The momentum is building for the establishment of a cutting-edge manufacturing, biomanufacturing, and research & development center in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. This initiative is underscored by the participation of over 30,000 pharmaceutical professionals and key stakeholders at the debut CPHI Middle East event at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center, emphasizing the urgency to create a significant local manufacturing network.
Industry leaders anticipate that this inaugural CPHI gathering in Saudi Arabia will expedite efforts to develop a strong domestic manufacturing framework.
The CPHI Middle East event, scheduled for December 10-12, 2024, is poised to be the largest assembly of pharmaceutical companies in the region. This event will facilitate dialogues among government officials, global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and manufacturing partners, aiming to propel the next stage of the Kingdom’s strategy to construct state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
One prominent group keen on tapping into Saudi Arabia’s potential are Indian CDMOs, which are assisting emerging biotech companies with product development initiatives in India. They are also instrumental in transferring crucial manufacturing learnings and process development expertise to support the growing local manufacturing sector. Of the 400 exhibitors at CPHI Middle East, over 80 are from India, more than 65 represent Europe, and over 90 come from China.
The event is organized under the auspice of the Saudi Ministry of Health, which will be among more than 150 experts presenting. On December 10, the Ministerial Panel will elucidate the Kingdom’s roadmap to cultivate a biopharma ecosystem, aligning with its aspiration to become the leading biotech hub in the MENA region by 2030 and on a global scale by 2040. Saudi Arabia is committed to reducing its dependency on drug imports, as currently, it imports 81% of generic medications and 94% of medical devices. The objective by 2030 is to produce 40% of its pharmaceutical requirements locally.
The comprehensive conference lineup at the event, spanning four stages on the exhibition floor, promises groundbreaking announcements and stimulating discussions on various pivotal topics relevant to the future of pharmaceutical development in the Middle East. Keynote speakers include Hala Audi, CEO of UNIZIMA (a segment of Univercells), who will provide insights on establishing biologics capacity in emerging markets. Meanwhile, Greg Licholai, Icon plc’s chief medical and innovation officer and Yale School of Management faculty member, will delve into how artificial intelligence can enhance bio-pharmaceutical results in the region. Noteworthy panel discussions will also be featured, such as a session on expanding Saudi Arabia’s local manufacturing center, led by Eleonora Brero, head of consulting and financial institution consulting at IQVIA Middle East & Africa.
April Hung, brand manager of CPHI Middle East, commented, “This launch of CPHI Middle East promises to be the most remarkable to date, with unprecedented turnout and exhibitor participation. The high level of interest underscores the region’s ambitions and the robust demand for collaborations. The exemplary public-private partnerships here are noteworthy, and by hosting CPHI in Saudi Arabia, we are aiding in hastening the creation of partnerships and supply ecosystems that will drive progress in the coming years. We’re excited to premiere the show and contribute to shaping a new ‘center of pharma’ in the Middle East.”