UAE's Ambitious Push in Medicine Manufacturing to Curb Costs
The UAE's burgeoning pharmaceutical sector is set to expand by 40%, promising more affordable medicines amid increasing local production.
In a significant move towards healthcare self-reliance, the United Arab Emirates is witnessing a remarkable surge in its domestic medicine production.
Over the past five years, the country has established more than 35 pharmaceutical factories, with projections indicating a 40% growth in the sector within the next year.
This expansion is anticipated to make medicines more affordable, aligning with the UAE's broader strategy to reduce dependency on imports and foster a competitive domestic market.
The burgeoning local manufacturing industry is poised to stabilize prices and ensure better access to specialized medications.
Dr. Mona Al Moussli, co-founder and managing director of PRA Consultancy, highlights that while the increase in local production is promising, the affordability of these medicines will depend on a variety of factors, including initial investment costs, regulatory governance, and competitive market dynamics.
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a pivotal catalyst for this growth.
Notably, the production of Hayat-Vax, the first COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in the Arab region, demonstrated the UAE's capacity to respond swiftly to global health challenges.
The country's robust regulatory framework during the pandemic maintained medicine registration and market access, earning praise from international observers.
Dr. Al Moussli points out that the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence into healthcare systems signifies the UAE's commitment to modernizing its medicinal manufacturing processes.
The establishment of free zones, including the ones in Kizad and Jebel Ali, boosts local production capabilities, with predictions indicating a 40% increase in output within the year.
The UAE's pharmaceutical manufacturing market is composed of full-scale manufacturing and secondary packing.
The sector, currently operating through more than 35 factories, is rapidly expanding, supported by the government’s incentives aimed at encouraging investment.
Swiss pharmaceutical company Acino Pharma's recent establishment of new facilities in the UAE exemplifies this growth.
Dr. Mariam Galadari, an advisor for Globalpharma, underscores the pivotal role of government support in the growth of local production facilities.
While the sector previously had limited factories, the numbers have surged to over 35, producing a diverse range of medications, including treatments for hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
In addressing emerging health threats such as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), ongoing studies aim to develop effective treatments.
Dr. Galadari acknowledges that increased local production is crucial in improving accessibility and affordability while maintaining high-quality standards.
Globalpharma’s strategy includes dedicating specific production lines for government tenders to ensure medication availability at competitive prices.
The company has supplied numerous essential medicines to local markets, enhancing both supply stability and affordability.
This local production drive also coincides with sweeping regulatory changes, including new laws aimed at tightening the governance of medicines and pharmacies.
As the UAE navigates its path toward medical self-sufficiency, the focus remains on balancing quality, accessibility, and affordability to meet domestic needs efficiently.
Over the past five years, the country has established more than 35 pharmaceutical factories, with projections indicating a 40% growth in the sector within the next year.
This expansion is anticipated to make medicines more affordable, aligning with the UAE's broader strategy to reduce dependency on imports and foster a competitive domestic market.
The burgeoning local manufacturing industry is poised to stabilize prices and ensure better access to specialized medications.
Dr. Mona Al Moussli, co-founder and managing director of PRA Consultancy, highlights that while the increase in local production is promising, the affordability of these medicines will depend on a variety of factors, including initial investment costs, regulatory governance, and competitive market dynamics.
The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a pivotal catalyst for this growth.
Notably, the production of Hayat-Vax, the first COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in the Arab region, demonstrated the UAE's capacity to respond swiftly to global health challenges.
The country's robust regulatory framework during the pandemic maintained medicine registration and market access, earning praise from international observers.
Dr. Al Moussli points out that the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence into healthcare systems signifies the UAE's commitment to modernizing its medicinal manufacturing processes.
The establishment of free zones, including the ones in Kizad and Jebel Ali, boosts local production capabilities, with predictions indicating a 40% increase in output within the year.
The UAE's pharmaceutical manufacturing market is composed of full-scale manufacturing and secondary packing.
The sector, currently operating through more than 35 factories, is rapidly expanding, supported by the government’s incentives aimed at encouraging investment.
Swiss pharmaceutical company Acino Pharma's recent establishment of new facilities in the UAE exemplifies this growth.
Dr. Mariam Galadari, an advisor for Globalpharma, underscores the pivotal role of government support in the growth of local production facilities.
While the sector previously had limited factories, the numbers have surged to over 35, producing a diverse range of medications, including treatments for hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
In addressing emerging health threats such as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), ongoing studies aim to develop effective treatments.
Dr. Galadari acknowledges that increased local production is crucial in improving accessibility and affordability while maintaining high-quality standards.
Globalpharma’s strategy includes dedicating specific production lines for government tenders to ensure medication availability at competitive prices.
The company has supplied numerous essential medicines to local markets, enhancing both supply stability and affordability.
This local production drive also coincides with sweeping regulatory changes, including new laws aimed at tightening the governance of medicines and pharmacies.
As the UAE navigates its path toward medical self-sufficiency, the focus remains on balancing quality, accessibility, and affordability to meet domestic needs efficiently.
