Boehringer, Alpha to locally make type 2 diabetes medicine
Deputy Minister of Investment Transactions, Ministry of Investment
Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has successfully transferred the manufacturing operations of one of its innovative medicines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to Alpha Pharma in Saudi Arabia. This announcement follows Boehringer’s 2023 MoU with the Ministry of Investment, focusing on boosting cooperation in pharmaceutical localization and knowledge transfer to enhance the health of communities in the Kingdom. The collaboration with the leading Saudi pharmaceutical manufacturer, Alpha Pharma, will combat type 2 diabetes in the Kingdom and is fully aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The announcement was formalized through a signing ceremony that took place in Jeddah in the presence of key representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, National Center for Industrial Development, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, in addition to leadership figures from Alpha Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim. Waleed Mashak, general manager and head of human pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “Today marks a momentous occasion for both our company and Alpha Pharma as we stride forward in our journey of improving human health across the Kingdom. Aligned with Vision 2030 and Boehringer Ingelhiem’s objectives, today’s announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to driving focused investments toward local manufacturing and bringing cutting-edge medications to Saudi patients.” Mashak added: “Transferring production of our treatment to Saudi Arabia also means integrating Saudi talent further into the pharmaceutical industry, driving greater impact and building on our belief of partnering for success.” Sheikh Yaser Al-Naghi, chairman of Alpha Pharma and group CEO of Cigalah Healthcare, said: “I am proud of the collaboration that Alpha Pharma has established with Boehringer Ingelheim. Localizing the manufacturing of an innovative medication by a leading global pharmaceutical firm marks an important milestone in our commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility in Saudi Arabia. By bringing the type 2 diabetes medication directly to patients in Saudi Arabia, we reinforce our dedication to improving health outcomes in the Kingdom.”
Saleh Al-Khabti, deputy minister of investment transactions at the Ministry of Investment, said: “We are pleased to witness the collaboration between Alpha Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim, symbolizing a journey of self-sufficiency and a more diversified economy in Saudi Arabia. This localization effort aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030.” He added: “We recognize the vital role of such partnerships in advancing the healthcare sector and fostering continuous transformation within the Kingdom.”
Dr. Raed Al-Soweid, vice president of the drug and biotechnology sector at the National Industrial Development Center, said: “The commitment demonstrated by Alpha Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim underscores the significance of lothe calizing healthcare production in the Kingdom, contributing to the advancement of technological and pharmaceutical capabilities. This effort signifies a shared dedication to elevating manufacturing standards, ensuring excellence, and adhering to international best practices in the production of essential treatments for our communities.” Ashraf Al-Qrein, head of the medical devices and supplies sector at the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, said: “Today’s announcement extends far beyond localized production efforts; it reflects vast potential in empowering the local healthcare ecosystem.”
This announcement follows Boehringer’s 2023 MoU with the Ministry of Investment, focusing on boosting cooperation in pharmaceutical localization and knowledge transfer to enhance the health of communities in the Kingdom.