GSK signs agreement with Bioventure Healthcare FZE

Global science-led UK healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced today a new manufacturing agreement with Bioventure Healthcare FZE (previously known as Geltec Healthcare FZE), a qualified UAE-based manufacturing facility. Through this venture, GSK will transfer to the UAE the secondary packaging of 20 of its key products across several therapy areas, including the central nervous system, dermatology, urology, allergy, and respiratory therapy areas.

This agreement will help to ensure a steady and seamless supply, enabling a more efficient response to address any emerging supply gaps. The move will also positively impact patients by ensuring that they are able to access GSK’s high-quality medicines prescribed by their doctors.

In alignment with GSK’s commitment to advance healthcare for patients in the UAE, the partnership will help in securing a reliable supply of high-demanded, widely prescribed essential medicines for patients in the country. It also aligns with Bioventure Healthcare’s mission as a subsidiary of GlobalOne Healthcare Holding, the Healthcare Division of Yas Holding, to create a market that is attractive for global manufacturing companies and achieves exponential growth in the local health sector. At present, Bioventure Healthcare FZE is planning to expand their product portfolio to oral solid tablets.

Secondary packaging is the final manufacturing stage necessary for shipping products which already have primary packaging. It is used to package multiple product soft gel capsules locally and facilitate transport from the manufacturer to end users. GSK’s medications will continue to be manufactured in their own facilities, while their secondary packaging will now be performed by Bioventure Healthcare FZE.

The partnership was announced in a ceremony held today in Dubai. It was attended by Simon Readshaw, Deputy Director for International Trade UAE, British Embassy; Gizem Akalin, PhD, Vice President for GSK Gulf; and Ashraf Radwan, Division CEO of GlobalOne Healthcare Holding. Also, in attendance were Pippa Russo, Life Sciences Advisor UAE, British Embassy; and Mahmoud Heikal, CEO of Bioventure Healthcare.

On behalf of the UK government, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East, Simon Penney said, “The UK is delighted to support this new partnership between GSK and Bioventure Healthcare which reaffirms GSK’s long-term investment in the UAE. This agreement demonstrates how UK-UAE collaboration can benefit patients across the Emirates, while ensuring a resilient supply chain in the years ahead. This secures the UAE’s place as a leading regional pharma hub.”

Dr Akalin confirmed that the agreement will be fully operational by the end of 2022. She said: “This agreement will support us in our endeavours to provide greater value across our range of treatments to patients. Our partnership with Bioventure Healthcare FZE supports our mission to advance patient care while positively contributing to the country’s vision of establishing a globally-competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing hub”.

Ashraf Radwan commented: “In line with the UAE Government’s continuing efforts to develop the Nation’s pharmaceutical sector, we welcome this new partnership with GSK to drive our joint mission forward together by improving patients’ lives across the healthcare value chain. Central to this partnership is our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dubai, which not only meets local and international standards set forth by the UAE Ministry of Health, GCC, USFDA, and EU GMP. With this strategic partnership, we aim to bolster the UAE’s unrivalled position as a pharmaceutical leader in the region and beyond. ZAWYA