BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant development, the global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has announced its intention to initiate local manufacturing of five flagship medicines from its innovative product range in Algeria. This move marks a substantial investment in Algeria, described by the British-Swedish firm as both serious and promising, with potential plans for exporting these medications to other African countries in the future.
At a press conference held at the Sofitel Hotel in Algiers, attended by the Ambassadors of Sweden, Björn Häggmark, and the United Kingdom, Sharon Wardle, AstraZeneca’s Regional President for the Middle East and Maghreb, Rami Scandar, accompanied by AstraZeneca Algeria’s CEO, Fouad Baghli, outlined the details of this ambitious project, which has received approval from the Ministry of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production.
In addition to the five medicines, the Ministry has urged the company to intensify efforts to realize a project aimed at manufacturing medications for the treatment of rare diseases in Algeria. To fulfill these obligations, AstraZeneca has entered into a joint venture with Algerian laboratories AT Pharma and Biopharm to manufacture a broad range of products for various pathologies, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastrointestinal conditions, and heart diseases.
The company’s objectives have now expanded compared to the previous decade, during which only one medication was launched in Algeria. However, AstraZeneca plans to manufacture all five medications within a timeframe not exceeding five years, equating to one medication per year. According to Mr. Scandar, this decision reflects heightened interest in the Algerian market. While speaking cautiously, the Regional President hinted at Algeria potentially serving as a platform for exporting locally manufactured medications to Africa.
Highlighting Algeria’s unique position, Mr. Scandar emphasized that it is the only country outside the UK and Sweden where one of AstraZeneca’s most innovative cancer treatments will be produced. He underscored the exclusivity of this production in Algeria, which was previously solely conducted in Sweden and the UK. Moreover, he indicated that Algeria will pioneer the manufacturing of AstraZeneca’s diabetes treatment medication in the Middle East and Africa region.
The company plans to undertake installation, validation, and stability testing phases between 2022 and 2025, aiming to achieve a production capacity of approximately 900,000 units by the end of this period. The medication dedicated to gastrointestinal conditions is projected to reach a capacity of 1.4 million units. The introduction of these innovative medications in Algeria is a pivotal step towards improving access to medical treatments, supporting the enhancement of the healthcare system, and promoting patient health in Algeria, particularly by enhancing accessibility to essential treatments.
Regarding investments in research and development, AstraZeneca disclosed that it allocates a budget equivalent to 4% of its revenue for this purpose, with plans for further increases in the coming years, particularly given the company’s robust growth (15% in 2023). Notably, half of these resources are directed towards oncology research.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
