Abu Dhabi to boost local medicine production, aiming for global hub status

Plans include increasing local manufacturing, forming international partnerships, and expanding exports over the next decade.

Abu Dhabi is set to enhance its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, aiming to become a global hub for medicine production. The initiative involves increasing local production, attracting international companies, and expanding exports within the next ten years, according to Dr Fokion Sinis, CEO of ADCAN Pharma, who spoke to Gulf News.

Dr Sinis emphasized that local production of medicines would strengthen the UAE’s healthcare system and reduce reliance on international supply chains, a vulnerability highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Local manufacturing has moved to the centre of the UAE’s healthcare strategy,” he stated.

ADCAN Pharma operates the UAE’s only facility specializing in oncology and hormone medicines, focusing on high-potency oral treatments. The company has partnered with international pharmaceutical firms such as ELPEN, Lotus, and Pinnacle, and collaborates with M42 to produce cancer medicines for export.

Artificial intelligence and automation are expected to play a crucial role in improving pharmaceutical manufacturing. AI can enhance equipment monitoring, early problem detection, and quality control. Dr Sinis also mentioned the Emirati Genome Programme, which could lead to more personalized treatments by integrating genetic data with AI.

ADCAN recently partnered with MS Pharma to produce biosimilars locally, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving access to treatments for cancer and chronic diseases. Collaborations with universities like Khalifa University aim to train Emirati scientists and engineers.

Looking ahead, Dr Sinis anticipates that Abu Dhabi’s pharmaceutical industry will expand beyond the local market to become a major exporter. ADCAN is working towards obtaining European Union Good Manufacturing Practice certification by 2027, which would facilitate entry into additional international markets.

Dr Sinis highlighted the importance of faster medicine registration procedures, support for locally manufactured products, and continued investment. He noted that expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing would create specialized jobs for Emiratis and enhance medicine availability, contributing to a more resilient healthcare system.

Source: https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/abu-dhabi-aims-to-become-global-hub-for-medicine-production-1.500726181