PHOTO
- At the meeting, PHRMAG officials discussed industry trends, and examined new emerging data that shed light on the impact of new medicines in saving lives and improving costs
- Key takeaways of the meeting included intensifying outreach across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures Association in the Gulf (PHRMAG), an industry focused organization that represents the region’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, held its annual general meeting recently in Dubai.
Senior officials welcomed Astellas Pharma, Lundbeck and Allergan, as three new member companies of PHRMAG in an effort to intensify outreach efforts across the wider GCC region. In addition, the meeting focused on the role of PHRMAG as a partner to patients seeking access to promising new medicines and vaccines, and to governments in the Gulf aspiring to provide high quality healthcare and build up life sciences and biopharmaceutical sectors.
Senior officials also examined newly emerging data demonstrating the power of new medicines to save and improve lives while lowering the costs of expensive hospitalization, surgeries and consultations in the healthcare system.
According to the standards of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Choosing Interventions that are Cost Effective project, new medicines launched in the region were very cost effective overall. In addition, evidence from other countries suggests that new drug launches reduce other medical costs and increase productivity.[1]
During the meeting, officials discussed the global pipeline of promising new medicines and cutting-edge vaccines that could have a dramatic impact on leading illnesses in the region, including cancer, diabetes, cardiac and respiratory diseases.
Mazen Altaruti, PHRMAG Chairman and Managing Director at MSD said, “Every day we see the impact of innovation up close. Pharmaceuticals is one sector where innovation has had a major impact on the health and wellness of millions of people by saving and improving countless lives in the region.”
“With more companies joining PHRMAG, we are uniquely positioned to advocate policies that will improve patient access to new medicines. PHRMAG member companies are unmatched in their ability to advance patient health while reducing costs in the healthcare system, leading to more sustainable healthcare systems,” added Al-Taruti.
Moreover, Mohamed Ezz, Vice Chairman of PHRMAG and Head of Novartis Gulf Cluster, also noted “At PhRMAG, we are committed to partnering with local health authorities and policy markets to support medical research, drive better patient outcomes by providing public health and pharmaceutical policies that encourage access to innovative and important medicines.”
“Across the region, we have achieved important milestones in our fight against deadly diseases, and patients are living longer and healthier. We are optimistic in our industry’s ability to deliver effective and convenient treatments that meet unmet medical needs across the GCC,” said Ezz.
PHRMAG now represents the majority of globally leading companies operating in the region operating with an underlying aim of delivering value to patients and policy makers.
-Ends-
About PHRMAG
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures Association in the Gulf (PHRMAG) is an organization dedicated to two missions: Advancing patient health and strengthening the innovative biopharmaceutical sector in the Gulf region.
Representing 24 globally leading biopharmaceutical companies, PHRMAG advocates policies that support patients, payers and healthcare providers. Based in Dubai, PHRMAG is focused on bringing the latest treatments and vaccines to the five Gulf countries it serves: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
PHRMAG believes that by partnering with policy makers in the Gulf, we can foster globally competitive ecosystems that excel in research, development, manufacturing and marketing innovative biopharmaceutical products.
For more information, please contact:
Joy Khoury
Head of Communications
+971 55 109 2735
Joy.Khoury@novartis.com
Or
Emeel Bishay
Associate Director
FleishmanHillard
+971 55 886 2717
Emeel.Bishay@fleishman.com
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
