Analysis of price conjuncture and reimbursement of medicines used in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, emphysema, and bronchiectasis, are long-term inflammatory disorders of the airways. In Ukraine, as in other countries, ensuring the economic availability of medicines for the treatment of these diseases is an important priority of national health policy. The aim of the study is to analyze the price conjuncture and reimbursement of medicines used in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases. Research methods. The study utilized data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, the “Compendium. online” database, the official list of medicines subject to reimbursement under the “Affordable Medicines” program, and information from the online resources “Apteki.ua”, “Tabletki.ua”. Results and discussion. The analysis showed that for 21 medicines, the price liquidity coefficient was ≤ 0.15, indicating high price stability. Seventy-four medicines had values in the range of 0.16–0.5, while for seven items, the coefficient exceeded 0.5, indicating significant price fluctuations. The solvency adequacy coefficient for 11 medicines exceeded the threshold of 0.5. Zafiron had the highest solvency adequacy coefficient – 1.72. The affordability coefficient exceeded 0.99 for 13 medicines, most of which were domestically produced (e.g., Eufillin, Theopek), confirming better affordability of Ukrainian drugs compared to imported analogues. As of September 10, 2025, the updated list of medicines included in the “Affordable Medicines” reimbursement program for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases includes seven international nonproprietary names: beclometasone, budesonide, ipratropium bromide, salbutamol, tiotropium bromide, salmeterol with fluticasone, formoterol with budesonide. Conclusions. The study identified and analyzed key indicators: the price liquidity coefficient, the affordability coefficient, and the solvency adequacy coefficient. The results indicate that certain medicines included in the reimbursement program and manufactured in Ukraine are economically accessible to patients. At the same time, other medicines – especially imported combinations – remain financially less accessible for a significant portion of the population.