COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ASSORTMENT OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET OF DICLOFENAC PREPARATIONS IN UKRAINE: DYNAMICS OF CHANGES FOR 2022 AND 2025

Abstract

The problem of adequate pain relief remains a fundamental challenge for modern medicine, as up to 90% of all known diseases are associated with pain syndrome. Against the backdrop of a global increase in musculoskeletal disorders, which affect more than 1.7 billion people, diclofenac confidently maintains its status as the "gold standard" among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs thanks to its optimal combination of clinical efficacy and safety. This study is devoted to a comparative analysis of the range of diclofenac preparations on the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market during the 2022–2025 war period. The results of the comparison show that as of December 2025, there were 90 trade names of diclofenac monoproducts on the market, a slight reduction from 95 in 2022. The structure of dosage forms is dominated by topical gels and emulsions (30%), oral tablets (20%), and injection solutions (19%). Sodium diclofenac salt has been established as the absolute leader among active ingredients, used in 91% of drugs, while diethylamine and potassium salts occupy narrow niches. Among domestic manufacturers, the pharmaceutical company «Zdorovye» and PJSC «Chervona Zirka «Chemical & Pharmaceutical Plant are the leaders in terms of coverage of various dosage forms. Special attention is paid to combination products. It has been determined that the key challenge for the national pharmaceutical industry remains its strategic dependence on imports of substances from India and China. A promising vector for development has been identified as expanding domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and developing high-tech niches with low competition, in particular transdermal therapeutic systems and sprays, which will strengthen the country's drug safety.