ADQ establishes Arcera holding company to facilitate innovation in life sciences

ADQ, formerly known as the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC, has announced the formation of Arcera, a global holding company in the life sciences sector headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The idea is for the new venture to be a leader in addressing and mitigating healthcare challenges by offering products that improve the quality and longevity of human life.

Consolidating ADQ's existing assets in the sector, the establishment of Arcera builds a global life sciences hub set to make significant contributions aligning with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 in the healthcare and life sciences sector and bolster the UAE to emerge as a global frontrunner in science and technology.

Arcera's brand name is a fusion of "arc" and "era" — symbolizing upward momentum and longevity. This choice reflects the company's vision to emerge as a leading global player in the life sciences industry.

How will it work?

ADQ's shareholdings in three companies have been transferred to Arcera:

• Acino International (Acino), a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland with origins dating back to 1836 and manufacturing sites in five countries, as well as commercial operations across four continents that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of medicines internationally;
• Birgi Mefar Group (BMG), one of Türkiye's largest sterile production service companies specializing in the manufacturing of sterile injectables and glass packaging, in addition to pharmaceutical distribution services; and
• Amoun Pharmaceutical Company (Amoun), a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Egypt specialized in the development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and export of a wide range of human pharmaceutical and animal health products.

With a combined workforce of more than 6,500 people and sales and distribution in more than 90 countries across four continents, Arcera aims to offer groundbreaking solutions that foster longer and healthier lives.

Arcera offers 2,000 branded medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas, addressing numerous acute and chronic conditions covering neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, pain relief and rheumatology and anti-infectives. The company's robust manufacturing and packaging base encompasses seven sites in the UAE, Switzerland, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Türkiye and Egypt.

Isabel Afonso has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Arcera. She brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector to the role, as well as proven expertise in transformation and global expansion, acquired through 18 years of leadership in a top-tier pharmaceutical company, as well as an additional eight years of management roles in other industries, including MedTech.

What's next?

Supported by Acino's legacy and strong growth track record over the past years, Arcera is planning to double its revenue over the next five years through value-accretive strategic acquisitions in key markets globally and forging high-impact global partnerships.

By positioning itself as the preferred partner in Abu Dhabi for top-tier academic institutions and leading pharmaceutical companies, Arcera is committed to spearheading groundbreaking advancements that address the needs of communities in the region and beyond.

The new company is working to attract and nurture top-tier talent in Abu Dhabi to accelerate human-centric innovation and foster an environment for industrial, commercial, and clinical breakthroughs. Also, it aims to bolster its product portfolio in areas of increasing need and demand, as well as create value for its companies through centralized capabilities such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and disruptive digital capabilities.

On the record

"By consolidating our life sciences companies under one umbrella, Arcera signifies a strategic evolution, unlocking substantial portfolio value and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, globalisation and digitisation, which are key growth levers in this industry," said Hamad Al Hammadi, Deputy CEO of ADQ. "As a unified force, Arcera is positioned to be a significant contributor to Abu Dhabi's life sciences sector, reflecting our unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes through groundbreaking solutions while aligning with the emirate's diversification goals."

"The growing need for high-quality and effective medicines lends tremendous importance to building a global life sciences company like Arcera," added Isabel Afonso, CEO of Arcera. "Arcera enables its businesses to accelerate growth plans and enhance integration, as well as further expand and develop capabilities. We are pursuing bold ambitions and work towards becoming a leading global life sciences company that fosters longer and healthier lives while creating value. It is a great honor to be trusted to lead Arcera."