Most Russian manufacturers produce generics Currently, most Russian manufacturers produce pharmaceutical products whose patents expired 15-20 years ago. They are usually called 'generics'. Currently, a significant number of local producers manufacture identical products. Russian companies are unable to finance the multi-billion dollar research programmes that international pharmaceutical giants are capable of conducting. This explains the significant shares held by multinationals in Russia, as the average Russian citizen is keen on buying products provided they can afford them. Alternatively they can purchase local generic alternatives of new branded drugs, or else products produced by companies of the former Soviet bloc.
