Russian Pharmaceutical Inspectorate reiterated its intention to promote transparent global cooperation at Verona Forum in Istanbul

On October 23, 2026, Vladislav Shestakov, Head of the Federal State Institution “State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices,” outlined his view of international collaboration in the pharmaceutical inspections during the XIX Verona Eurasian Economic Forum.

Speaking at the venue where, almost ten years ago, the Russian side first declared its readiness for transparent dialogue, the Head of the Institute emphasized that this position is backed by practice. The Institute invites regulators from countries where inspections are conducted to participate as observers – this is everyday practice that creates a basis for reliance. Among the difficulties noted was the provision of visa support for specialists; the proposed solutions included joint inspections, mutual recognition of inspection outcomes, streamlined procedures, and the insights from online inspection practice.

The platform of the International Forum of Pharmaceutical Inspectorates (IFPI) was proposed as a space for direct exchange among regulators. Russia is both the founder and standing participant of the Forum. The next edition will take place on November 16-17, 2026 in Vietnam, with over 70 delegations expected to attend.

The discussion also covered global trends: oncology accounts for 41% of clinical trials of original drugs, and together with immunology, neurology and cardiology it reaches 77%. Orphan drugs and gene and cell therapy now make up to 12%, while China has approved 83 innovative drugs over the past five years.

Russia is advancing biotechnology, CAR-T and mRNA vaccines. While AI is applied to accelerate drug development and optimize logistics, processes critical to GMP stay under human control. For workforce training, a “VR plant” has been created, and VR biotechnology and VR technology transfer projects are underway.

A practical result of integration: the share of inspections involving foreign experts has grown from 1% to 13.5%. A total of 945 foreign inspections have been conducted (806 on-site, 139 remote) since the beginning of 2024, and 48 foreign inspectors were engaged in inspections in 2026. Mutual recognition of inspection outcomes is in effect with Cuba, Latin American countries and EAEU partners, and is being actively pursued with Uzbekistan.

“Reducing regulatory barriers and strengthening reliance between each other will speed up patients’ access to innovative drugs. This is our shared goal and mission,” Vladislav Shestakov concluded.