"Apteka.ua": The foundation of the fortress was began from a dream. "INTERCHEM" opened a third production line

Along with the birth and formation of independent Ukraine a separate story writes one of the leaders of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine - the company "INTERCHEM". What could be more revealing than the public and authoritative recognition and professional awards for company’s achievements in the pharmaceutical sector? But dreams and ambitions do not allow to stand still. The opening ceremony of the third production line of “INTERCHEM” company was held on May 17, 2016. And this day will go down deservedly in the company annals as another leap forward.

Such an important and responsible event was attended by distinguished guests such as the Prime Minister of Ukraine Vladimir Groisman, acting Health Minister Victor Shafranskii, the governor of Odessa region Mikheil Saakashvili, the deputy of the Odessa mayor Pavlo Vugelman, people's deputies of Ukraine Alexandra Kuzhel, Oleh Musiy and Andrew Shipko, representative of the Czech Embassy, as well as heads of foreign companies-partners involved in the project, scientists and public figures.

"How to build a bright life in the world, in your own country? The answer is simple. The first brick is laid in your house. Is it possible - to create comfort and reliability in a small corner of the big universe? Utopia? No, it’s reality. Anything that a person would started always starts small: a family, a home, a work. If all these building blocks would be cherished by warm hands, God always gives force to spread a wings" - with these words began the opening ceremony of the third production line of "INTERCHEM" its CEO Anatoly Reder.

Many words of gratitude addressed A. Reder to officials and partners of the company. "Without your support it would be difficult to move forward with hope. We hope that further mutual understanding will serve for the benefit of health and, therefore, happiness of the nation. Dear partners, reliable cooperation and joint development plans are the permanent source of inspiration and willingness to accept any challenge to achieve brilliant results. You will always be the most welcomed guests in Odessa and Ukraine", - he stressed.

"Priceless category of people - our colleagues and staff, thanks to which, the company located in South Palmyra, made progress, and makes a great contribution to the economy of our country."

Vladimir Groisman noted the importance of this event. "It is extremely pleased to be present at the opening of such a wonderful enterprise. In general, in my opinion, we have a unique opportunity for development, but the barriers that have been created within our country, do not let us to normally development a production, small and medium businesses, and our task - to destroy all the obstacles that do not allow Ukraine to reveal the extremely great potential", - said the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

He assured that the government will do everything in order to develop domestic production in Ukraine, but at the same time called upon business to set the bar very high in quality and low on price conditions.

"I want to congratulate you on this occasion and wish you success. I think that since the creation of the company, you have going  through a quite difficult, I would even say very difficult way. But, as we see, you and your wonderful team got a good result. Therefore, I wish you success. Good luck"- congratulated the “INTERCHEM” team with the opening of the new complex Vladimir Groisman.

Head of the Odessa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili thanked "INTERCHEM" management for the perseverance and dedication, thanks to which the third production line was runned and 139 new jobs, was created. "I know about your personal contribution to this production, and to the development of the region and Odessa. Such patriots creating Ukraine. In the context of the war – this is a ray of hope and an example to follow", - he said to the General Director, A. Reder.

With regard to the pharmaceutical industry as a whole, the government has understanding that within the market should be healthy competition, and low drug prices for Ukrainians. "To do this we need to open up the market, and also to help manufacturers not to disturb others, but to help ours. This is the main principle in order to achieve lower prices", - said Saakashvili.

MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF UKRAINE

As part of the celebrations to mark the completion of the new manufacturing-laboratory complex of "INTERCHEM" Prime Minister of Ukraine held a meeting with heads of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the country. It was attended by V. Shafranskii, Mikhail Saakashvili, directors of leading pharmaceutical plants in the country – Filya Zhebrovskaya, CEO of PJSC "Farmak", Anatoly Reder, CEO of SLC "INTERCHEM" Valery Pechaev, president of the Association of medical and microbiological industry employers Ukraine (OORMMPU), Director of JSC "Lekhim" Nikolai Gumenyuk, General Director of "Yuri Farm" Alexander Makovsky, head of the Board of PJSC "Biopharma" Lubov Vishnevskaya, Chairman of the Board of PJSC "Indar", Rajiv Gupta, director of "Kusum Farm", Igor Seletskiy, technical Director of PJSC SPC "Borschagovsky chemical-pharmaceutical plant", Petro Bagriy, president of the Association "Ukrainian producers of medicines". Also the meeting was attended by Andrew Shipko, Oleh Musiy, Alexandra Kuzhel, representatives of public organizations and other civil society institutions, and scientists.

Opening the meeting, Vladimir Groisman said that the Government has a very important task. "We have to take such deregulative measures that will allow Ukrainians to get quality products at a discounted price. We know how to do it"- he said.

At the same time Prime Minister of Ukraine confirmed that it is very important to develop domestic production. "We are ready to be absolute partners, are ready to remove any barriers in order to enable you to develop. And I really would like to see you were sympathetic to the fact that we will open up the market, to make it competitive. Once again I want to emphasize that we are ready to help you to develop your own production, own product, lobby it in the international markets."

The main part of the meeting, during which business leaders presented to the Prime Minister of Ukraine with objective information about the situation on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, opened Petro Bagriy, head of the Association "Ukrainian producers of medicines". "Pharmaceutical industry today produces about 300 thousand of jobs. Of these, 31 thousand are engaged directly in production. Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies have listed about 3.5 billion UAH taxes to the state and local budgets for the previous year. Each workplace in the pharm sector gives 116 thousand UAH taxes to the state budget. Pharmaceutical company are social responsible. Only for the needs of CTO, Ukrainian producers have transferred medicines on amounth more than 75 million UAH", - says the president of the Association. Today in Ukraine 117 operating licenses for the production of medicines. Pharmaceutical industry of Ukraine produces more than 2% of GDP.

If we talk about the market, according to data analysis market research system «PharmXplorer»/«Pharmstandard» company «Proxima Research» at the end of 2015 it amounted to 50.1 billion UAH in cash and 1.1 million packages in real terms. The share of the domestic pharmaceutical industry in real terms of 77.9%, and the cash - 40.9%.

Regarding the export potential, P. Bagriy noted that today 22 Ukrainian enterprises export their products. "Ukraine is selling drugs in 54 countries, including the EU, to 200 million USD. Yes, even if it is only 2% of total Ukrainian exports, but we will surely go to the EU, our products meet European standards,"- said president of the Association.

Commenting on the painful to the public topic about the prices on medicines in Ukraine, P. Bagriy cited the following data. The weighted average cost of package of domestic medicine in the retail segment of today is 27.7 UAH, and import one - 108.2 UAH. In the hospital segment cost of 1 package of domestic product is 42.6 UAH, and import - 360.5 UAH.

Filya Zhebrovskaya, welcoming the Prime Minister of Ukraine, said: "We are very glad that you visited the ultramodern Ukrainian enterprise, which is now put into operation a new manufacturing-laboratory complex."

Director General of PJSC "Farmak" reported that the Ukrainian companies that are part of the Association "Ukrainian producers of medicines", provide almost 50% of the total volume of drugs consumed in Ukraine in real terms. "This is the company with the highest standards and the best quality assurance system, we are working continuously for many years. Our pharmaceutical industry can produce all formulations - injectable forms, soft, sterile, biotechnology products,"- said F. Zhebrovskaya.

The expert said: "Today you will meet with us to find a way how to reduce drug prices, and I would better say - not to reduce drug prices, but reduce the cost of treatment. What kind of help we need to provide, and how much money will it take? We need to know a particular amount of medical care for each nosology. And treatment standards should be implemented now. Do not wait until the standards will be developed for all diseases", - said F. Zhebrovskaya.

Regarding the range of medicines produced by domestic enterprises, the speaker said that today Ukrainian industry does not cover the full need for all molecules. We are talking about vaccines, drugs for the treatment of cancer, especially in children, and many others. "How can we ensure this need? Due to the so-called compulsory licensing. With the help of the Government can be localized production of new molecules in the Ukraine, in conjunction with multinational pharmaceutical companies", - said General Director of PJSC "Farmak".

Regarding the prices of medicines in Ukraine, F. Zhebrovskaya noted that the income level of the population is low, and as long as living standards is not increased in the country, until compensatory mechanisms aren’t work, the issue of drug prices will remain painful for Ukrainian society.

According to Acting Health Minister Victor Shafransky, lower prices will facilitate the introduction of reference pricing. In this context, he praised the initiative to create the conditions for the localization of production in Ukraine.

In turn, the Ukrainian Prime Minister promised that in the near future will be resolved the issue of weakening of currency regulation.

Anatoly Reder, speaking about the situation on the market, taking into account the tasks of the Government, said: "In 2014, when was the most sharp weakening of national currency, domestic products have risen in price by an average of 27%, import - by 104%, while the importers are struggling to restrain prices. Any country tries to produce preparations for the treatment of socially dangerous diseases on its territory – this is a guarantee of security. In addition, this leads to decrease in the average cost of the package and, consequently, budget savings,"- said the speaker.

Another issue that has affected the general director of "INTERCHEM" concerned the duplication of laboratory monitoring. "The leading Ukrainian factories have laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Health. We checked very carefully. Despite this, during the registration, we need to re-pass testing of quality control procedures. It takes 2-3 months. We offer to stop the duplication of inspections by the order of the Ministry,"- said the speaker.

Also he drew attention to the lack of approved licensing conditions. "We have suffered this draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, we ask to confirm the document and put an end to this issue. For two years we are fighting for the license terms, they are agreed upon by all interested bodies of executive power", - he said.

Regarding treatment protocols, according to Director General of "INTERCHEM", the problem is that doctors are not obliged to adhere to them. "The protocol must be a law! And the doctor, with the protocol should be treated according to the protocol", - said A. Raeder.

Also, CEO of "INTERCHEM" addressed to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and acting Ukraine's Minister of Health with a request to immediately conduct an open competition for the position of head of Ukrainian State Drugs service.

During the discussion, V. Groisman said that the state should create conditions for domestic production to be competitive. This goal, in his opinion, may be achieved by liberalization of the licensing conditions and the removal of barriers.

Regarding the appointment of the head of Ukrainian State Drugs service, V. Groisman instructed V. Shafranskii start preparing an open competition under the new legislation and carry out the selection of candidates with the participation of a broad professional public.

Concluding the meeting, Vladimir Groisman instructed V. Shafranskii to organize and carry out in the near future an expanded meeting devoted to the problems of the healthcare industry.

"INTERCHEM": FROM THE FOUNDATION - TO THE SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION

About the history of the development, modern technologies and innovations, which are used by "INTERCHEM" in the production of medicines,  told the Director of production, Igor Stelmakh:

- The company "INTERCHEM" began its history as a manufacturer of ready-made medicines around 2000 then we first thought about the fact that the production of substances may not be as reliable in order to survive in these difficult circumstances, and decided to build not even a plant, but a plot for the production of finished medicines.

Construction of the plot was conducting from a zero cycle in compliance with the rules of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), it began in 2002 and went fairly quickly. Already in 2003, the site was put into operation, and the first series of ”INTERCHEM’s" drugs saw the light.

Luck turned its face to us, and in 2006 we decided to expand. In 2007, we put into operation the second line of site for the production of finished drugs. The same year performed the production certification for compliance with GMP requirements.

Gradually, we have gone to work in 3 shifts, followed by a 7-day working week. We began to understand that we can’t give the market as much product as needed. So was born an idea of ​​building a third production line. For various reasons, we had a great break, including a long time we could not get permission to build. And the construction was in full swing in May 2012. In December 2012 a two-storey warehouse was ready. In April 2013, was loomed all production and laboratory facilities.

The result of hard work, has become an 8-storey production and laboratory complex of the European level with total area of ​​15 thousand m². Its territory accomodates manufacturing facilities, quality control laboratories, research units, warehouses. This allowed the company to consolidate all operational and analytical units "under one roof".

We really appreciate the time and modern technologies help to save it. Our factory is equipped with the latest technology, from air-conditioning system, which provides triple air filtration, to pneumatic, which is a rare phenomenon for Ukraine.

In the production of medicines, we use a variety of equipment. Thus site is equipped with fluidized bed granulators, which is treated per load of 18 to 375 kg of product. Due to the acquisition of tablet presses, whose capacity is 350-450 thousand tablets per hour, we have significantly increased our production capacities. Also on the site are set cartoning machines that allow quick and easy packing of the products. Perhaps we were among the first purchased the machine for banding, which allowed us to make our products different from others, as we began to supply it not only in the secondary packaging, but also in the wrappers that really like our customers.

Was installed high shear mixer volume of 1,200 liters, which allows working with the finished product, weighing about 600 kg of 1 times. These machines are in adjoining rooms and we have the opportunity to join them together, whereby they operate as one system. That is a universal scheme, which allows us to vary the operation of the equipment, depending on the task.

Also on the factory installed system of vacuum conveyor, which allows to transport the granulate and mixes from the 3rd floor to 1st. Another installation – coating machine. For 1 time it covers the shell up to 250 kg of tablets. Capsule filling machine installed on production site, modifiable and easily adjusts to different tasks - the last word in this segment. Its capacity - up to 100 thousand capsules per hour. Incidentally, the company "INTERCHEM" produces 4 types of capsules.

Sachet Packaging Machine allows to make 300 sachets per minute. Now with the help of this machine is made more of our products, including Amitsitron®. This product has already begun to occupy a niche in the market.

Another equipment - X-ray contamination detector. Each sachet packaging is checked for the presence of foreign substances. Whether it's sand, iron, anything else, different from the products. The machine immediately rejects and throws such a package as unsuitable.

Another device for determining the weight - chekveyer. This machine for weight control rejects the package, the weight of which does not match. Thus, all controlled products undergo weighing control.

The factory has 2 high-speed blister line with a capacity of up to 400 blisters per minute.

The company is equipped with high-tech equipment from leading manufacturers. The level of automation and mechanization of production in the company "INTERCHEM" as well as the level of impact on the environment are fully compliant with European standards. Our company has made a bet on the progressive technology of production of solid dosage forms. As the basis technology was choozen method of granulation in a fluidized bed, which not only allows to optimize the production cycle, but also reduces the number of critical operations with the product, thereby increasing the stability and reproducibility of the process, implementing high standards of quality at all stages of production.

The opening of the third production line of the company "INTERCHEM" not going without representatives of the legislative branch. In particular, the deputies of Ukraine Alexandra Kuzhel, Oleg Musiy and Andriy Shipko. The interest of the parliamentarians to the achievements of the domestic manufacturers, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, is an evidence of their concernment and support. About their impressions of what they saw, we decided to ask personally.

- Oleg Stepanovich, you can personally take part in the opening ceremony of a new modern laboratory and production complex of "INTERCHEM." What are your impressions?

- Moreover, I personally saw the production capacity, high-tech equipment. There will be conducted researches, created new formulas of innovative medicines, produced Ukrainian medicines. In the current economy situation, it is good news.

Such enterprises as "INTERCHEM" make a considerable contribution to the economy of Ukraine. Today I saw another proof that in our country today possible such a high level production, in the form of investment, in fact, not foreign, but own capital. I have been visited many enterprises and factories where still reigns the spirit of the Soviet Union. And here I saw Europe and not somewhere far away, but at home.

- Andrey Fedorovich, what can you say on the results of today's event?

- Today is the important and necessary event. In these challenging times, new manufacturing-laboratory complex of one of the pharmaceutical companies opened in Ukraine. And it's not only an investment in the development of the domestic pharmaceutical, it is an investment in our Ukrainian economy! At its opening I talked with many experts and industry professionals, which are all united in one thing - pharmacy requires changes. And the price of drugs - this is the main question!

In 2015, the sales volume of drugs totaled 1 billion packages. This is more than 50 billion UAH. But in spite of these seemingly impressive numbers, sales dynamics remains negative, the purchasing power of the Ukrainians, unfortunately, has dropped significantly.

During the discussion of problematic issues of development of the pharmaceutical industry, I voiced my proposals to reduce drug prices. We have to accept the changes in the legal framework, creating new rules for operation of the market. The second step - to develop a mechanism for transparent pricing, so that drug prices were the same in all drugstores, and declaration of the final selling price will eliminate this problem once and for all. And the third - is the introduction of a fixed income practice, when each recipe has a fixed amount for the service. Now, profit is a percentage of the value of the drug that stimulates the pharmacies sell expensive drugs mostly.

“INTERCHEM’S” COURSE ON REALIZATION OF THE PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

As part of the grand opening of the new manufacture-laboratory complex A. Reder led the tour of the laboratory complex and production sites.

Quality control laboratory placed on the 7-8th floors. Many rooms designed for specific tasks. Sample transmission room is equipped with pneumatic station, via which the samples delivery to the laboratory complex. All samples literally fly in the complex in sealed tubes at a speed of 5 m/s. Established 2 types of stations: station for the shipping of samples and transfer station. Preparation glassware room equipped with a special washing machine. The last washing step is performed using purified water. Here also placed a device for water purification, ultrasonic cleaning pipettes. In a separate laboratory active pharmaceutical ingredients pass control at all stages of their synthesis.

Control of finished pharmaceutical products room equipped with device for determining the impermeability, tester with automatic sample selection and degasser. Spectrophotometric room is equipped with 3 spectrophotometers - devices to control the color - and polarimeter. In the high-performance liquid chromatography laboratory determines the content of the basic substance in the product, the control of impurities. In the research complex conducts development of the new medicines and preparing the source files for registration.

Given that a few years ago the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported on the transition to a European coding packing of medicines system, the company "INTERCHEM" immediately bought four machines, which allows to mark each package of products to individual two-dimensional QR-Code. "If someone show us the package, we will definitely say is it ours, or it is counterfeit," - said A. Reder.

It is assumed that the single database will be created in Ukraine, which will keep track of all the packaging of drugs in circulation. The company "INTERCHEM" ready for such innovations at 100%.

Another feature - the introduction of an electronic dossier. "We are at the final stage and will soon completely abandon paper protocol series. Each step is accompanied by printing a bar code, which eliminates confusion with the raw materials and intermediates, as the next process starts only after the system gives permission for the use of incoming product. With the help of readers everything that happens in the production process is captured and through Wi-fi is transmitted to a central server" - proudly tells A. Reder.

The system, which guarantees the safety of data, costs 1.5 million UAH.

"INTERCHEM" confident in the quality of its products by 100%, as it passes the strictest laboratory controls at all stages of production.

"INTERCHEM’s" OWN STAMP

On the occasion of the commissioning of a new manufacture-laboratory complex of the European level on pharmaceutical company "INTERCHEM", "Ukrposhta" releases the "Own stamp". At the opening ceremony of the extinguishing of the brand companies was memorable stamp.

"Nice to know that “Ukrposhta” by issuing an "Own stamp", dedicated to the company, promotes domestic manufacturers in the market. The very existence of such a social enterprise aimed states: market reforms in Ukraine continues", - said the director of the Odessa management of "Ukrposhta" Natalia Prikhodko.

ANATOLY REDER: TO US DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT - SYNERGY OF SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

Over the 23-year history, the company "INTERCHEM" has a lot to be proud of. "INTERCHEM" CEO Anatoly Reder told us about the invaluable contribution of employees in production, further ambitious plans of the company and, take this opportunity to reffer to colleagues "on the shop".  

- Anatoly, please tell us what your company has to offer today to Ukrainian patients?

- At present, the company's portfolio includes 8 pharmaceutical substances and more than 35 finished drugs.

The symbiosis of research and production activities provide qualitative incarnation of innovative ideas in the high demanded product. Original development of the scientists of Physico-Chemical Institute named after Bogatsky are drugs Fenazepam^® ІC, Gidazepam ІC^®, Amixin^® ІC and Levana^® ІC. We work in close cooperation with the scientists of the institute, and now 3 original drug are still under development.

At the same time, our company is not limited to the production of drugs exclusively. Declaring care of the health of the patient, which begins with prevention and healthy lifestyle, "INTERCHEM" has decided to expand the range of products by adding a dietary supplement to facilitate the maintenance and promotion of health. Thus, in our case there is a dietary supplement Ginkgoba - drug of natural origin, which contains an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves. Another interesting product that managed to occupy a large niche in the US - is L-5-hydroxytryptophan, which is a precursor for the biosynthesis of serotonin - the hormone of happiness. SmartSmile - a dietary supplement manufactured by "INTERCHEM", promotes the acquisition of a balanced state of calm and energy.

- What are your expectations after the opening of a new production line?

- With the introduction of the new building and the new approach to the work conditions even more changed and tightened. We have no issues with quality control. Sense GMP standards, GLP - is to create conditions so that the gaps can not exist. We were able to implement it.

Launching of the new complex will quadruple production capacity and expand the range of dosage forms. For now, “INTERCHEM’s” product list contained drugs in the form of capsules and sachets.

By the end of this year we plan to implement the remainder of the project - chemical manufacturing, in 3-storey building.

As at May 1, 2016 total investment in the project amounts to 42.9 million Euros. At the same time during the project implementation, which is more than 3 years, we have paid 243 million UAH taxes to the State Budget of Ukraine.

- It is known that an important role in the success of any enterprise play specialists working on it. How many specialists working in your company?

- Today, more than 700 people working for the company. Due to the expansion of production the company created 139 new jobs. By 2020, we plan to increase the staff of the company for another 260 employees.

On the financial side of the issue, the "INTERCHEM" average salary is more than 12 thousand UAH. This year salary has been raised twice: each year we indexing it for inflation, and in February of this year, it was increased due to the reduction of the single social contribution. As a result, this year salary increase was more than 40%.

Finally I want to note that in two of the past decades our company have managed to create an effective set of science and high-tech pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, in spite of everything, we will move forward. We have quite ambitious plans for further development. And we will try to do everything to make "INTERCHEM" not only our pride, but also the pride of our country.

Elena Prikhodko,
Ekaterina Gorbunova

Based on materials of  the "Apteka.ua"