Head of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Dr. Ali Al-Ghamrawy, met with Dr. Sherif Rashed, Chairman of Abeticor, the exclusive partner of Vitabiotics Egypt, to discuss ways to enhance the localization of the biopharmaceutical industry and expand production lines for pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements in Egypt.
The meeting brought together Dr. Rasha Zayed, Assistant Head of the EDA for Development and Professional Affairs; Dr. Yessin Regai, Assistant Head of the EDA for Media and Investment Support; Dr. Amani Gowdat, Deputy Head of the EDA’s Office of the Head; Dr. Osama Hatim, Deputy Head of the EDA for Policy and International Cooperation; and Dr. Amira Mahgoub, Head of the Central Operations Department.
From Vitabiotics Egypt, the meeting was joined by Mr. Walid Abdel Hafeez, Senior Advisor for Marketing and Government Relations.
Localizing Biopharmaceuticals and Expanding Domestic Production
The meeting focused on several key topics aimed at fostering cooperation between the EDA and Vitabiotics Egypt in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement sectors. The main topics included supporting the localization of the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt and achieving self-sufficiency in medical supplies by increasing local production and expanding manufacturing facilities.
Dr. Al-Ghamrawy emphasized the EDA’s commitment to providing full technical and procedural support to both local and international industry partners. He highlighted the importance of sharing global best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing to enhance the quality of locally produced products. Additionally, he underscored the importance of collaboration with companies such as Vitabiotics, which plays a pivotal role in supporting the local economy within the pharmaceutical sector.
Investing EGP 600 Million to Expand Production Lines
Dr. Sherif Rashed expressed Vitabiotics Egypt’s commitment to increasing its production capacity in Egypt. He revealed that the company plans to invest EGP 600 million in expanding the production lines at their facility, which will contribute to meeting both domestic and international demand for pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements.
The expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and support scientific research. Rashed also discussed the company’s focus on training pharmacists and researchers to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field of pharmaceutical science.
Strengthening Cooperation Between the EDA and Local/International Companies
The meeting underscored the importance of close collaboration between the EDA and major pharmaceutical companies to ensure the availability of high-quality medicines and supplements at affordable prices. Discussion also included launching awareness initiatives to rationalize the consumption of medicines, as well as strengthening the pharmaceutical inspection sector to ensure compliance with the highest standards of safety and quality.
The EDA’s Role in Advancing the Pharmaceutical Sector
Dr. Rashed praised the pivotal role played by the Egyptian Drug Authority in supporting the local pharmaceutical industry over the years. He commended the EDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance industry practices, noting that the partnership between the two organizations is crucial for strengthening the sector. He emphasized that the company’s investment in production capacity expansion and scientific research would contribute significantly to achieving Egypt’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.