MS Pharma Unveils MENA's First Biologics Manufacturing Facility in Saudi Arabia
MS Pharma Launches Pioneering Biologics Facility in Saudi Arabia
In an exciting development for the Arab pharmaceutical landscape, MS Pharma has officially inaugurated the first biologics manufacturing facility in the Middle East. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this state-of-the-art plant represents a significant milestone for both the company and the region. Approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and designed in line with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, this facility underscores MS Pharma's commitment to enhancing the bio-pharmaceutical landscape in the MENA region.
With an investment of $50 million, MS Pharma's new facility is equipped to handle the production of monoclonal antibodies and complex peptides, two highly sought-after classes of biologic treatments. This cutting-edge center not only features formulation and filling capabilities but also boasts advanced lyophilization processes. Notably, the facility hosts the first internal bioanalytical testing laboratories in the region, eliminating the reliance on overseas testing services and thereby expediting the time-to-market for critical therapies.
Ghiath Sukhtian, President of MS Pharma, shared his sentiments, stating, "This launch marks a decisive milestone for MS Pharma and the bio-pharma landscape of MENA. We take pride in driving a regional biologics platform that aligns with global healthcare demands and delivers high-value complex medications in partnership with international collaborators."
CEO Kalle Känd emphasized the facility’s role beyond mere production, calling it a strategic enabler for global partnerships. He noted, "This facility provides regional access and contract manufacturing capabilities for international markets, while also driving local content, creating highly skilled job opportunities, and facilitating technology transfer."
Aligned with Saudi Arabia's localization goals and Vision 2030, the Riyadh facility leverages industrial incentives and a strategic location to serve the Kingdom, the MENA region, and export markets such as the EU and USA. This reinforces MS Pharma's position as a regional leader in biologics, equipped with the necessary regulatory compliance, capacity, and capabilities to support diverse markets and enhance its value as a manufacturing and collaboration platform.
Founded in 1989 in Amman, Jordan, MS Pharma is a multinational pharmaceutical company dedicated to broadening access to high-quality medications across the Middle East and Africa. With over 2,000 employees and five manufacturing plants in Jordan, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, the company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of generics, complex injectables, and biosimilars that address a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and central nervous system disorders.
In essence, MS Pharma’s initiative marks a new chapter in the MENA bio-pharmaceutical landscape, setting up a robust platform for future growth and innovation in biologics. This launch not only enhances healthcare solutions available in the region but also elevates Saudi Arabia’s role on the global pharmaceutical stage.