Cystic fibrosis patients in the Kaliningrad region may be left without life-saving treatment.
The pills previously distributed will run out next week, and the region hasn't purchased new ones in time. Delivery isn't expected until March.
"My son is 25 years old. He started targeted therapy in 2024, and his life changed dramatically—all his health problems disappeared. But on February 19th, my son's medication will run out. I can't imagine what will happen to his health, or even his life. This medication is taken on a schedule; even missing a dose for one day is critical," Olga Kravchenko, an authorized expert for the Kaliningrad region from the All-Russian Patients' Union, told NeMoskva.
Targeted therapy is an innovative treatment prescribed for cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disorder. Interrupting it is unavoidable, as it leads to deterioration of the condition, reduced lung function, and is life-threatening. In the Kaliningrad region, this therapy has been prescribed to six adult patients. The regional government is responsible for providing them with the medication. The auction was held in September 2025, and by the end of January, supplies were almost depleted. However, a new procurement was only announced on January 28. This means the medication will not be delivered to the region until March, Kravchenko explained.
Patients cannot purchase targeted therapy on their own: a package lasts a month, and it costs more than a million rubles.
"The Ministry of Health could have purchased the medications on time. The budget is formed for three years, and the [medication] limit was set for November 2025. But the Ministry of Health is negligent," comments Olga Kravchenko.
She complained to Roszdravnadzor, the prosecutor's office, and the regional governor. She has yet to receive a response. The Kaliningrad Ministry of Health also declined to comment.
NeMoskva has repeatedly written about the difficulties people with cystic fibrosis in Russia have to overcome. For example, last year, children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the Krasnoyarsk Territory started switching to generics, parents reported a deterioration in their condition.
