Pakistan and Russia have taken a significant step towards industrial collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, with a focus on joint ventures for insulin supply and local manufacturing.

A high-level meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, was held to evaluate options for importing insulin from Russia and forming strategic joint ventures in pharmaceutical production.

The session was attended by Russian government representative Denis Nazarov along with senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of National Health Services, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

Key points discussed included:

  • Import of insulin from Russia’s pharmaceutical manufacturer Zavod Medsintez, already registered by DRAP under Genetics Pharmaceuticals, Lahore.
  • Review of policy protocols to support bilateral pharma cooperation.
  • Assessment of a price hike application submitted by Eli Lilly, which may impact market competitiveness, especially compared to insulin by Novo Nordisk Pharma.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar highlighted the potential impact of consistent insulin supply on the growing diabetic population in Pakistan. He stressed that local production of insulin in collaboration with Russian firms is aligned with the government’s strategic healthcare goals.

A joint protocol between Pakistani and Russian manufacturers is currently under development and is expected to be submitted for federal approval. SAPM directed stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive proposal to present to the federal cabinet.

This initiative represents a vital shift in enhancing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical resilience, reducing import dependency, and opening new avenues for international industrial cooperation.