CPHI Middle East kicks off with strategic partnerships worth SAR3Bn to advance Saudi Arabia’s pharma future

Saudi Arabia is making waves in the global pharmaceutical industry as the inaugural CPHI Middle East opens in Riyadh. With the announcement of strategic partnerships exceeding SAR3 billion (~ $800M), the event underscores the Kingdom's commitment to transforming its healthcare and biopharmaceutical sectors.

The three-day event, hosted at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, aims to position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation and a gateway to serving the healthcare needs of over 400 million people across the Middle East and North Africa.

The deals

A series of high-profile deals were announced at the event, highlighting Saudi Arabia's focus on innovation and investment:

• SAR1 billion partnership: Collaboration between the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Investment (MISA), Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR), and Vertex to localize manufacturing for treatments of sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
• SAR1 billion investment: Agreement between Tamer and Saja Pharmaceuticals to develop the largest logistics park in Riyadh and a manufacturing facility in Jeddah.
• SAR300 million commitment: Julphar's plan to build a state-of-the-art biopharma facility in Saudi Arabia, creating 300 jobs.
• SAR100 million partnership: Tabuk and Thera's collaboration to expand R&D in autoimmune diseases.
• SAR426 million agreement: Strategic partnership between SVAX and China's Henlius to establish Fosun Henlius Middle East and enhance biologics manufacturing.
• SAR200 million investment: Zeta Gulf's commitment to establishing a pharmaceutical facility in the Kingdom.

Why does it matter?

Saudi Arabia's investments in its pharmaceutical sector address critical healthcare challenges and boost economic growth. By localizing production and fostering innovation, the Kingdom ensures effective treatments for regional health needs while strengthening its supply chain.

"Saudi Arabia is the fastest-growing pharma market in the G20, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3 per cent," said Vice Minister Abdulaziz Hamad AlRamaih. These initiatives enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in global health security and economic resilience.

The vision

The Middle East's life sciences sector is poised for a transformative era, driven by policy reforms and strategic investments. Eng. Nizar Al Hariri revealed plans to invest SAR11 billion in next-generation health technologies, aiming to create 13,000 high-quality jobs. Meanwhile, IQVIA's Rauf Mohammed highlighted advancements in healthtech and the growing value of localization, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's success in navigating regulatory complexities.

Mundhir Al-Hakim, Exhibition Director of Tahaluf, stated: "The event is paving the way for groundbreaking collaborations and innovations, and we are privileged to be at the forefront of shaping the future of pharma in this dynamic region."

With 5 percent of national funds dedicated to healthcare and a strong focus on research and manufacturing, Saudi Arabia is set to redefine the pharmaceutical landscape in the Middle East.