Islamabad 31 July: Pakistan is progressing with plans to import insulin from Russia through a joint venture between pharmaceutical firms from both countries. A high-level meeting, chaired by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan, recently finalized details for the import and future collaboration.
Attended by Russian official Denis Nazarov and representatives from Pakistan’s health and drug regulatory bodies, the session reviewed progress on insulin imports, joint ventures, and implementation protocols. Earlier, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) approved Lahore-based Genetics Pharmaceuticals to import insulin from Russia’s Zavod Medisintez.
Haroon Akhtar hailed the partnership as a key step in bilateral relations, noting Pakistan’s high insulin demand and the benefits for diabetic patients. The government is also pursuing local insulin production under PM Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, with a joint Russian-Pakistani protocol nearing completion.
Meanwhile, DRAP revised the maximum retail price (MRP) for the imported insulin after Genetics Pharmaceuticals cited inflation adjustments under the 2018 Drug Pricing Policy.
READ MORE: Best Insulin for Diabetes in Pakistan 2025: Brands, Types, Guidelines & Expert Advice
While the importer seeks pricing parity with Eli Lilly’s brand, local manufacturers currently offer insulin at lower rates. Final pricing will factor in import costs, duties, and a 40% markup, pending approval by DRAP and the federal cabinet.
