Latest news with #EmiratesDrugEstablishment
Zawya
04-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
EDE strengthens partnerships to ensure pharmaceutical security and support industry growth
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi: 'We are striving to achieve strategic integration among stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, which is the backbone of our national health security strategy.' Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi: 'We are committed to investing in innovation and technology to build a fully integrated pharmaceutical ecosystem that can meet future demands.' Dr. Al Zeyoudi and EDE members briefed on the latest technologies being utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing Commending national companies' contributions to 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative and economic growth Exploring avenues for supporting the pharmaceutical sector and enhancing long-term self-sufficiency UAE, Ras Al Khaimah: His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) visited the Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) in Ras Al Khaimah. His Excellency was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Vice Chairman of EDE, H.E. Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Member of the EDE Board of Directors, H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of EDE, and Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Youth representative on the EDE Board of Directors. During the visit, H.E. Al Zeyoudi along with board members toured Julphar's production facilities, where they were briefed about the company's advanced manufacturing lines and technologies used to produce a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including treatments enhancing patients' quality of life. The visit comes as part of the establishment's commitment to empowering national pharmaceutical manufacturers and strengthening the UAE's pharmaceutical security system. It also aligns with the EDE's objectives to build effective partnerships with local producers, enhance domestic manufacturing capacity, and promote self-sufficiency, reinforcing the UAE's position as a regional and global hub for innovative pharmaceutical development. World-class pharmaceutical ecosystem His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasised that the pharmaceutical sector plays a fundamental role in building a strong, integrated healthcare system in the UAE, commending Julphar for its remarkable achievements and positioning as a leading national example in the industry. He expressed his appreciation for the company's contributions, describing Julphar as one of the UAE's prestigious institutions in the pharmaceutical field. Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the establishment's keenness to support successful homegrown industrial projects that contribute to realising the country's goals of developing a diversified and sustainable economy. His Excellency also lauded the important role that national companies play in driving the success of the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, which is designed to showcase the strength of local products and enhance their competitiveness in international markets. 'Through these visits, we seek to build a strategic collaboration among key players in the pharmaceutical sector,' the minister said. 'Promoting locally manufactured pharmaceutical products is not only a priority within our national health security strategy but also reinforces the leadership's vision to diversify the economic base and institutionalise sustainability and competitiveness across strategic industries.' His Excellency added: 'The establishment has adopted an integrated approach that focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks, delivering technical support to local manufacturers, driving investment in research and development, and opening new avenues for scientific collaboration with international institutions. Our efforts are all directed toward a single goal: to ensure the availability of safe and effective pharmaceutical products at competitive prices and to develop a national pharmaceutical industry that competes effectively on the global stage.' Empowering national capabilities For her part, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi stressed that the establishment is committed to strengthening collaboration with national manufacturers such as Julphar, recognising its role as a key partner in advancing the UAE's pharmaceutical security goals. 'Our future plans are not only aimed at enhancing organisational efficiency, and building advanced technological platforms, but also at forging effective partnerships to support the growth and expansion of local pharmaceutical manufacturers,' Al Kaabi said. 'We are also working to adopt world-class pharmaceutical control and quality assurance systems in line with international best practices.' She added: 'We are continuously exploring the use of artificial intelligence to upgrade pharmaceutical research and production while encouraging local companies to expand their export footprint. At the same time, we are keen to build global partnerships that facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge and expertise to national talent across this vital sector.' EDE Support Meanwhile, Basil Ziadeh, CEO of Julphar, expressed his appreciation for the visit, highlighting its importance in strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors. 'We are honoured by the visit of His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi and his delegation. This reflects the government's continued support for the pharmaceutical sector. 'At Julphar, we are committed to utilising the latest innovations, investing in national talent, and adopting modern technologies. We will continue to support the country's strategic goals of achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and bolstering the UAE's position as a leading regional manufacturing hub. Make it in the Emirates initiative is truly a source of pride and it will continue to be our guiding light as we pursue sustainable growth and global competitiveness.' The company also expressed its appreciation for the Emirates Drug Establishment's initiative to fast-track the evaluation of national manufacturers' products. This initiative, which includes an integrated and expedited mechanism supported by a wide range of incentives and competitive advantages, will significantly boost the national pharmaceutical industry. It will also enhance its capacity to compete in international markets. The visit featured an interactive dialogue session that explored challenges and opportunities within the pharmaceutical sector. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private sector coordination, enhancing the legislative and regulatory environment, promoting investment in research and development, and supporting innovation initiatives aligned with national strategic objectives.
Hi Dubai
17-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Becomes Second Country to Approve Guselkumab for Crohn's Disease Treatment
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved new indications for Guselkumab, marking the UAE as only the second country globally to authorise its use in treating Crohn's disease. This move significantly expands treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, particularly those unresponsive to current therapies. Guselkumab has shown strong clinical results in managing symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, said the decision reflects the UAE's proactive healthcare strategy. 'With new indications for Guselkumab being approved, we see the impact of the UAE's forward-looking policies in accelerating access to innovative therapies and enhancing pharmaceutical security,' she stated. The approval stems from a rigorous evaluation of global clinical data, confirming Guselkumab's potential in tackling treatment-resistant Crohn's cases. It also aligns with the UAE's broader goal of ensuring rapid access to cutting-edge medical solutions through precision-driven regulatory processes and global partnerships. 'Our fast-track framework, supported by advanced technologies and strong collaboration with international pharmaceutical companies, has helped streamline reviews without compromising safety or efficacy,' Al Kaabi added. This milestone further underscores the UAE's role as a regional and global leader in healthcare innovation. The EDE's commitment to modernising regulatory systems ensures that patients across the country have timely access to the latest treatments, reinforcing the nation's position as a trusted hub for advanced medical solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAE approves new indications for 'Guselkumab' to treat patients with Crohn's disease
16 Apr 2025 18:21 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved new indications for Guselkumab, making the UAE the second country globally to authorise the treatment for Crohn's is set to improve treatment opportunities for patients across the UAE and the wider region. As a significant addition to the therapeutic options available for chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, the drug has demonstrated efficacy in managing treatment-resistant a comprehensive review of clinical data, Guselkumab has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals living with inflammatory bowel approval is part of the UAE's commitment to providing the latest medical treatments and their applications, as well as fostering innovation in healthcare, which allows patients to access advanced treatments that better meet their health opens the door to a novel treatment option for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders, particularly those with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can be difficult to treat. It will also support the UAE's efforts to fast-track access to innovative treatments, while also strengthening international collaboration in healthcare, and ensuring the sustainable availability of medical products at competitive Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, stressed that the UAE is committed to ensuring the availability of the latest treatment solutions for patients.'With new indications for Guselkumab being approved, we can see the impact of the UAE's proactive policies in strengthening pharmaceutical security and accelerating access to innovative therapies. After carefully reviewing clinical data, we found strong evidence that this treatment is effective for patients who haven't responded to existing options, making it an important step forward in broadening available therapies,' Al Kaabi added, 'The drug approval process at the Emirates Drug Establishment is defined by precision and thoroughness, utilising advanced technologies and streamlined procedures to enable fast, accurate reviews and informed decision-making. This achievement is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise, as well as to our commitment to realising the UAE leadership's vision of positioning the UAE as a top hub for global pharmaceutical companies."Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi highlighted that this achievement is the result of strong, trusted partnerships between the Emirates Drug Establishment and leading global pharmaceutical companies and health authorities. "These collaborations have played a vital role in streamlining regulatory procedures and accelerating access to innovative medicines. They also reaffirm the UAE government's commitment to delivering advanced treatments to the community through a modern, globally competitive healthcare system.'Dr. Al Kaabi further explained that the Establishment has successfully built a comprehensive and forward-looking regulatory framework for pharmaceutical and medical products. This system is underpinned by a robust pharmaceutical security strategy and the Fast Track mechanism. This integrated approach has enabled the expedited introduction of innovative therapies to patients, without compromising safety or efficacy. She concluded by affirming that the establishment will continue to upgrade its regulatory processes to ensure patients have timely access to the best available treatments, with Guselkumab standing out as a clear example of the UAE's capacity to stay ahead of global medical advancements, reinforcing its status as a regional and international hub for advanced healthcare solutions.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HE Al Zeyoudi highlights UAE's commitment to advancing global trade and investment partnerships at AIM Congress 2025
HE Al Zeyoudi: 'Our engagements at AIM Congress 2025 have reaffirmed the UAE's unwavering commitment to developing trade and investment partnerships that catalyze economic growth and contribute to sustainable global development.' Abu Dhabi, UAE: His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has promoted the UAE as a leading investment hub during his participation in the AIM Congress 2025, hosted in Abu Dhabi from April 7th to 9th. Throughout the 14th edition of the AIM Congress, HE Al Zeyoudi engaged in a series of high-level talks and panel discussions, exploring strategic investment opportunities and fostering partnerships with global stakeholders. The AIM Congress 2024, under the theme 'Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure,' included more than 350 dialogue sessions, and featured 900 speakers and experts from around the world, serving as a platform for global policymakers, business leaders, and investors to convene and discuss key issues shaping the global economic landscape with the objective of creating a more prosperous and sustainable global economy. During his welcoming remarks, HE Al Zeyoudi said: 'The UAE will continue to champion investment as an essential catalyst of development – where investment is geared towards expanding opportunities, unlocking potential, forging new industries, and driving prosperity. Now the 16th largest source of foreign investment in the world, allocating US$22.3 billion to international projects in 2023 alone, impact investment is not the future for the UAE, but very much a policy of the present. From vital infrastructure to agriculture, from energy to education, the UAE has and will continue to use its capital to upgrade economies, drive innovation and elevate lives around the world.' Speaking on the successful track record of outbound investment from the UAE, HE Dr Thani cited several key international projects, including over US$50 billion invested in renewable energy projects across six continents and up to US$7 billion on integrated food parks and cold supply chains in India. During the congress, HE Al Zeyoudi participated in a Ministerial Roundtable on 'The Role of International Trade Agreements in Building Open and Inclusive Markets,' where he highlighted ways collaborative frameworks promote sustainable economic growth and effective responses to global trade challenges. Here, HE Al Zeyoudi outlined the success of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership program, with its 27 deals already concluded, eight of which are in force, and its impact on driving export growth and facilitating strategic investment into high-priority sectors. HE Al Zeyoudi also attended the opening of the third World Local Production Forum, hosted in the UAE in partnership between the Emirates Drug Establishment and the World Health Organization (WHO). HE Al Zeyoudi also engaged in bilateral discussions with senior government officials, including HE Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister of Tatarstan, and HE Hua Yuan, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, and trade and investment ministers from countries representing all corners of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Balkans and Oceania. The diversity of discussions reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering global partnerships and driving sustainable economic growth through targeted inbound and outbound investment. As AIM Congress 2025 unfolded, it reinforced Abu Dhabi's strategic role as a global investment hub, encouraging innovative approaches to tackle economic challenges. The congress demonstrated the UAE's commitment to being a beacon of opportunity and collaboration in the Middle East and beyond, leveraging technology to shape a prosperous future for the world.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Successful conclusion of the Third World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The third edition of World Local Production Forum concluded successfully in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing together key decision-makers, industry leaders, international organizations, and technical experts to discuss the critical role of local production in advancing global health equity, health security, and sustainable development. Held under the theme 'Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security and Sustainable Development', the three-day forum took place from April 7 to 9, 2025, and witnessed the participation of top government officials, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the world. In his closing remarks, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing local pharmaceutical production. He emphasized that the UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a leading global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies, noting that local production has become not only a healthcare priority but also a strategic development imperative. 'We are pleased to host this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organization, reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to expanding local manufacturing capabilities, supporting research and development systems, and maintaining the highest quality standards in the production and distribution of medical products,' His Excellency stated. He added, 'Our National Strategy for Advanced Innovation enables us to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into all stages of healthcare production, while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.' Concluding his address, H.E stressed the importance of purposeful international cooperation, stating, 'Through this forum, we affirm that international collaboration is the path to constructive change. By linking investment to innovation and policy to impact, we can build a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that serves communities everywhere.' Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), also delivered remarks during the forum, underscoring that the UAE is leading by example in building resilient and innovative pharmaceutical ecosystems capable of addressing evolving healthcare needs. 'Hosting the World Local Production Forum is a testament to the UAE's progress in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector,' she said. 'We believe that investing in local capabilities is the cornerstone for ensuring health security and equitable access to essential treatments.' Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Division at the World Health Organization, highlighted the global relevance of the forum, stating, 'This forum comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide face growing challenges in ensuring timely and equitable access to essential health products. Strengthening local production is a foundational pillar for building more resilient healthcare systems, and the UAE provides a good example with holistic approach for other countries and regions.' The forum featured a robust program of discussions across eight key thematic areas, including policies and regulatory frameworks for strengthening local production systems; innovative strategies for financing and investment; the promotion of research, innovation, and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical value chain; and pandemic preparedness through expanded manufacturing capacity, demand forecasting, and emergency financing. Additional themes included the integration of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and climate adaptation in transforming local manufacturing; the formation of strategic partnerships to support sustainable local production and epidemic preparedness; knowledge sharing through case studies of successful country-level initiatives; and the CEO Forum, which convened global executives to explore the pharmaceutical industry's role in shaping public health outcomes. Her Excellency Dr. Al Kaabi also participated in a high-level panel titled 'Localizing Pharmaceutical Innovation', which brought together members of the PharmaGroup, representing 29 global pharmaceutical companies, and the Mycomed Association, which includes around 70 companies in the medical device and equipment sectors. During the session, Dr. Al Kaabi presented the vision of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) to position the UAE as a global center for pharmaceutical innovation through the attraction of top talent, advanced technologies, and investment into the sector. She emphasized the role of pharmaceutical manufacturing in supporting economic diversification, knowledge economy transformation, and long-term healthcare system resilience. Dr. Ashraf Malak and Dr. Dederick Koh, also speaking at the forum, highlighted the Pharmage Association's 20-year legacy in the UAE and its contributions to the availability of modern and innovative treatments. They commended the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) for its role in shaping a forward-thinking regulatory and industrial environment that is achieving tangible impact across the sector. In another panel session, global health leaders explored the future of equitable access to medicines, regional manufacturing, innovation ecosystems, and pandemic preparedness. Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) addressed the importance of health equity and the moral imperative to focus on neglected populations and diseases. He reflected on DNDi's work in building collaborative R&D platforms and promoting affordable access to life-saving treatments. 'The innovation ecosystem must serve those most in need. That means patients in the most vulnerable contexts must be central to our R&D agendas,' he emphasized. He mentioned strategies for strengthening local capacities to make local production a reality. First, he highlighted the importance of not just discussing technology transfer, but ensuring that countries also possess the necessary technological know-how to implement and sustain it. 'We cannot speak about technology transfer without ensuring the know-how is in place,' he said. Secondly, he stressed the need to invest in human capital—developing local expertise and skills to drive innovation and production. Finally, he called for the design of health solutions that are relevant to the needs of local populations, underscoring the importance of defining a target product profile that aligns with regional contexts and public health demands. Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi presented Abu Dhabi's strategic vision for health innovation, emphasizing the Emirate's commitment to becoming a regional leader in research and development, clinical trials, and health technology advancement. 'Our vision is to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for health innovation in the region,' she affirmed. Dr. Al Mannaei highlighted a range of forward-looking initiatives, regulatory modernization, and the adoption of data-driven health solutions. She also emphasised the UAE's exemplary performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the number one most resilient city in pandemic crisis management. This success, she said, was achieved through strong collaboration between local and international entities, transforming the Emirate into a logistics and solutions hub for the region. Through these coordinated efforts, the UAE facilitated the delivery and management of over 260 million doses of vaccines to countries in need, showcasing its global solidarity and logistical excellence. She stated the importance of R&D and local production to ensure long-term sustainability and self-reliance in health systems, ultimately safeguarding the region. Mr. Robert Matiru, Director of Programmes at UNITAID, emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to showcase tangible partnerships that have advanced local production capacity for equitable access to health tools. Highlighting the benefit of collaborations, Matiru explained how UNITAID structured a partnership that brought together critical resources. A catalytic $10 million investment—modest in scale but significant in impact—was mobilized under the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This funding enabled partnerships with diagnostic manufacturers in the UK (Mologic, now Global Access Diagnostics) and South Korea (Bionote), facilitating rapid technology transfer and know-how sharing. With this support, IPD developed the capacity to manufacture lateral flow COVID-19 rapid tests, meeting global regulatory and quality standards. Before this initiative, Africa imported approximately 90% of its rapid tests—amounting to over half a billion tests annually for diseases like HIV and malaria. This collaboration helped shift the paradigm: IPD expanded its production capacity to 75 million rapid tests per year, significantly enhancing self-reliance in diagnostics. 'This is a prime example of how thoughtful, well-structured partnerships—combining financing, technology transfer, and strategic market planning—can empower local manufacturers to play a key role in global health security,' Matiru concluded. Mr. Rajinder Kumar Suri, CEO, Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) shed light on the indispensable role of developing countries' vaccine manufacturers in pandemic response and preparedness. He discussed the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how vaccine equity was undermined by global supply chain gaps and overreliance on a few manufacturers. 'We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Strengthening regional manufacturing hubs, especially in the Global South, is critical for timely access during future pandemics,' Mr. Suri stated. He advocated for technology transfer mechanisms, better regulatory alignment, and long-term funding strategies that empower regional players. Mr. Guilherme Cintra, Head of Policy, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) shared CEPI's vision for advancing equitable vaccine development and distribution in the face of future health emergencies. He highlighted CEPI's commitment to building robust, end-to-end R&D ecosystems that span from early-stage innovation to large-scale delivery. Underscoring the importance of collaboration, he stated, 'The concept of self-reliance is an illusion—we need to depend and help each other.' He emphasized the need for inclusive, cooperative approaches where regional stakeholders are not merely recipients but active contributors within global innovation pipelines, ensuring that solutions are shaped by and for the communities they serve. As part of her engagements during the forum, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, conducted a visit to the Adcan Pharma manufacturing facility. During the meeting with the factory's management, both parties explored avenues for enhanced coordination and collaboration aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions focused on reinforcing national capabilities and fostering innovation across the production value chain. The third edition of the World Local Production Forum received comprehensive support from the Emirates Drug Establishment, in close cooperation with the World Health Organization and a broad network of international partners. It served as a dynamic platform for government leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry experts to address critical issues related to sustainable local production and global health security. Key outcomes from this Forum included 4077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers and Engagement of over 229 international speakers representing government agencies, health institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector. This reinforced the UAE's steadfast commitment to fostering global partnerships that accelerate local production capacities, ensuring equitable access to healthcare solutions worldwide. It also highlighted the country's growing prominence as a global hub for life sciences, pharmaceutical innovation, and advanced health technologies. In a symbolic gesture marking the end of the forum, the hosting torch was officially handed over to the Republic of Indonesia, which will host the fourth edition of the World Local Production Forum in 2026. This transition reflects the spirit of international cooperation and continued momentum toward achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable health systems across the globe.
