PROCAINE IN THE COMPOSITION OF MEDICATIONS PRESENT ON THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the range of local anesthetic medications available on the current pharmaceutical market of Ukraine that contain procaine (procaine hydrochloride), and based on the obtained results, determine the feasibility of increasing production volumes and developing new medications containing procaine. Materials and Methods. The analysis of the range of medications was based on data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine (as of April 2025). The study was carried out using statistical, logical, and graphical analysis methods. Problem Statement. Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, there is a consistently high demand for local anesthetics as the number of injured and wounded increases, leading to a greater need for surgical interventions and post-operative pain relief. On the other hand, the general impoverishment of the population, logistics challenges, and technological production stoppages caused by various wartime factors may negatively affect the domestic pharmaceutical market. Therefore, it is crucial to identify which affordable and available medications will take priority. This study focused on the domestic market of local anesthetic medications containing procaine hydrochloride and analyzed retail prices for the most popular ones in terms of availability in pharmacy networks across various regions of Ukraine. The obtained information will contribute to a better understanding of the accessibility of these medications for consumers, and the analysis conducted may serve as a foundation for strategic planning to increase the production of existing products and develop new local anesthetic medications based on procaine hydrochloride. Conclusions. The marketing analysis of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market for local anesthetic medications containing procaine (novocaine, procaine hydrochloride) showed that it is 100% filled with affordable domestic medications, with not only stable demand but also frequent shortages, particularly for combined analgesic medications in the form of ointments and gels. This opens up wide opportunities for expanding the range and creating new products.