The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia launched an…
The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia launched an investigation into the company 'Ferment' over an eightfold increase in the price of the drug Bifiliz (VIGEL), which treats gastrointestinal infections, citing lack of economic justification and monopolistic pricing despite no changes in market conditions.
Consensus
- The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) initiated an investigation into 'Ferment' regarding the price increase of Bifiliz (VIGEL).
- The price of Bifiliz increased from 500 rubles to 4,000 rubles.
- Bifiliz is not included in the list of essential and vital medicines (ЖНВЛП), so its price is not state-regulated.
- The company 'Ferment' holds a dominant position on the market for this drug.
- There were no significant changes in the conditions of the drug's circulation.
- No economically justified reasons for increased production costs were found.
- The FAS suspects violation of Article 10, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Law 'On Protection of Competition' by abusing a dominant market position through setting monopolistically high prices.
- If proven, the company may face an administrative fine.
Points of divergence
- The FAS noted that Bifiliz is used for treating intestinal infections. — kommersant
- The FAS received citizen complaints about the sharp price increase of the drug with international non-proprietary name 'Bifidobacterium bifidum + Lysozyme'. — vedomosti
- In May, the FAS also initiated a case against ZAO 'Vifitekh', the sole Russian manufacturer of Lepsefri for chronic kidney failure treatment. — vedomosti
Coverage (2 sources)
- FAS opened a case after eightfold price increase on the drug 'Bifilix' — Коммерсантъ
- FAS opened a case against the 'Ferment' firm over price hikes on bifiliz — Ведомости