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Highlights
- ADQ to acquire Pharmax Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer
- ADQ invests in Biocon Biologics Limited, a global leader in biosimilars
ADQ, one of the region's largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi's diversified economy, today announced two strategic investments, significantly expanding its healthcare and pharma portfolio. ADQ has agreed to acquire Pharmax Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, a UAE-based pharmaceutical company which manufactures and markets affordable, branded generic medication, and also to invest in a minority stake in Biocon Biologics Limited ("Biocon Biologics"), a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd. that specialises in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality, affordable biosimilars across global markets.
Through its investment in Pharmax, ADQ strengthens its healthcare portfolio by addressing a shortage of affordable medication to create a cost-efficient healthcare system in the UAE that balances cost and quality. At the same time, this equity investment in Biocon Biologics represents an important step towards developing cutting-edge expertise in high quality biosimilars to target chronic conditions such as diabetes, oncology, immunology, etc.
After these two investments are complete, ADQ will have investments across the healthcare and pharma value chain – beginning with pharmaceutical development and manufacturing with Pharmax, patient care through Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), laboratory testing services through Union71 and reimbursement through National Health Insurance Company (Daman). In addition, a minority stake in Biocon Biologics will give us an opportunity to get exposure to high growth biosimilars segment. ADQ’s extensive portfolio also extends to pharmaceutical procurement, handling and logistics with its ownership of Rafed, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Abu Dhabi Airport Company as well as its investment in Aramex.
Leading Global Biopharmaceutical Company Enabling Affordable Access
Biocon Limited is an innovation-led, global biopharmaceuticals company that develops and commercializes novel biologics, biosimilars, and complex generic APIs & formulations in India and several key global markets including the US and Europe. The company is committed to enhancing affordable access to complex therapies for chronic conditions like diabetes, oncology and immunology.
Biocon Biologics Limited, a subsidiary of Biocon Limited, is uniquely positioned as a fully integrated ‘pure play’ biosimilars organization in the world. The company is leveraging cutting-edge science, innovative tech platforms and advanced research & development capabilities to lower treatment costs while improving healthcare outcomes. Five molecules from Biocon Biologics’ biosimilars portfolio have been taken from lab to market, of which three have been commercialized in developed markets like United States, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan. The company is committed to impact millions of patients across the globe. It has a platform of 28 biosimilar molecules across diabetes, oncology, immunology, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology, rheumatology and inflammatory diseases. With a multi-cultural team of over 4,500 people, Biocon Biologics aspires to transform healthcare through affordable innovative solutions as well as impact 5 million patients’ lives by FY 22.
UAE-Based, State-of-the-Art Manufacturer
Pharmax specializes in manufacturing and packaging branded generic products, mainly of small molecule and oral solid dosage (OSD) pharmaceuticals across a wide range of therapeutic areas such as cardiology, diabetes, gastroenterology and neurology. Pharmax has batch release approvals for various other dosage forms such as injectables, inhalers, topical and liquid orals. Launched in April 2020, the company’s state-of-the-art facility has a total area of more than 110,000 sq. ft. with installed production capacity of more than 250 million tablets and 85 million capsules annually. Pharmax received its first GMP approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention in 2019, and is one of only a few facilities in the UAE that has been approved by the European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU GMP).
Both transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
About ADQ
Established in 2018, ADQ is an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company with a broad portfolio of major enterprises. Its investments span key sectors of the UAE’s diversified economy including energy and utilities, food and agriculture, healthcare and life sciences, and mobility and logistics, amongst others. As a strategic partner of Abu Dhabi’s government, ADQ is committed to accelerating the transformation of the Emirate into a globally competitive and knowledge-based economy.
For more information, visit adq.ae or write to media@adq.ae. You can also follow ADQ on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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