MSD, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, has signed a landmark five-year licensing agreement with a Gulf-based global pharmaceutical company which will potentially enhance patients’ access to cutting-edge therapies for diabetes, asthma, allergy, pain and inflammation.
The agreement provides Julphar with exclusive rights to produce, market, distribute and sell certain MSD medicines in Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Iraq. Manufacturing locally high-quality medications will ‘enhance accessibility and create greater value’, according to the companies and contribute to the ‘ambitious healthcare plans’ of regional governments to improve the quality of their healthcare systems. Both companies will seek the relevant authorities’ prior approvals on registration and production of the products locally. This new agreement signals the importance of the region to the two businesses and aims to reflect their commitment to enhance patient access in a region where diabetes, asthma and other diseases pose serious healthcare challenges. “I am proud to announce this landmark agreement between MSD and Julphar – a partnership which will lead to having some MSD products being manufactured in this region for the very first time,” said Ramsey Morad, vice president, MSD for the Middle East region. “Our partnership with Julphar means stronger focus on innovative ways to address critical diseases, a closer connection with current and potential customers and a region-wide focus on their healthcare needs. In light of the exemplary efforts by regional governments to improve their national healthcare systems, MSD is sharing its latest production methods and expertise with Julphar in this joint initiative to support our customers and patients.” MSD, known as Merck in the US and Canada, operate in more than 140 countries and spend more than $8 billion each year on medicines research and development, making it one of the largest contributors to medical research and development among global biopharmaceutical companies. It has had presence in the region since the 1970s, and currently has a regional office in Dubai Health Care City. Julphar, one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is also said to be ‘delighted’ with the new partnership. With over 800 products in various dosage forms and more in the pipeline, Julphar has been described as an example of one of the UAE’s local businesses making an impact on the global stage. In line with its objective to promote better diabetes management in the region, it is now the only company in the Middle East to produce the raw material needed to make insulin through its division dedicated to the disease. Dr Ayman Sahli, its chief executive officer, said: “This partnership is the result of shared values and principles to advance healthcare in the MENA region, as we both strive for the highest standards of quality and, most importantly, focus on the welfare of patients in our communities. “This agreement allows a global leader in healthcare to tap into the local know-how and expertise of a regional leader. Manufacturing locally high-quality medications will enhance accessibility and create greater value for all our stakeholders.”
