In a major advancement for Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry, Eva Pharma has commenced local insulin production, marking a significant step towards meeting both domestic and international demand. This development, announced on December 18, 2024, follows the approval of the Egyptian Drug Authority, paving the way for the company to not only supply the Egyptian market but also target exports to 56 low- and middle-income countries.
Riad Armanious, Managing Director of Eva Pharma, revealed ambitious plans at a recent press conference. The company aims to achieve $100 million in insulin exports annually by 2030, with initial shipments to Libya and Uganda expected to start within days. This strategic move is set to significantly reduce Egypt’s import bill for insulin, which was $30 million as of last September, and enhance the sustainability of the nation’s drug supply system.
Ali Al-Ghamrawi, head of the Egyptian Drug Authority, highlighted the impact of local production on the market, noting that insulin is among the best-selling medications in Egypt, with sales reaching 1.4 million packages, valued at 1.1 billion pounds, by the end of the third quarter of this year.
The initiative is supported by a licensing agreement with global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company, underscoring Eva Pharma’s commitment to quality and innovation. According to Amjad Talaat, the regional director for Eva Pharma Saudi Arabia and director of strategic alliances, the company aims to provide insulin to one million patients annually, significantly boosting healthcare accessibility in the region.
Egypt
Looking ahead, Eva Pharma is also set to expand its portfolio with plans to produce a drug for AIDS treatment, leveraging a licensing agreement with American company Gilead. The company signed a voluntary licensing agreement in October to manufacture and distribute the active ingredient and final pharmaceutical preparations for the drug Lenacapavir, which treats HIV in adults, with aspirations to supply this treatment to 120 countries worldwide.
Eva Pharma’s endeavors not only promise to transform Egypt into a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing but also strengthen global health partnerships, enhancing accessibility to essential medications across the globe.
