Pharmaceutical Companies Leave Russia as the War Continues

A large number of Western pharma companies and drug makers are leaving Russia. Companies are now pulling out of the country as the invasion of Ukraine enters its third full week.

Novartis is suspending all Russian investments and marketing activity, and will also make a $3m (£2.3m) donation to various NGOs.

Eli Lilly says it has halted investments, promotions, clinical trials and the export of non-essential medicines. It will also donate the profits from its remaining Russia sales to humanitarian relief.

AbbVie, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Sanofi have also recently announced they will halt certain operations in the country. 

In the meantim hospital employees in Mariupol say they cannot leave the building and are practically kept as hostages. The city's biggest hospital has been captured and 400 patients and staff are being treated like hostages, officials say.

Source: The Guardian