Ukrainian Pharmaceuticals: A Reliable EU Partner in Medicines Manufacturing

Despite the full-scale war and constant Russian attacks, the pharmaceutical sector has preserved its production potential, innovative capacity, and domestic demand. Moreover, it quickly restores logistics, ensuring that medicines are available to those in need.

This demonstrates a high level of resilience, adaptability and a strong potential for recovery and growth, which can be realised through economic stabilisation and investment inflow.

Key figures:

• More than 50 large and medium GMP-certified manufacturing sites across the country.
• 10 leading Ukrainian manufacturers represented globally.
• Over 50 countries import Ukrainian pharmaceutical products.
• The three large active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers.
• Over 5,000 new specialists graduate annually.
• Over 15,000 registered medicinal product trade names.

(Data provided by the Ministry of Health)

Market Dynamics

Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s pharmaceutical market experienced double-digit growth. Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, the market contracted, but has since returned to a positive growth trajectory:

• Gradual recovery of both retail and hospital consumption of medicines in monetary terms;
• Gradual increase in the share of imported medicines, driven by the expansion of the product range, including innovative products that are not yet manufactured in Ukraine;
• Restoration of logistics and production chains.

EU Integration & Regulatory Alignment

• Ukraine actively implements EU-aligned regulatory standards, including GMP compliance
• Ukraine is developing the National Medicine Verification System (2D coding):
  – Full traceability of medicinal products from manufacturer to patient.
  – Alignment with EU anti-counterfeit and safety systems.
  – Strengthened market transparency and trust.
• Ukrainian manufacturers are participating in EU-level supply chain initiatives:
  – Six Ukrainian manufacturers joined the EU Critical Medicines Alliance.
  – Contributing to European medicine supply security discussions.
• Ongoing regulatory dialogue on mutual recognition of GMP certification with the EU.

In practical terms, this means that Ukrainian patients will have access to medicines manufactured to the same quality and safety standards as those in the European Union, while benefiting from stronger protection against falsified medicines. Aligning Ukraine’s pharmaceutical regulations with EU requirements also creates opportunities to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and attract investment. This will support the production of modern medicines in Ukraine, ensure a more reliable supply of essential medicines for patients, and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system.

Competitive Advantages

• Established domestic manufacturing base with EU-compliant production standards.
• Strong domestic demand base with essential medicine consumption.
• Geographic and regulatory proximity to EU markets.

Investment Opportunities

Ukraine’s pharmaceutical sector offers medium-to long-term investment potential driven by:

• Market expansion potential due to low per capita medicine consumption.
• Integration into EU pharmaceutical and regulatory frameworks.
• Growth in exports and regional supply chain participation.
• Increasing demand for innovative and imported pharmaceutical products.
• Post-war reconstruction and healthcare system modernisation.

With the end of the war, economic recovery, reform of the reimbursement system, and digitalisation of regulatory processes, Ukraine has the potential to strengthen its position in the global pharmaceutical market.

This publication was prepared as part of the “Regional Dialogues With Business On EU Accession” project. The project was launched by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, with support from the Ukraine2EU programme. This flagship EU initiative helps Ukraine complete its EU accession process and prepare for EU membership. The purpose of the Regional Dialogues is to turn the EU accession agenda into practical discussions, decisions, and opportunities.