GlaxoSmithKline and Neopharma announce milestone in UAE bid to become region's pharmaceutical manufacturing hub
Global healthcare giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Neopharma, a UAE-based pharmaceutical company, have announced the launch of the first locally produced batch of medicines.
The partnership, announced in April 2019, established Neopharma as GSK’s third-party manufacturer for handling the final manufacturing stage for six of its most prescribed medicines in the UAE.
This first batch includes 35,000 packages of medicine, which have been manufactured at Neopharma’s manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi, with plans to have them readily available for UAE patients in a month.
The launch of the locally produced batch reaffirms the UAE’s vision to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the region.
Mohamed Hamad Al Hameli, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has set out to become a pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing hub within the MENA region, and this is another great step forward in achieving this aim. In doing so, the country will be better placed to meet the needs of patients through improved access to locally produced medicines.”
The UK Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Moody added: “The launch is a fantastic example of what UK and UAE companies can achieve together. It is bringing jobs and expertise to the UAE, as well as better services for patients... It is another step forward in our shared ambition to work together to be global leaders in healthcare and life sciences.”
Sameh Elfangary, general manager at GSK in the Gulf, said: “We are delighted to see the outcomes of our partnership with Neopharma already yielding results. As a result of this collaboration, the batch will reach UAE shelves two months earlier than planned."
Dr BR Shetty, founder and chairman of Neopharma, added: “We are delighted to partner with GSK to be able to provide local patients better access to medicines. By manufacturing the medicine locally, Neopharma has reinforced its commitment to maintaining global quality and manufacturing standards that are complying to stringent regulatory requirements.”
