• 35,000 packages of the medicine were manufactured in three months, with plans to have them readily available on shelves for UAE patients in a month

ABU DHABI: The global science-led healthcare company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Neopharma, a leading global pharmaceutical company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have announced the launch of the first ever locally produced batch of medicines, as a result of their partnership to create localisation and manufacturing opportunities in the UAE.

The partnership, announced in April 2019, established Neopharma as GSK’s third-party manufacturer for handling the Secondary Packaging process (the final manufacturing stage) for six of GSK’s most prescribed medicines in the UAE.

This first batch includes 35 thousand 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, which took place at Neopharma’s manufacturing site in Abu Dhabi, was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Al Hameli, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Patrick Moody, the British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sameh Elfangary, General Manager for GSK in the Gulf, Dr B.R. Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Neopharma, and Mr. Binay Shetty, Vice Chairman & CEO of BRS Ventures.

His Excellency Mohamed Hamad Al Hameli 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, His Excellency Mr. Patrick Moody said “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. I congratulate the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and the UK Department for International Trade for their support in making this happen.  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. This is the most recent example of GSK’s commitment to ensuring a continuous supply of our high quality, safe, and reliable medicines for patients in the UAE to access.”

Dr B.R. Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Neopharma, added “It is wonderful to witness another landmark moment in our collaboration with GSK. 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. In Innovation science we are focusing on debilitating metabolic diseases, immuno-oncology with over 200 scientists working at Neopharma Japan site. This enables us to deliver innovative and quality products in a timely manner at affordable prices worldwide.”

The launch of the locally produced batch reaffirms the UAE’s vision to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the region.

-Ends-

About GSK

GSK is science-led global healthcare company with a special mission-- to help people do more, feel better, live longer. Globally and regionally, we have a proven track-record for providing high quality medicines, vaccines and consumer products. GSK has a 300-year global legacy and more than 70 years of local presence in the Gulf region. Today, GSK is one of the most innovative and best performing companies in the region, providing medical well-being to millions of people in the region.

About Neopharma

Neopharma LLC, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in MENA region with 100% subsidiaries in USA, Japan, Brazil, and India. A vertically integrated business, comprising of API, R&D and Formulation facilities in emerging and regulated markets. This enable us to deliver innovative and quality generic products in a timely manner at affordable prices in over 50 countries worldwide. Neopharma's global presence is supported by 7 manufacturing facilities spread across 4 continents delivering a wide range of branded and generic formulations, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).  The therapeutic segments covered are acute and chronic therapies.

Neopharma LLC is a part of the pharmaceuticals vertical of BRS Ventures, UAE’s leading Business House.

For further information, log on to: www.neopharma.com 

Media Enquiries:
Wael Al Kubbani, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Wael.AlKubbani@hkstrategies.com 
+971 50 189 8308

© Press Release 2020

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