Dubai February 2nd, 2015. Encouraged by supportive government policies and a strong regulatory framework, global pharmaceutical companies are beginning to transfer knowledge to local manufacturing partners in the UAE, in turn helping the Emirates develop a home-grown pharmaceutical industry.

Speaking at an Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR) event hosted at Burj Al Arab, H.E Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the UAE Ministry of Health said, "By 2021 we will be one of the leading countries in the pharmaceutical industry." The senior health care official went on to encourage pharmaceutical multinationals to follow the lead of Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, which in 2012 entered into a local manufacturing agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Neopharma.

The production agreement under which Neopharma is working to manufacture two Merck Serono products -- Euthyrox, a hormone therapy treatment, and Glucophage a standard oral treatment for type 2 diabetes -- is catering to regional demand and helping to turn the UAE into a pharmaceutical export base.

According to industry experts at the event, the partnership offers a powerful example of how UAE firms, with a supportive government creating a conducive business environment, can partner with international companies to bring innovation, research, science and technology to the Emirates.

While this knowledge transfer itself is of benefit to the economy, local manufacturing is also good news for patients. Hitherto a significant part of global production for Glucophage was imported from Europe to the Middle East, but with the drug being manufactured locally, the partnership reduces the lead-time for products to reach the market, reducing supply shortfalls.

"The strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health has bolstered our local and regional presence, augmented our brand equity and improved patient access to our innovative medications while driving development and growth," said Paolo Carli, Head of Middle Near East, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

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About EMIR
Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR) is a support service for leading executives of multinational companies doing business in the Middle East. We help a diverse group of leaders run successful businesses with research support, on-the-ground insights, government relations, high-profile networking and other strategic support services. Through EMIR Boardroom, an on-going series of private briefings, we bring together leading executives and senior policymakers so our C-level audience can better understand the policies impacting multinationals as well as the business environment in which they operate. EMIR also provides insightful and engaging content that helps companies engage with stakeholders and partners. 

About Merck Serono
Merck Serono Middle East is the biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Merck KGaA, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany. Operating in the Middle East since 2007, the last 6 years has seen the company not only become one of the Top 10 pharmaceutical companies within the Middle and Near East, but also the fastest growing pharmaceutical company in the region. Merck Serono Middle East is also proud to have been recognised as one of the UAE's "Great Places to Work" for 3 consecutive years. The company strives to be accepted by all stakeholders as the partner that consistently exceeds standards and provides added value, and has successfully developed a strong and long-standing partnership with the Ministries of Health throughout the Middle East. The company concentrates on the effective treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, endocrine, metabolic disorders, and cardio metabolic diseases through focused and innovative patient-friendly drug delivery systems.

© Press Release 2015