Based on official data from the Federal Service on Surveillance in Healthcare of the Russian Federation, two formulations of Zoledronic acid (INN), namely "concentrate for solution for infusions" and "lyophilizate for solution for infusions", are interchangeable since they contain the same quantity of the active ingredient (4 mg) with an equivalent bioavailabilty and have the same route of administration.
Two formulations of Octreotide (INN), namely "microspheres for suspension for intramuscular administration " and "lyophilizate for suspension for intramuscular administration ", are as well interchangeable formulations of long-acting octreotide.
Therefore, non-inclusion of the "lyophilizate" formulation for Octreotide and Zoledronic acid (INNs) in the auction technical assignments is unlawful and intended to narrowing of the competitive space during public auctions for government (municipal) contracts for the supply of drug products. Meanwhile, a reference to omission of the "lyophilizate" formulation for Octreotide and Zoledronic acid (INNs) in the List of medicines dispensed on physician's (physician assistant's) prescriptions within the framework of delivering of additional free medical care to particular categories of citizens entitled to receive state social assistance shall not constitute grounds for disqualification from participating in the auction.
The FAS of Russia has recommended its territorial administrations to consider this information when exercising control over compliance with antimonopoly legislation with regard to composition of lots during public auctions for government contracts for the supply of drug products with Octreotide and Zoledronic acid (INNs) for government and municipal needs.