Summer brings certain anxiety to the Lithuanian pharmaceutical market. Discussions are running high over amendments to the Pharmaceutical Law and the new list of reimbursable medicines, which the government approves twice a year.
The biggest concern is about possible price erosion, especially with the entry of new generics on the market.
“We are following this discussion, especially in light of the concerns expressed by Medicines for Europe about Lithuania’s medicines policy”, says Jovita Kumštytė, The Head of the RX Department at Norameda.
The Brussels-based Medicines for Europe association is concerned about Lithuania’s medicines policy and warns that pressure on manufacturers to lower prices could have a negative impact on patients.
According to the Association, the current actions of the Lithuanian authorities could further disrupt the supply of essential medicines, which has already been facing significant challenges recently.
In the letter to the highest authorities of Lithuania, Association indicates that Lithuania’s policy is leading to a price freeze for generic medicines, threatening the sustainability of the country’s market and the affordability of medicines as production and supply costs in the pharmaceutical sector continue to rise, leaving manufacturers unable to adjust their prices per this policy.
“Despite these discussions, we have our daily routine. And the most exciting one is preparing a marketing campaign for the products of our new partner Organon”, says J. Kumšytė. “We are looking forward to working with gynecologists, which is a new experience for us.”
The Head of the RX Department is also excited about new products for treating dermatovenerologic diseases added to the Norameda RX portfolio.
Organon is a global healthcare company with a portfolio of therapies and products in women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines across various conditions and diseases.
“We carry a wide range of prescription medicines, including those for asthma. Summer is when the market for asthma medicines decreases, but this is also a good time as asthma patients experience fewer asthma exacerbations and feel better during the warmer months,” says J. Kumšytė.