Latest news with #NationalBiotechnologyStrategy
Makkah Newspaper
5 days ago
- Health
- Makkah Newspaper
Saudi Arabia's Pharma Leap to Global Leadership
Dear reader, over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has undertakenan ambitious overhaul of its healthcare and life sciences landscape. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a knowledge‑driven economy with a robust, self‑reliant pharmaceutical sector. Recent data from IQVIA andEuromonitor highlight progress on several key fronts, including market expansion, manufacturing capacity, hospital infrastructure, and tender market dynamics. Here's a closer look at the numbers and why they matter. Across the broader Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, pharmaceutical sales increased from USD 24.2 billion in 2020 to USD 29.5 billion in 2023 and are projected to surpass USD 32.6 billion in 2024, representing a cumulative growth of approximately 35% over the four years. Saudi Arabia is the primary growth driver, with the Kingdom's share increasing from USD 8.7 billion to USD 11.6 billion, underscoring strong domestic demand and rising purchasing power. The UAE, SouthAfrica, and Algeria follow closely, while smaller markets, such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Kuwait, are expanding steadily from a lower base. Dear reader, Zooming in on Saudi Arabia's five largest therapy areas, combined sales rose from about USD 3.8 billion in 2019 to a forecasted USD 5.6 billion by 2026 (a 6.5 % compound annual growth rate). General medicines alone are expected to exceed USD 2.8 billion by 2026, followed by consumer health products at roughly USD 750 million, driven by trends in preventive care and wellness. Dermatology, digestive health, and ophthalmology remain smaller niches, but they are growing at 5–7% per year as urban lifestyles increase demand for allergy treatments and chronic disease medications. Government tenders remain the backbone of public procurement, valued at approximately USD 5.6 billion. Two multinationals, Hikma and Sanofi, lead with 9 % share each. Local champions SPIMACO (8%) and Tabuk Pharmaceuticals (7%) rank closely behind, while Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Novartis each hold 5–6%. At the other end of the scale, Jamejoom Pharma captures just 1 %, signaling headroom for domestic firms to ramp up portfolios tailored to tender specifications. Dear reader, domestic production is spreading across a broader base of players (over 2,100 registered items). Pharmaceutical Solution Industries (PSI) tops the chart with 21% of national output, followed by Tabuk (18%) and SPIMACO (15%).Jamejoom, Riyadh Pharma, and Jazeera Pharma each command roughly 8–9 %, while a long tail of other manufacturers together accounts for 20 %. The distribution highlights Ministry of Industry incentives to increase local content, promote innovation, and enhance exports, particularly following the launch of the National Biotechnology Strategy. Dear reader, several forces are converging: sweeping healthcarefinancing reforms, incentives for local manufacturing that deepen supply chain resilience, a welcoming stance toward foreign direct investment, and rapid digital adoption, from telemedicine to e-prescriptions. Although rising healthcare costs and chronic disease burdens pose challenges, current indicators suggest an ample runway for both local and international drugmakers, especially in biologics, targeted therapies, and self-care products. Saudi Arabia is charting a course to become the region's premier hub for pharmaceutical innovation and high‑quality healthcare services. With a sizable domestic market, expanding infrastructure, and policies favorable to private enterprise, the Kingdom could, by the end of the decade, rank among the most attractive healthcare markets in the broader Middle East and North Africa. In short, the 'Saudi pharma leap' is no longer aspirational rhetoric; it is unfolding on the ground. Continued execution will be vital, but the trajectory points to a future where Saudi Arabia not only meets local medical needs more efficiently but also exports health solutions to the world.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman advances work on national biotech strategy
Muscat – Oman has taken a key step towards shaping its National Biotechnology Strategy with the launch of an international tender to appoint a specialised consultancy firm to guide the initiative. At its third meeting held on Sunday, the Biotechnology Supervisory Committee reviewed progress made since its previous session, including completion of preparatory work required to initiate the strategy. The meeting was chaired by H E Dr Rahma al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) floated the tender via the electronic platform of Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content. The consultancy will be responsible for reviewing relevant laws and regulations, identifying strategic priorities, drafting a financial plan, and proposing an executive roadmap for implementation. It will also recommend governance improvements and mechanisms for periodic review, with the strategy expected to cover major biotechnology domains including red, green and white applications. Firms with 'Excellent' or 'First' vendor ratings are invited to submit bids by July 25. Dr Kawthar al Balushi, Director of the National Biotechnology Strategy Project, briefed committee members on the timeline and activities for the next phase. Coinciding with the committee meeting, a cooperation programme was signed to provide support for the strategy's preparation. The agreement brings together MoHERI, Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and Oman India Fertiliser Company. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
20-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman advances work on national biotech strategy
Muscat – Oman has taken a key step towards shaping its National Biotechnology Strategy with the launch of an international tender to appoint a specialised consultancy firm to guide the initiative. At its third meeting held on Sunday, the Biotechnology Supervisory Committee reviewed progress made since its previous session, including completion of preparatory work required to initiate the strategy. The meeting was chaired by H E Dr Rahma al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) floated the tender via the electronic platform of Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content. The consultancy will be responsible for reviewing relevant laws and regulations, identifying strategic priorities, drafting a financial plan, and proposing an executive roadmap for implementation. It will also recommend governance improvements and mechanisms for periodic review, with the strategy expected to cover major biotechnology domains including red, green and white applications. Firms with 'Excellent' or 'First' vendor ratings are invited to submit bids by July 25. Dr Kawthar al Balushi, Director of the National Biotechnology Strategy Project, briefed committee members on the timeline and activities for the next phase. Coinciding with the committee meeting, a cooperation programme was signed to provide support for the strategy's preparation. The agreement brings together MoHERI, Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and Oman India Fertiliser Company.
Times of Oman
20-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Biotechnology oversight committee holds meeting
Muscat: The Oversight Committee for Biotechnology in the Sultanate of Oman today held its third meeting, chaired by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the latest developments regarding the implementation of decisions from its second meeting. This included the crucial task of completing the requirements for preparing the National Biotechnology Strategy in accordance with the approved work plan, as well as finalizing the procedures for appointing the specialized consultant responsible for developing the strategy. The tender for the consultancy services was recently issued through the electronic system of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority. Dr. Kawther Ibrahim Al Balushi, Project Manager for the National Biotechnology Strategy, delivered a visual presentation to the committee members. She outlined the detailed plan for implementing the remaining phase of the project and highlighted the efforts made by various national committees and teams in this regard. Coinciding with the third meeting of the Biotechnology Oversight Committee, a cooperation program was launched and signed to fund the assignment of a consultant for the National Biotechnology Strategy project. This agreement was signed by three parties: the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and OMIFCO – the project's funding entity. The agreement was signed by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri on behalf of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and Khalid Sulaiman Al Farsi, OMIFCO Director General of Supply Chain.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to host 8th Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has announced the 8th edition of the Global Health Exhibition, scheduled to run from October 27 to 30, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center. Held under the theme 'Invest in Health,' the event aims to advance the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals by accelerating the transformation of its healthcare sector and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for health innovation and investment. The exhibition will serve as a major platform for forging partnerships, exploring investment prospects, and showcasing cutting-edge technologies in healthcare, including advances in telemedicine and initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles. Building on the success of last year's edition—which generated over SAR50 billion ($13.3 billion) in deals and drew more than 100,000 visitors from 80 countries—the upcoming event is expected to continue driving momentum in Saudi Arabia's health sector. The exhibition underscores the Kingdom's expanding role on the global health stage, bolstered by initiatives like the National Biotechnology Strategy and its hosting of major international gatherings, such as the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and the CPHI Middle East pharmaceutical expo.
