Saudi Arabia Takes a Momentous Leap with Inauguration of First Local Insulin Manufacturing Facility
In a groundbreaking move for Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector, the Kingdom has unveiled its inaugural local insulin manufacturing facility, marking a significant advancement in pharmaceutical self-sufficiency as outlined in Vision 2030.
The cutting-edge facility, a collaborative effort between Sanofi, Sudair Pharma Company (SPC), and NUPCO, is poised to bolster national drug security and enhance access to life-saving insulin for millions of diabetes patients.
The ceremony, graced by the presence of Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, along with top government officials, healthcare luminaries, and industry partners, was a momentous occasion.
With diabetes impacting nearly 19% of the adult population in Saudi Arabia, the assurance of a steady and dependable insulin supply has been a top priority for the nation. Transitioning from a historical reliance on imports, the Kingdom is now taking a transformative step towards localizing production to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and offer more accessible treatment options.
Preeti Futnani, MCO Lead and Specialty Care General Manager for Greater Gulf at Sanofi, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to Saudi Arabia and its pivotal role in aiding the nation’s health evolution.
“Sanofi’s journey in Saudi Arabia has always been about building something of significance, and today, we take a major leap forward,” Futnani articulated.
“Through this insulin manufacturing facility, we are not just manufacturing medication—we are investing in the country’s future by ensuring a dependable supply of top-notch insulin, reducing reliance on imports, and empowering local talent to sustain this progress.”
Upon achieving full operational capacity, the facility is projected to produce approximately 15 million insulin pens annually, catering to the requirements of 500,000 patients across Saudi Arabia. This production milestone will meet 70% of the insulin demand for diabetic patients in the Kingdom, significantly fortifying national pharmaceutical security.
Dr. Yasser AlObaida, Chief Executive Officer of Sudair Pharma Company, expressed his delight at the collaboration with NUPCO and Sanofi in establishing this integrated facility. The facility will manufacture three types of insulin, including the latest biological insulin widely used in diabetes treatment, leveraging cutting-edge technologies throughout the manufacturing and packaging processes.
Furthermore, the facility is not just about production; it is geared towards supporting the Kingdom’s aspiration to cultivate a sustainable healthcare ecosystem by equipping local talent with specialized expertise. This focus aligns with the overarching goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a pivotal component of Vision 2030 aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and fostering medical innovation.
Sanofi, a prominent global healthcare leader, has been an integral part of Saudi Arabia for over five decades, consistently investing in initiatives that align with the country’s healthcare objectives. The localization of insulin production underscores the company’s enduring partnership with the Kingdom and its commitment to significantly contribute to Saudi Vision 2030.
“As our CEO Paul Hudson articulated during his participation in FII8 last year, ‘The sky is the limit for future collaborations in the Kingdom for Sanofi,’” Futnani remarked. “While today marks a milestone, it signifies the beginning of a journey. We are dedicated to collaborating with Saudi Arabia in shaping the future of healthcare and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The inauguration of the facility represents a pivotal stride in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation, ensuring that patients have access to world-class treatment manufactured in Saudi Arabia, for Saudi Arabia, by Saudi Arabia.
