More than three-quarters of registered HIV patients in Russia are now being treated with domestically produced antiretroviral medications, according to Alexey Mazus, Chief Freelance Specialist for HIV Infection at the Russian Ministry of Health. Mazus attributed this shift to the country’s ongoing import substitution policy, which has replaced foreign drugs with Russian-made equivalents. He emphasized that there is currently no shortage of HIV medicines in Russia.
“In our country, import substitution for HIV treatment has been underway for some time. Today, Russia has significant potential for the use of domestic drugs,” Mazus told TASS. “Over 75% of registered patients are receiving modern Russian antiretroviral therapy.”
Mazus also reported that there have been no queues for HIV medications in Russia for an extended period. The Ministry of Health has fulfilled all patient requests across regions for 2024, ensuring access for all, he said. “All regions are supplied, and patients are receiving treatment,” he added.
Earlier, Mazus expressed confidence that long-acting HIV treatments, requiring administration only twice a year, will soon be available in Russia. He also noted advancements in vaccine research, with ongoing efforts to develop an effective HIV vaccine.
