Latest news with #WorldLocalProductionForum2025
Hi Dubai
10-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE-China Cooperation Strengthens Vaccine Industry
Dr. Xuefeng Yu, Chairman and CEO of China's CanSino Biologics Inc., has underlined the importance of empowering local manufacturing companies in vaccine production as a crucial step toward meeting national healthcare needs. During the World Local Production Forum 2025, Dr. Yu stressed that building strong partnerships with local firms is vital to boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities and ensuring high-quality vaccine output. He applauded the UAE's strategic commitment to becoming a regional biotechnology hub, calling it a forward-looking vision that positions the country at the forefront of health innovation. Dr. Yu revealed that CanSino Biologics is actively collaborating with several UAE-based companies to expand local production in alignment with the nation's growing healthcare demands. He highlighted that such efforts not only support public health resilience but also foster innovation and sustainability in the biotech sector. Reflecting on past successes, Dr. Yu commended the robust UAE-China relationship, particularly in healthcare. He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment of cooperation, noting the UAE's key role in hosting clinical trials for Chinese-developed vaccines—an initiative that deepened bilateral trust and shared benefits. Looking ahead, Dr. Yu expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of UAE-China collaboration. He emphasized that this evolving strategic partnership is well-positioned to deliver lasting advantages for both nations, especially in biotechnology and public health. As the global focus shifts toward regional self-reliance in healthcare, Dr. Yu's remarks reinforce the UAE's growing stature as a biotech leader in the Middle East. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
DCVMN produces 60% of world's vaccines, supports local manufacturing in MEA: CEO
ABU DHABI: Rajinder Sur, CEO of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), has emphasised the vital role played by the network, which includes 48 vaccine manufacturers across 17 countries in the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the World Local Production Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Sur said the network played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, producing over 8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines – more than 60 percent of global output – and contributing to saving millions of lives worldwide. He underlined the importance of DCVMN's participation in the forum, which brings together leading figures in the pharmaceutical industry. His presence included speaking in one of the main sessions and chairing a key panel on local manufacturing, where he discussed the role of CEOs in shaping the future of immunisation and enhancing production capacities at the national level. Sur noted the strong presence of leading international health organisations such as the WHO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and UNICEF. These organisations are engaging in intensive dialogues and partnerships with vaccine manufacturers to support local production in regions with limited manufacturing capacity, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. He highlighted the challenges facing these regions, noting that Africa currently accounts for only 1 percent of global vaccine production. He affirmed that the network is fully committed to supporting self-sufficiency and sustainability in these regions, in line with their aspirations for stronger and more independent healthcare systems in the near future.
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerges as global pharmaceutical hub with market poised to hit $8 billion
The UAE's pharmaceutical sector is witnessing robust growth, with the market valued at $4.15 billion and projected to double by 2033. That's according to Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General, Emirates Drug Establishment, who spoke to Khaleej Times on Monday on the sidelines of the World Local Production Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi. She explained that, driven by innovation, regulatory excellence, and increased investment in local manufacturing, the industry also benefits from expanded healthcare policies and mandatory insurance schemes, significantly improving access to essential medicines. Partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies and improvements in local manufacturing capabilities are driving the growth of the country's pharmaceutical market, enhancing accessibility and ensuring high-quality care. UAE an attractive hub On the UAE's appeal as a hub for global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, Al Kaabi added, "There is a strong economic foundation and a great sense of stability and safety here. These are crucial factors… they create the ideal conditions for someone to put down roots, invest, grow, and possibly expand further.' 'We are home to some of the top 15 pharmaceutical companies in the world. Their presence here in the UAE is no accident; it's a result of choosing the right environment for investment.' Al Kaabi noted while some may argue that local demand is limited due to the size of the country but she highlighted that the potential lies not in the geographical size but in the robust export strength, strategic relationships, trade agreements, and policies. "These factors make the UAE a hub for global business. As these companies continue to grow, we are also seeing a shift from purely transactional operations to deeper involvement in the community — specifically in research and development, building local capabilities, and collaborating with local manufacturers to produce goods within the country." She further emphasised the positive impact of expanded healthcare policies and mandatory insurance schemes on enhancing access to essential medicines. "From a regulatory standpoint, our aim is to act more as facilitators and enablers — even catalysts — to accelerate progress. In times of disease outbreaks or pandemics, speed becomes a critical challenge. That's why it's essential for us to have systems primed and ready in advance, so we can respond swiftly and maintain as much control as possible during such situations.' Al Kaabi also pointed out that governments and private sector entities are increasingly turning to collaborative frameworks to meet growing demands in a more efficient and sustainable manner. One model that has gained significant traction is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). 'Once people saw the successful examples here in the UAE, there's been a strong push toward adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. From a business perspective, it's creating jobs and nurturing talent. From a sustainability standpoint, it's more viable than many other models. In terms of growth, it offers a solid foundation for long-term development.' AI influencing the pharmaceutical sector Meanwhile, Al Kaabi emphasised how artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the UAE's pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape. She noted from strengthening Covid-related pharmacovigilance systems (processes designed to monitor the safety of pharmaceutical products, particularly after they have been approved for use) to accelerating clinical trials and designing predictive models for breakthrough therapies, AI is enabling smarter data capture, faster decision-making, and more agile policy formation — ultimately ensuring safer, more effective care for all. 'We're using AI not just to collect smarter data, but to turn that data into immediate, actionable outcomes — from flagging real-time safety signals to cutting clinical trial timelines from months to weeks. And as advanced therapies like nano and stem cell treatments emerge, AI will help us build the right regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, quality, and readiness for the future,' added Al Kaabi.
