How does meloxicam work to relieve joint pain. What are the recommended dosages for meloxicam. What are the potential side effects and safety concerns when taking meloxicam. Who should use caution or avoid taking meloxicam. How does meloxicam compare to other NSAIDs for pain relief.

What is Meloxicam (Mobic) and How Does it Work?

Meloxicam, brand name Mobic, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called COX-2 inhibitors.

How does meloxicam work to relieve pain? Meloxicam primarily works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking COX-2, meloxicam reduces inflammation and alleviates pain in joints and other affected areas.

Key Mechanisms of Action:

• Selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme
• Reduces production of inflammatory prostaglandins
• Alleviates pain and inflammation
• At lower doses, does not significantly affect COX-1 enzyme (involved in protecting stomach lining)

Indications and Uses for Meloxicam

Meloxicam is prescribed for various conditions characterized by pain and inflammation. What are the common uses for meloxicam? The medication is primarily used to treat:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children 2 years and older)
• Acute pain
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Additionally, some healthcare providers may prescribe meloxicam off-label for conditions such as:

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Bone bruises
• Pain from fractures

Dosage and Administration of Meloxicam

The appropriate dosage of meloxicam can vary depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and other factors. What are the typical dosages for meloxicam?

Common Dosages:

• For adults with osteoarthritis: 7.5 mg once daily, may increase to 15 mg if needed
• For adults with rheumatoid arthritis: 7.5 mg to 15 mg once daily
• For children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 0.125 mg/kg once daily, up to a maximum of 7.5 mg

It’s crucial to note that the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible to minimize the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and medical history.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns

While meloxicam can be effective for pain relief, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and safety concerns. What are the most common side effects of meloxicam?

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach upset or pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness

More serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
• Cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
• Kidney problems
• Allergic reactions

The risk of serious gastrointestinal events increases with higher doses. At 15 mg, the risk is significantly higher compared to the 7.5 mg dose. Studies have shown that serious upper gastrointestinal events occur in approximately 1 in 500 people taking the 15 mg dose, compared to fewer than 1 in 3,000 people taking the 7.5 mg dose.

Precautions and Contraindications

Certain individuals should use caution or avoid taking meloxicam altogether. Who should be cautious about using meloxicam?

Use with Caution:

• Older adults (increased risk of side effects)
• People with a history of gastrointestinal problems
• Individuals with cardiovascular disease
• Patients with kidney or liver problems

Contraindications:

• Allergy to meloxicam or other NSAIDs
• History of asthma attacks triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Third trimester of pregnancy
• Active gastrointestinal bleeding

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, as meloxicam can interact with certain drugs. For example, it may reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Comparing Meloxicam to Other NSAIDs

How does meloxicam compare to other NSAIDs in terms of efficacy and safety? Meloxicam offers some advantages over traditional NSAIDs, particularly at lower doses:

• More selective COX-2 inhibition at lower doses, potentially reducing gastrointestinal side effects
• Comparable pain relief to diclofenac
• Potentially lower risk of serious gastrointestinal events compared to some other NSAIDs (at 7.5 mg dose)
• Once-daily dosing, which may improve compliance

However, at higher doses (15 mg and above), the safety profile of meloxicam becomes more similar to traditional NSAIDs, with increased risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

Long-term Use and Monitoring

For individuals using meloxicam long-term, what precautions should be taken? While some patients may use meloxicam for extended periods to manage chronic conditions, long-term use requires careful monitoring:

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
• Monitoring of kidney and liver function
• Watching for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Assessing cardiovascular risk factors

Your doctor may recommend periodic blood tests to check for any adverse effects on your organs. They may also suggest using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize risks.

Alternative Pain Management Strategies

While meloxicam can be effective for pain relief, it’s important to consider other pain management strategies, especially for long-term use. What are some alternatives to meloxicam for managing chronic pain?

• Physical therapy and exercise
• Weight management (for joint pain)
• Acupuncture
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Topical pain relievers
• Other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, duloxetine)

Discussing a comprehensive pain management plan with your healthcare provider can help you find the most appropriate and safe long-term strategy for your individual needs.

In conclusion, meloxicam (Mobic) is a valuable medication for managing pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. Its selective COX-2 inhibition, especially at lower doses, offers potential benefits in terms of gastrointestinal safety compared to some traditional NSAIDs. However, like all medications, it comes with potential risks and side effects that need to be carefully considered. Always use meloxicam under the guidance of a healthcare professional, adhering to the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential for safe and effective use of this medication.

Ask the Doctors – How does meloxicam ease joint pain?

Dear Doctor: I’ve suffered joint pain for years. Being prescribed 15 milligrams of Meloxicam has been wonderful. What are your thoughts on Meloxicam use?

Meloxicam (Mobic) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that, like all such drugs, inhibits the formation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This inhibition leads to a decrease in the production of molecules that boost inflammation and help the blood clot.

There are two forms of the COX enzyme, aptly named COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is involved in protecting the lining of the stomach, promoting the blood’s clotting ability and aiding kidney function. COX-2 is involved in the inflammatory response in the body. Many of the side effects seen with older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are related to the inhibition of COX-1. The side effects include gastritis or gastric ulcers, blood thinning and kidney damage. Inhibiting COX-2 leads to a decrease in inflammation and a decrease in pain.

Meloxicam at low doses (7.5 milligrams) inhibits COX-2 and not COX-1. That means it can reduce pain and inflammation, without irritation of the stomach lining or an increased risk of stomach ulcers. Research has found that serious upper gastrointestinal events at the 7.5 mg dose occur in fewer than 1 in 3,000 people. But note that follow-up studies didn’t last more than 60 days, so it’s unclear if these rates would hold up over the long term.

Further, at low doses, meloxicam may not show the kidney problems that other NSAIDs cause. The rates of heart attacks appear comparable to those of other NSAIDs, with a slight increase in risk at all doses.

However, when meloxicam dosage is increased to 15 milligrams, the medication does inhibit COX-1, leading to a significant increase in the rates of serious upper gastrointestinal events. One study found that, while the number of events was less than with the NSAID naproxen, the number of events at 15 mg was six times higher than the lower dose of meloxicam (1 in 500 people). Another study showed a greater proportion of people with a slight decrease in kidney function when 22.5 mg of meloxicam was taken for 12 weeks. This was not seen at the 15 mg dosage. Lastly, for people on two types of blood pressure drugs – ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, meloxicam (like other NSAIDs) may make those medications less effective. One note for people who take either ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers for high blood pressure: Meloxicam may make these medication less effective

In summary, meloxicam works well for pain and swelling. The higher doses do decrease pain more than the 7.5mg dosage, and the medication is comparable to the NSAID diclofenac for both pain relief and decreasing inflammation. I have frequently recommended the medication for joint inflammation, bone bruises, pain from fractures and tendonitis, and it’s worked well for the vast majority of my patients. For older adults, I lean toward the 7.5 mg dose, but I have recommended 15 mg in more severe cases. Some of the latter group have complained of gastrointestinal discomfort, but this stopped when they discontinued the medication. I rarely give this medication for greater than one month, but have had some patients who have been on this medication for years for severe arthritis.

I don’t know how frequently you are using meloxicam, but if you’re using it on an as-needed basis, it should be safe. If you’re using this medication daily, you should consider its potential for side effects.

Robert Ashley, MD, is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Ask the Doctors is a syndicated column first published by UExpress syndicate.

Mobic (Meloxicam) Drug / Medicine Information

NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.

Tablets and Capsules

Meloxicam

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Mobic.

It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
Mobic against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This leaflet was last updated on the date at the end of this leaflet. More recent
information may be available. The latest Consumer Medicine Information is available
from your pharmacist, doctor, or from www.medicines.org.au and may contain important
information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Mobic is used for

Mobic is used to treat the symptoms of:

osteoarthritis

rheumatoid arthritis.

Both diseases mainly affect the joints causing pain and swelling.

Although Mobic can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure
your condition. Mobic belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines work by relieving pain and inflammation.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Before you take Mobic

When you must not take it

Do not take Mobic if you have an allergy to:

any medicine containing meloxicam

any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

aspirin or any other NSAIDs.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

shortness of breath

wheezing or difficulty breathing

swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body

rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not take Mobic if you:

are about to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery

have a disease of the heart with shortness of breath, and swelling of the feet or
lips due to fluid build-up

experience bleeding from the stomach, gut or any other bleeding

had a stroke resulting from a bleed in the brain or have a bleeding disorder

have a galactose intolerance

have a peptic (stomach) ulcer

have or have had inflammation of the lining of the stomach or bowel (e.g. Crohn’s
Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)

have severe liver or kidney problems

are currently taking the following medicines: fluconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
or certain sulfur antibiotics (e.g. sulfamethoxazole).

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.

It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.

Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine.

The active ingredient in Mobic passes into breast milk and there is a possibility
that your baby may be affected.

Do not give this medicine to a child under the age of 18 years.

Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 18 years have not been established.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, food, preservative
or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

high blood pressure or fluid retention

diabetes

high cholesterol

heartburn, indigestion, ulcers or other stomach problems

kidney or liver disease

asthma or any other breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you are using an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control.

NSAID medicines, like Mobic, may decrease the effectiveness of IUDs.

Tell your doctor if you currently have an infection.

Mobic may hide some of the signs of an infection. This may make you think, mistakenly,
that you are better or that it is not serious.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before
you start taking Mobic.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food
shop.

Some medicines and Mobic may interfere with each other. These include:

aspirin, salicylates or other NSAIDs

medicines used to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin, heparin and ticlopidine)

medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems (e. g. ACE inhibitors,
angiotensin receptor antagonists and diuretics, also called fluid or water tablets)

When taken together these medicines can cause kidney problems.

lithium, a medicine used to treat some types of depression

antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

methotrexate, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer

ciclosporin, a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and certain problems with
the immune system

terfenadine and astemizole, medicines used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of allergy,
such as hay fever or insect stings

medicines to treat diabetes

colestyramine, a medicine used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood

corticosteroids, medicines usually used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as
skin rashes and asthma

some medicines used to treat infections (e.g. erythromycin, sulfur antibiotics, ketoconazole,
itraconazole)

some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats (e. g. amiodarone and quinidine)

pemetrexed, a medicine used in the treatment of certain lung cancers.

These medicines may be affected by Mobic or may affect how well it works. You may
need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while taking this medicine.

How to take Mobic

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

How much to take

For the treatment of osteoarthritis

The usual dose of Mobic is 7.5 mg, taken as a single dose each day.

Depending on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment, your doctor
may increase this dose to 15 mg taken as a single dose each day.

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The usual dose of Mobic is 15 mg taken as a single dose each day.

Depending on your response, your doctor may reduce this dose to 7.5 mg taken as a
single dose each day.

The maximum recommended daily dose of Mobic is 15 mg.

For patients with kidney problems undergoing dialysis, the maximum recommended daily
dose is 7.5 mg.

Ask your doctor for more information if you have been advised to take a different
dose.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water.

When to take it

Take your medicine at about the same time each day.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.

Take your medicine with or straight after food.

This may help reduce the possibility of stomach upset.

How long to take it

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

This medicine helps control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important
to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 2-3 hours), skip the dose you
missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would
normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26)
for advice, or go to Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone
else may have taken too much Mobic. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort
or poisoning.

You may need urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of an overdose may include:

nausea and/or vomiting

headache

drowsiness and/or dizziness

blurred vision

fits or seizures

low blood pressure

difficulty in breathing

impaired consciousness

kidney failure.

While you are using Mobic

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking Mobic.

Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking
this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
Mobic.

Mobic can slow down blood clotting.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

If you get an infection while using Mobic, tell your doctor.

Mobic may hide some of the signs of an infection (e. g. pain, fever, redness and swelling).
You may think, mistakenly, that you are better or that the infection is not serious.

Things you must not do

Do not take Mobic to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.

Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Mobic affects you.

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision in some people. If
you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else
that could be dangerous.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking Mobic.

This medicine helps most people but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
All medicines have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they
are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.

Not all of these side effects have been reported with Mobic but have been seen with
similar medicines.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

stomach upset including: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, belching, cramps
or pain

headache

flu-like symptoms, runny or blocked nose, cough, sore mouth or throat, discomfort
when swallowing

constipation, diarrhoea or wind

dizziness or light-headedness

skin rashes, which may be caused by exposure to sunlight, can blister and may take
on the appearance of a severe burn, or itching

increase in blood pressure

tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. These side
effects are usually mild.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

blurred vision

any change in the amount or colour of your urine (red or brown) or any pain or difficulty
experienced when urinating

collapse or fainting, shortness of breath or tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat,
chest pain, swollen or sore leg veins

severe dizziness

severe pain or tenderness in the stomach

flaking of the skin

yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice)

swelling of your ankles, legs or other parts of your body

signs of anaemia (such as: tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale)

irritation of your mucous membranes (e.g. lips, mouth, eyes or genitals).

These are rare but serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Emergency at
your nearest hospital:

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

bleeding from your back passage (rectum), black sticky motions (stools) or bloody
diarrhoea

swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may make swallowing or breathing difficult

asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath

sudden or severe itching, skin rash or hives

weakness in one part or side of your body, slurred speech, blurred vision or visual
disturbances.

These are rare but very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel
unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.

After using Mobic

Storage

Keep your tablets or capsules in their pack until it is time to take them.

If you take them out of the pack they may not keep well.

Keep your tablets or capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below
25°C.

Do not store Mobic or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave
it on a window sill or in the car.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep it where children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.

Product description

What it looks like

Mobic is the brand name of your medicine. It is available as tablets or capsules in
two strengths.

Mobic 7.5 mg tablets – pastel-yellow, round tablets, marked 59D on one side with break
bar, and company logo on the other.

Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30, 60* and 100* tablets.

Mobic 15 mg tablets – pastel-yellow, round tablets, marked 77C on one side with break
bar, and company logo on the other.

Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30, 60* and 100* tablets.

Mobic 7.5 mg capsules – pale green capsules.

Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30 and 100* capsules.

Mobic 15 mg capsules – pale yellow/pale green capsules.

Available in blister packs of 10*, 20*, 30 and 100* capsules.

*Not distributed in Australia.

Ingredients

Active ingredient:

Mobic 7.5 mg tablet or capsule – 7.5 mg of meloxicam.

Mobic 15 mg tablet or capsule – 15 mg of meloxicam.

Inactive ingredients:

Mobic tablets also contain:

sodium citrate dihydrate

lactose monohydrate

microcrystalline cellulose

povidone

crospovidone

colloidal anhydrous silica

magnesium stearate.

Mobic capsules also contain:

sodium citrate dihydrate

lactose monohydrate

maize starch

magnesium stearate

gelatin

indigo carmine CI73015

iron oxide yellow CI77492

titanium dioxide

purified water.

Mobic does not contain gluten or sucrose.

Supplier

Mobic is supplied in Australia by:

Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited

ABN 52 000 452 308

Sydney, Australia

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.au

This leaflet was revised in October 2021

® Mobic is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim.

© Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited 2021.

Australian Registration Number(s)

Mobic 7. 5 mg tablets:

AUST R 77694.

Mobic 15 mg tablets:

AUST R 77695.

Mobic 7.5 mg capsules:

AUST R 77698.

Mobic 15 mg capsules:

AUST R 77699.

Not perpetual, but mobile – Nizhny Novgorod News

Many great minds fought over the invention of a perpetual motion machine, capable of generating an immense amount of energy at minimal cost and effort, but, as you know, all ideas about a perfect device were recognized as utopia. Olgerd Skripko from Nizhny Novgorod, who developed a new improved energy-efficient engine, partly managed to cope with a seemingly impossible task.

Practiced at the “bottling”

The first invention of Olgerd Yakovlevich, an artist by profession, was … a filling machine. After graduating from an art school, our hero managed to work at several machine-building plants, where he acquired good design and ergonomic skills. The acquired knowledge was most useful at a new place of work – a pharmaceutical company that produces liquid medicines. Medicines were poured here manually, and the productivity of the workflow left much to be desired (one employee managed to fill no more than three thousand bottles per hour, despite the fact that they had to work in two shifts).

Thanks to the filling machine designed by Skripko, the productive forces of the enterprise have increased no less than 13 times, and in just one hour the pourers began to produce 39 thousand ready-made bubbles!

However, the technique he designed did not cause much trepidation among the creator himself, because even at a young age our hero became seriously interested in aircraft modeling, or rather, rotary engines used both in aviation and in other industries. Over time, the innovator analyzed all the disadvantages of the device and decided to bring the design to perfection.

For fighters, it’s the most

– By the principle of operation, my device is similar to an internal combustion engine with the only difference being that in a conventional internal combustion engine there is a reciprocating motion, that is, the piston rises up and down and makes only one in four revolutions tact, – explains the designer. – In my engine, all processes occur simultaneously, in one direction, and if the pistons in the internal combustion engine have two dead points, then there is only one, and there is no reciprocating motion.

In simple terms, the motor avoids mechanical overload, it is more durable and energy efficient. The exhaust process here occurs continuously, while there is no combustion chamber, due to which the device is much smaller in size.

— Automotive industry, shipbuilding — for these industries, the compactness and durability of parts is of decisive importance, — continues the innovator. “My development is especially advantageous for aviation military equipment. Due to the small engine, a fighter-bomber, for example, holds more fuel, the freed space can be used to carry additional cargo.

An improved small-sized engine (by the way, at the patent competition, Olgerd Yakovlevich’s creation was awarded first place in the nomination “The Best Invention in the Nizhny Novgorod Region in the field of mechanical engineering and transport) has already become seriously interested abroad. In particular, Skripko received several offers from German manufacturers, but the innovator refused to implement his invention on the side. He is currently negotiating with one of the Nizhny Novgorod enterprises specializing in engine building.

Marina ANDRONOVA.

Reference “НН”

Perpetuum mobile (lat. Perpetuum Mobile) efficiency is greater than 100 percent). The first mention of a perpetual motion machine dates back to the 12th century, and Leonardo da Vinci and the famous Russian writer and literary critic Nikolai Chernyshevsky are among the innovators who tried to invent a perfect device.

Dmitry Yalov: “Our business turned out to be extremely mobile”

The economy of the Leningrad region, which was predicted to experience a significant decline due to the export orientation of key industries and the departure of large Western companies (such as IKEA, which had a factory in Tikhvin), showed unexpectedly positive results. Last year, the volume of industrial production in the region declined markedly. However, despite the tightening of sanctions, the industry quickly began to recover and already in April exceeded last year’s figures.

Dmitry Yalov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Leningrad Region, Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development and Investment Activity, spoke about the factors of growth, the current state of various industries, how the government helps businesses cope with problems, and the fate of investment projects in the region in an interview with RBC Petersburg. .

“What we did not expect”

― According to the latest data, the IPP of the Leningrad Region for January-April is 100.4%, but the volume of shipment of manufacturing industries for the first quarter is 15.5% less than in Last year. What do these numbers say? Can we say that the decline in industrial production has been overcome? And the economy of the region as a whole – has it already overcome the crisis of 2022?

– The numbers we are seeing now are affected by two things. Firstly, at the beginning of 2022, the economy, in fact, was still working in conditions that were before the special military operation. In addition, in the first time after the start of the NWO, the pace of industrial production and shipments was largely anomalous, because everyone rushed to buy consumer goods – furniture, household appliances, etc.: they were afraid of a shortage or a strong rise in price. The real decline began later. Therefore, the current level of production is a fantastically good indicator; this is something that we did not expect and did not predict.

Secondly, shipment largely depends on the overstocking of warehouses, since products for various reasons, sometimes not related to the dynamics of production, first go to the warehouse and only then are shipped to customers.

– How would you characterize the current state of industry in the Leningrad Region?

– There are three industries that are currently experiencing some difficulties. The first, which, unfortunately, shows a decline of approximately 23% over the last 4 months, is the production of building materials. One of the reasons was the decrease in purchasing power and the cooling in the individual housing market after rapid growth during the pandemic.

The next area of ​​concern is the timber industry. It was largely focused on Europe. High-quality lumber, paper and pellets were exported there. This market is currently closed.

And the third industry is everything related to the production of automotive components. It is clear that the situation there is the most difficult, the most severe drawdown due to the withdrawal of foreign assembly plants. At the moment, there is virtually no one to produce auto components for anyone. Chinese automakers have not yet localized, while European, American, Korean and Japanese have already left.

All other sectors are doing well.

– What sectors can be called the most prosperous against the general background?

– Food production and mechanical engineering make the greatest positive contribution. Mechanical engineering grew by almost a third – in relation to the fall that was last year. The Tikhvin Freight Car Building Plant made a significant contribution to this growth. Due to problems with bearings, production there actually stopped in May last year, but by autumn it began to recover. Now, due to changes in logistics flows, there is a shortage of railcars on the Russian market, so their production is in full swing.

Also, more than 40% of growth was shown by the production of finished metal products. The production of beverages increased by 62% – this is import substitution in its purest form. The production of clothing increased 2.3 times, furniture – by 21%, medicines – by 18%, leather and leather products – 3 times.

“You can’t change one addiction for another”

― What is the fate of the most significant investment projects for the region, including those signed during SPIEF 2022 and at previous forums?

– Gas chemical projects are being successfully implemented. Among medium-sized projects, for example, the mass production of PVC sheets by the Karmatekh company has already begun. These sheets are used, for example, for printing signs, advertisements. The production is small, but very useful and important. Technopark “Marienburg” continues to develop production for the processing of polyolefins. Polyplast successfully implements its projects. In total, 16 projects are being implemented in the petrochemical industry. 9 projects – in mechanical engineering.

― To what extent does the process of import substitution compensate the region for the loss of Western suppliers?

– Import substitution projects are implemented in the region quite effectively. Let me give you one important example. In the spring of 2022, there was a problem with packaging, especially for food products. It was a critical risk, because selling milk, kefir, juices, etc. no one will be in glass bottles, as in Soviet times – this is inconvenient for both manufacturers and retail chains. And in terms of laminated cardboard, we depended on European suppliers. It wasn’t easy to readjust. At first, our manufacturers switched to Chinese laminated cardboard, and later the Elopak company located in the region was able to replace it. This example clearly demonstrates that it is impossible to change dependence on European suppliers for dependence on Chinese ones. There are industries, especially the food industry, where the concept of food safety is very important.

– Does the government help replace the loss of Western supplies?

– We work flexibly with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Where domestic production has not yet been established, we ask that restrictive measures be lifted on foreign products, and in those areas that were urgently needed, duties were removed. And now, on the contrary, some duties have been returned – to protect the domestic market for those manufacturers who have managed to establish production.

Of course, we don’t have super-optimism. Unfortunately, some components, the same microchips, cannot yet be replaced, but in many areas, business is coping with import substitution. There were difficulties with chemical components for paper products, but they were solved. This helped to restore the work of Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill, which lacked a significant number of components. It was possible to increase the production of components for the production of car tires at Ikon Tires (the successor to Nokian Tires, now owned by Tatneft). A real breakthrough has been achieved in many areas.

― Which of the business support measures developed by the Leningrad region government’s economic bloc turned out to be the most in demand?

– I have always advocated a fairly liberal approach to state intervention in the economy. Our task is not to interfere with business, but to help: somewhere to support financially, simplify regulatory procedures, create the necessary infrastructure, and advise. In the current situation, help is especially needed. Entrepreneurs use all possible support measures – both federal and regional.

I would like to point out some of the most popular support tools for small and medium-sized businesses. These are soft loans for working capital. In the portfolio of our Entrepreneurship Support Fund, they account for more than 90%.

It is worth noting the work of our development institutions – the Economic Development Agency of the Leningrad Region and the Center for Industry Support. These organizations systematically, and sometimes even manually, respond to business requests, help to find contacts with interested parties. The number of requests from investors is constantly growing. So, last year, 64 projects applied to AERLO for support, and for the first 4 months of 2023 – 85 projects.

– Is your Green Corridor system in demand among businesses?

– The numbers above are just talking about demand. Now the second stage of the Green Corridor system for the investor is being implemented. At the first stage, we fine-tuned the interaction of the project support system. Thanks to the operation of a single window, the response time for standard requests has been reduced from 30 to 7 days. Agreements have been concluded with resource-supplying organizations, and businesses can quickly receive an answer on the possibility of technical connection to electricity, water supply or gas.

At the second stage, we are working on upgrading the investor’s personal account. Now this is already a single digital window for communication between the investor and the project manager from the Agency, the investment commissioner from the municipal district.

The Green Corridor practice has been recognized by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation as one of the best in Russia, and we are constantly approached from other regions with requests to share their experience.

The “Green Corridor” is especially useful for an average investor who, unlike a large one, does not have a large project team, no opportunity to hire consultants, no reliable connections in government offices, no team of lawyers who can deal with approvals. Such an investor cannot spend years on approvals, because in many cases during this time his project will lose its meaning. And he will either leave for another region, or he will buy or rent some ready-made areas. For such companies, fast, simple and free support is especially critical.

“It is too early to talk about stabilization”

– Is it possible to talk about the stabilization of the economy of the Leningrad Region after the sanctions strike in 2022? What are your forecasts for the situation in 2023?

– I think it’s premature to talk about stabilization. It is too early to say that we have already passed the bottom point and are on a sustainable growth trajectory. Although in the last quarter of last year and in the first quarter of this year, a slight increase in industrial production was recorded. In March of this year, compared to February, it even amounted to a significant 8.2%. But these are still very short intervals, they do not reflect the whole picture. I would like to say that this is a long-term trend, but as an economist I cannot. Only by autumn will it be possible to speak with confidence about what is happening.

Objectively, there are negative factors, for example, a reduction in consumer demand, because a 10% drop in consumption is a rather alarming factor that can drag the industry along with it. Much will depend on consumer sentiment, which is already associated with geopolitical factors, and not with economic ones.

Of the positive aspects, we are most pleased with the fact that the business turned out to be extremely mobile and efficient. This is the main point. At first there were panic moods, expectations that it would be like at 1990s. But both I and the experts were sure that this would not happen – and life confirmed the correctness of our words. In the nineties, there was a transition from an inefficient command and control economy to a market economy. And then there were simply no players who could quickly make decisions themselves.