ICN Resumes Full Production in Russia

ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc., the biggest drug maker in Eastern Europe, said it resumed full production at its five plants in Russia after a monthlong partial suspension prompted by a slump in demand as the ruble plunged.

“We reduced our inventories during the partial suspension,” said Mikhail Sapovsky, general director of ICN Pharmaceuticals in Moscow. “There is demand for our medicine, but some people are having trouble affording it after the ruble fell.”

Demand for many products tumbled after Russian consumers’ purchasing power was slashed as the ruble tumbled more than 70% since August. Sapovsky said he’s optimistic sales will increase as the company markets new medicines to compete with more expensive imports. Costa Mesa-based ICN recently introduced a children’s pain reliever, Prokhodol, which costs about half the price of Panadol, a similar product imported by Smithkline Beecham Plc.