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transportation of goods via rail in Russia. Moreover, Shilo highlighted that Russian Railways anticipates further growth in cargo loading for the month of June compared to the same month in 2022. This projection suggests continued momentum in the rail freight sector and underscores the company's optimism regarding future performance.
9.1.13 Other sector news
Total sales of the top ten pharmaceutical distributors in Russia declined by 1Q23 by 11.2% y/y, accounting for 69.7% of the market, Kommersant daily reported. The overall market volume also decreased by 12% y/y in the reporting period. The largest pharmaceutical distributors are seeing a decline in sales following the end of the pandemic and the decrease in frenzied demand. However, government programs for the purchase of certain drug categories contribute to the top line growth for the largest players. The market leader Protek saw its sales decline by 6.6%, with the market share of 13%. Among other largest distributors, R-Pharm experienced a significant decline in gross sales of 44%, potentially due to the decrease in COVID-19 drug supplies. On the other hand, Pharmimex and Irvin saw an increase in gross sales of 40% and 23%, respectively, mainly attributed to their focus on federal programs for cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and orphan drugs. Analysts surveyed by Kommersant expect an increase in pharmaceutical market turnover in 2023 due to the possible stabilisation of population income and consumers' inclination towards more expensive drugs.
146 RUSSIA Country Report July 2023 www.intellinews.com