UAE expands local pharmaceutical output as ADCAN Pharma and MS Pharma strike manufacturing deal
A new partnership between ADCAN Pharma and MS Pharma will broaden the range of medicines produced inside the UAE, particularly those for cancer, chronic illnesses and other serious conditions.
The agreement was unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit on Tuesday. Its aim is to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity within the country and make essential treatments more accessible to patients.
Scope and focus of the collaboration
Under the arrangement, the two companies will jointly manufacture, package and test a variety of drugs in the UAE. These include injectable treatments, tablets and biosimilars — medicines designed to closely resemble existing biological therapies, which are frequently used to manage complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
The collaboration will concentrate on expanding domestic production across several therapeutic areas: oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, respiratory medicine and cardiovascular care. It will also cover treatments for metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, infectious diseases and other health problems.
Quality testing and laboratory capabilities
As part of the agreement, ADCAN Pharma plans to set up laboratory facilities in the UAE specifically for quality testing of monoclonal antibodies, a category of advanced medical treatments. The lab will be equipped to perform the full set of required quality checks, ensuring that locally manufactured medicines meet the necessary standards.
Industry and regional impact
Dr Fokion Sinis, chief executive of ADCAN Pharma, said the partnership would strengthen the country's ability to produce and test advanced medicines. He explained that merging local manufacturing facilities with MS Pharma's expertise in biopharmaceutical products would support the development of the UAE's pharmaceutical sector.
Ghandi Yacoub, Vice President of Commercial at MS Pharma, said the partnership would help make advanced treatments more accessible to patients throughout the region. He added that the collaboration would combine MS Pharma's experience in developing biosimilar medicines with ADCAN's manufacturing capabilities in the UAE.
The companies said they plan to gradually expand their local production and testing capacity through cooperation and knowledge sharing. The deal also aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, increase domestic medicine output and secure a more reliable supply of essential treatments. By expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing within the country, the partnership aims to improve access to medicines for patients in the UAE and across the region.
