Bringing ‘Made in USA’ to Albania
Founded in 1998, Rejsifarma is Albania’s leading distributor of pharmaceutical products, bringing internationally recognized brands to the Albanian market.
“Our focus has always been towards quality and brands rather than high margins.”
“The reputation of ‘Made in USA’ products is very high here in Albania,” says Rejsifarma Co-founder and CEO Merita Sheqi. “I can guarantee that Albanian patients and doctors would greatly appreciate US drugs in our market,” she continues, illuminating the vision behind her company’s strategy of working with international partners to bring top-quality international healthcare to Albania.
It is a strategy that has served Rejsifarma well since its inception in 1998. Launched into a domestic pharmaceutical scene characterized by limited regulation and a significant black market, Rejsifarma has been built on European standards, paving the way in its mission to deliver Albanians access to the same quality of products as citizens of the EU and US. “Our focus has always been towards quality and brands rather than high margins, and this decision has indeed paid off in the long term,” says Sheqi, highlighting the investment in infrastructure and training, along with the efforts of the company’s dedicated workforce, which have brought them to this point.
Building on a longstanding relationship with Janssen Cilag, part of Johnson & Johnson, Sheqi is keen to emphasize the opportunity that exists in Albania for US pharmaceuticals. “A drug with FDA approval has priority in our registration process, taking only two months to register, compared to eight months for other products.” She continues: “I would encourage any US company to expand its presence in Albania.”