Key points of discussion included the local manufacturing of oncology drugs, as well as the evolving role of biosimilars in the region.
Photo by National Cancer Institute
The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), under the leadership of Chairperson Ali Ghamrawy, engaged in productive discussions with a high-level delegation from Sandoz, a global pharmaceutical company, recently to explore opportunities for localizing oncology drug production in Egypt.
The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss Sandoz’s expansion in Egypt, with an emphasis on deepening the collaboration between the company and the EDA.
Key points of discussion included the local manufacturing of oncology drugs, as well as the evolving role of biosimilars in the region. The meeting also addressed various opportunities and challenges within the pharmaceutical sector.
Ghamrawy and the delegation outlined a joint vision aimed at fostering innovation and improving access to advanced treatments, which would contribute to both the Egyptian healthcare system’s growth and the nation’s drug security. Ghamrawy reaffirmed the EDA’s dedication to facilitating investment, particularly in the field of pharmaceutical localization.
Noting the substantial progress in Egypt's regulatory framework and digital infrastructure, Ghamrawy stressed that the EDA continues to provide essential support to industry players. This includes aligning with the Egyptian government’s objectives of boosting pharmaceutical localization and export potential.
The discussions are in line with Sandoz’s broader commitment to enhancing local manufacturing capabilities in Egypt, which supports the government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in the production of vital medicines.
Egypt has struggled with a shortage of medicines for over a year now, triggered by rising production costs, foreign currency shortages, and stranded imports at ports. To combat the shortage, the government implemented several initiatives to ease customs and facilitate medical imports, as well as promote localizing the industry.
Recent efforts to localize the pharmaceutical industry include meetings with Kuwait-based Ali Alghanim & Sons Group, and a Arab Company for Drug Industries-led consortium looking to establish a raw pharmaceutical materials factory.
