The analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of the pharmaceutical market of gliflozin derivatives in Ukraine

Abstract

One of the most pressing medical and social problems of our time is the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus. The development of chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage, dysfunction and insufficiency of organs, in particular the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, heart and blood vessels, as well as complicates wound healing processes and increases the risk of infectious complications. Drugs of the group of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are promising due to their focus on the comprehensive treatment of diabetes symptoms compared to reference drugs that had an exclusively hypoglycemic effect. However, drugs of the SGLT2 group are new and protected by the patent for at least the next 7-10 years. The patent protection restricts the commercial production of generic products, but at the same time is not an obstacle to scientific research. Before making a decision to start them, an important step is to analyze the current state of the market.

Aim. To conduct a comprehensive pharmaceutical and marketing analysis of the market of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, particularly gliflozin derivatives, with the assessment of their range, structure, pricing policy, and development prospects in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine.

Materials and methods. The study applied methods of the system analysis, content analysis, comparative and marketing analysis. The information base included data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, analytical reviews of the pharmaceutical market, international scientific publications, as well as regulatory reference materials. The analysis was performed according to the ATC classification (group A10B, subgroup A10BK). Methods of the scientific analysis were used to evaluate recent scientific and practical publications. The results obtained were summarized using schematic visualization tools.

Results and discussion. According to the results of the study it has been found that, as of 2025, the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market of SGLT2 inhibitors is represented exclusively by imported medicinal products, primarily based on dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, including fixed-dose combinations with metformin. It has been determined that the market is characterized by a limited assortment, the absence of domestic production, and high prices, which reduces the patient access to therapy. Global trends indicate steady growth of the gliflozin market and expansion of therapeutic indications. The patent protection has been identified as a key factor restraining the development of the generic segment in Ukraine.

Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis, the SGLT2 inhibitors market in Ukraine is at the stage of formation and is characterized by import dependence and limited accessibility for patients. The expiration of the patent protection period creates favorable conditions for the development of domestic production of generic medicines of this group. This will contribute to improved treatment accessibility, reduced therapy costs, and the development of the national pharmaceutical sector.