational analysis of the price conjuncture and economic availability of immunostimulants on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine (using the example of pharmacies in Lviv). The material of the study was the information on retail prices for immunostimulants in Lviv pharmacies as of March 14, 2023. Information search, analysis, generalization, and marketing research have been used as methods of research. The price liquidity ratio has been used for a detailed analysis of the price situation. Economic availability has been determined based on the cost of the defined daily dose (DDD) at the minimum and maximum retail prices.
 A situational analysis of the number of offers and retail prices for immunostimulants in Lviv pharmacies has showed that, depending on the trade name of the drug, they were offered by one to 314 pharmacies in the regional center.
 For all analyzed trade names of drugs of groups L03A A02 – Filgrastim and L03A X18 – Cridanimod, 85.7% of trade names of drugs of group L03A B04 – Interferon alfa-2b, 66.7% of trade names of drugs from groups L03A X29 – Other drugs and L03A X22** – Echinacea, the Sliq value did not exceed 0.5, which indicates a high level of their competition in the studied market segment and the relative economic availability of these drugs. However, for 20.0% of the investigated nomenclature of immunostimulants (Ismigen (Italy), Tsitovir-3 (Finland), Immunal (Slovenia), Echinacea compositum C (Germany), etc.), a decrease in the level of competition and relative economic availability on the market in Lviv has been observed (Cliq within 0.55–0.91).
 A study of the economic availability of 14 immunostimulants based on the DDD cost has showed that the most economically available were the trade names of interferon alpha-2b (index of economic availability (Iav) in the range of 17.52–87.03%), as well as trade names of the BCG vaccine (Iav = 51.02%). Somewhat lower group economic availability was characteristic for two trade names of glatiramer acetate (Iаv in the range of 138.60–152.27%). The least economically available for the patient were the trade names of filgrastim (Iаv = 262.02‒424.53%).
 The results of the study can serve as a basis for the formation of the price policy of various subjects of the pharmaceutical market.

EXTRACTION OPTIMIZATION AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ANALYSIS IN FICUS CARICA L. FRUITS BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD

One of the important tasks of modern pharmacology and pharmacy is the search and development of safe and effective medicines. On the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, there is a trend of development of organic chemistry and the emergence of new synthetic medicines. However, the search and in-depth study of plant raw materials remains relevant, as medicinal products based on it show low toxicity and have high indicators of biological activity. According to literature sources, ripe fruits of Ficus carica L. of the Moraceae family are a promising object for further research. It is known that the fruits of Ficus carica L. contain a whole complex of biologically active substances that provide them with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, choleretic and antispasmodic effects. The aim of the work was to study the qualitative composition and quantitative content of biologically active compounds of phenolic nature in ripe fruits of Ficus carica L. by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. The fruits of Ficus carica L. were extracted under different conditions and methods of extraction. Various concentrations of the water-ethanol mixture (30%, 50% and 70%) were chosen as the solvent, with a ratio of solvent to plant material of 1:8 and grinding of the plant material to a size of 5 mm. A series of extractions was carried out in a Soxhlet apparatus and by the maceration method until the target product was completely extracted. The main criterion for evaluating the optimal conditions and extraction method was the quantitative content of phenolic compounds, which was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Chocalteu method in terms of gallic acid. It was established that the optimal conditions that ensure the maximum extraction of polyphenolic compounds from plant raw materials are the use of 70% alcohol as an extractant when using both extraction methods. It has also been proven that higher rates of target product yield are observed when extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus. Using the method of high-performance liquid chromatography at a wavelength of 225 nm, it was established that the extract of Ficus carica L. contains such groups of phenolic compounds as: phenolic acids (101.4 μg/ml), catechins (98.08 μg/ml), catechin-like substances (599.29 μg/ml), flavanols (1.07 μg/ml), flavonol-like (43.10 μg/ml), flavonoids (99.15 μg/ml). The total content of polyphenolic compounds in the studied sample of the extract from the fruits of Ficus carica L. is 1420.28 μg/ml, where the share of unidentified compounds is 478.19 μg/ml.

Marketing analysis and positioning of diuretic medicines at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Aim. To perform the marketing analysis of the domestic pharmaceutical market in the segment of diuretic medicines and study the directions of their positioning. Materials and methods. The research materials are data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine and the Electronic Medicines Compendium. To achieve the goal, the methods of logical and meaningful problem formation, desk market research, comparative analysis, content analysis of scientific and practically oriented medical and pharmaceutical publications were used. Results and discussion. The article presents the results of the marketing analysis of the domestic pharmaceutical market of diuretic medicines of group C03 “Diuretics” registered at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine as of July 1, 2023. It has been determined that the range of diuretic medicines includes 124 trade names analyzed by INN, the number of trade names, by production, dosage form, price range, availability in the assortment of pharmacies. The analysis of the market of the group of medicines studied by producing countries, form of release and conditions of dispensing from pharmacies has been performed, as well as positioning has been carried by the peculiarities of the use of diuretics by such consumer segments as children, women during pregnancy and lactation. The INNs of medicines, which content are not offered by domestic manufacturers, have been identified, and therefore they can be considered promising for updating the product range. Conclusions. The results of the marketing analysis of the diuretic market and development of positioning directions are the basis for the search and development of new effective domestic medicines for the treatment and prevention of renal failure, neurological and cardiac diseases and other diseases in the pharmacotherapy of which diuretics are used.

The analysis of the range of antihistamines at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Aim. To analyze the range of antihistamines (AH) at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine.
 Materials and methods. The analysis of the range of drugs was carried out in accordance with the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine as of February 2023, the weekly “Apteka” to determine the data of actual sales of AH. Statistical, frequency and graphic methods were used in the analysis. The information was processed using Microsoft Office Excel. 
 Results. As a result of the frequency analysis, it was found that the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine as of February 2023 of AН for systematic use was represented by 170 trade names (TN) and 135 international non-proprietary names (INN). The leaders by INN were Desloratadine (34 TN) and Levocetirizine (26 TN). According to the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine as of February 2023, there were different drug forms, namely: tablets, solutions, drops, syrups, dragees and granules for the preparation of oral suspension. The largest share was AH in the form of tablets (70.59 %), solutions, drops, and syrups accounted for almost the same percentage (10 %, 9,41 %, 8,82 %), and 2 % of AH were registered in the form of dragees. The ratio of AH producing countries at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine by TN was also determined. It was found that among the dosage forms presented, 62 % were of foreign production. AH of domestic production were 38 %; moreover, the largest market share (19 %) was produced by LLC Pharmaceutical Company “Zdorovye”. According to the results of the official data of weekly “Apteka” on the actual consumption of AH, it was found that AH of the second generation were the most popular both by INN and TN. It is due to their pharmacokinetic properties and the optimal price/effectiveness ratio.
 Conclusions. Based on the above, we can conclude that the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine is represented by a wide range of AH in various forms of production and various manufacturers. This leads to a wide choice of drugs of this group among the population, pharmaceutical and medical professionals.

HERBAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF OPHTHALMIC DISEASES

The article describes the problems of ophthalmic diseases, determines the perspective of using drugs based on medicinal plant raw materials, and conducts a marketing analysis of phytoremedies and dietary supplements. There are 38 dietary supplements on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, the main component of which is blueberry fruit extract. In addition to blueberries, such natural sources of obtaining anthocyanins are known as the fruits of black currants, chokeberry, red grapes, as well as the flowers of the Sudanese rose. The range of medicinal plants that contain anthocyanins is small, so the search for plant raw materials is urgent. Such plants include Paeonia officinalis varieties «Rosea рlena» and «Alba plena», in which the results of the study found the presence of anthocyanins in the flowers, which gives grounds for further study of this medicinal plant in ophthalmic practice.