Moldovan medicines reach over 30 countries, including in EU, Canada; three major companies prepare 40 million euros investments in industry

Moldova presently produces between 550 and 600 types of medicines, of which more than 70 per cent are exported. These products reach over 30 international markets, including the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and North Africa, Canada, South America, and parts of Southeast Asia. Three domestic manufacturers have announced major investments of more than 40 million euros in the industry.

In an interview for Economic podcast, Gheorghe Apostol, president of Moldova’s Association of Medicines Manufacturers, said that the projects of the three pharmaceutical manufacturers focused on expanding production capacities, technological modernization and developing new pharmaceutical forms.

“At present, production facilities are operating at less than 50 per cent of installed capacity, which leaves room for contract manufacturing, private label production, and partnerships with foreign investors. Industry representatives regard this unused capacity as a competitive advantage, in a regional context where pharmaceutical supply chains are under increasing pressure. Moldova now produces between 550 and 600 types of medicines, which represents approximately 10 per cent of the State Nomenclature, which includes over 6,000 authorized products. Despite the small size of the domestic market, the sector is strongly export-oriented: over 70 per cent of locally manufactured medicines are sold abroad. Exports reach more than 30 international markets. Without access to external markets, large-scale pharmaceutical production would not be economically viable in Moldova,” he noted.





Apostol specified that all domestic manufacturers operate in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and more facilities are also certified by regulatory authorities in the European Union.

“Starting from 2024, injectable medicines manufactured in Moldova are being delivered directly to EU markets. From a technical standpoint, the industry is already integrated into the European regulatory space,” Apostol emphasized.

The head of the Association of Medicines Manufacturers of Moldova pointed out that the industry’s current results represented the outcome of decisions taken three to four years ago, and the impact of the new investments would become visible in 18–24 months.

However, investment decisions are made within a strict regulatory framework for medicine prices, as set in the National Price Catalogue, and not based on real production costs. Apostol warns that, in certain cases, manufacturers may be forced to choose between producing at a loss and withdrawing essential medicines from the market.

“In some cases, manufacturers are put in a position where they must choose between producing at a loss or withdrawing a medicine altogether. The main risk is not rising prices, but the disappearance of certain essential medicines,” he concluded.

According to data from the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, imported products dominate the pharmaceutical market in Moldova, accounting for around 93 per cent of market value and approximately 85 per cent of volume. Domestic production holds a 7-per cent share in value and 15-per cent in volume, but has recorded significant growth in recent periods.

Imported medicines come mainly from European Union countries and from Turkey. Key sources include Germany, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary and Turkey.

A new Law on Medicines was adopted in 2025, aimed at reducing shortages of essential medicines, attracting foreign manufacturers, improving the competitiveness of the local market and facilitating access to quality treatments.

Statistics data shows that, although the market is dominated by imports, some medicines manufactured in Moldova rank among the top sellers locally, such as Rivaroxabanum, Tadalafilum, Xylometazoline, and Famotidine.

There are more than 1,100 pharmacies in Moldova.