For the first time, Medical Procurement of Ukraine (MPU) and the international pharmaceutical company Roche have entered into an investment agreement to localize the manufacturing of oncology medicines in Ukraine. This landmark agreement was formalised by official representatives at the 4th Annual International Ukraine Recovery Conference – Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 held in Rome (Italy) in July. For the first time, MPU becomes a full-fledged partner of a global leader in the development of innovative medicines.
According to the investment agreement, the Swiss company F. Hoffmann-La Roche will deliver cancer medicines to Ukraine in a ready-to-package form. Final packaging, labeling, and distribution to patients will be carried out by MPU’s Medical Supplies branch. The project includes the construction of manufacturing facilities, obtaining a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) license, and personnel training. This will significantly reduce the cost of medicines and increase the number of patients with access to modern treatment.
The legal team at LA Law Firm, led by Partners Dmytro Aleshko and Vitalii Savchuk, carried out strategic legal, commercial, and tax structuring of the project.
In particular, Dmytro Aleshko ensured the development of the project model, conducted regulatory analysis, and assessed political and other risks associated with its implementation.
“Our legal team has, for years, along with other stakeholders, been involved in the reform processes of Ukraine's healthcare system, which also serves as an important foundation for implementing investment projects,” Dmytro states. “This strategic project opens a new era for the pharmaceutical sector in Ukraine, showcasing a model of interaction between an innovative manufacturer and a state-owned enterprise, and enabling the healthcare system to ensure sustainable access to innovation.”
For his part, Vitalii Savchuk oversaw the agreement’s preparation with regard to the tax implications of investment execution and return, as well as the protection of the investor's intellectual property rights. This allowed the parties to the agreement to have a clear and, most importantly, consistent understanding of their mutual rights and obligations, as well as the government’s expectations from such agreements.
“Even without the obvious military risks, agreements of this kind are rare in Ukraine,” Vitalii says. “Economic turbulence, political instability, legal uncertainty, judicial unpredictability – each of these factors makes investment risky, let alone their combination. The implementation of this project is a testament to the outstanding work of both teams in transforming it from a promising idea into a realistic outcome. I’m grateful to be part of the process.”
The event focused on the transformation of Ukraine's intellectual property sector on its path toward European integration.
Improving access to safe and affordable medicines for the Ukrainian population is one of the Government of Ukraine's top priorities. SAFEMed Activity (2017-2025) has supported this effort by appIying health system strengthening best practices.
The Ministry of Health website has posted a notice about the release of a revised draft order of the Ministry of Health ‘On Approval of Amendments to Certain Re
On 25 September, a webinar was held on the topic: ‘180 days of new drug price regulation. Results, prospects and practical advice.’ The event was organized by LA Law Firm in partnership with Proxima Research International.
