NeoBiocon, Novartis ink pharma deal for UAE

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Dr. B.R. Shetty & Novartis officials sign agreement to introduce novel diabetes treatment in the region

Dubai, UAE, December 10, 2015:  NeoBiocon, a collaboration between Asia’s leading biopharmaceuticals company Biocon Ltd and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of the UAE-based Neopharma, announced today that it has partnered with Novartis International AG, a Switzerland-based multinational pharmaceutical company, to market a novel diabetes treatment in the UAE. This partnership will help NeoBiocon to significantly expand its presence in the region’s pharmaceutical business and will immensely benefit diabetics across the UAE.

The partnership was announced in Dubai by Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD for Biocon, Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Neopharma, and Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Country Pharmaceutical Organization Head (UAE), Novartis. 

The development will see the introduction of innovative diabetes management products such as Jalra (Vildagliptin) and Jalra-M (Vildagliptin + Metformin) in the region, where diabetes continues to remain a top concern among residents, doctors and government authorities. The UAE is ranked 16th worldwide among diabetes sufferers, with 19% of the UAE population living with diabetes, according to figures released last week by the International Diabetes Federation. 
Talking about the partnership, Dr. B. R. Shetty, Chairman, Neopharma, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Novartis and Biocon for these novel products. Biocon’s leadership in the diabetes segment will augur well for marketing these brands in the UAE.” 

Commenting on the development, Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD, Biocon, said: “Biocon is committed to offer advanced therapies for diabetics the world over. We are indeed pleased to partner with Novartis to offer Jalra and Jalra-M to address the growing needs of type 2 diabetes patients in the UAE.”

NeoBiocon has received approvals from the UAE Ministry of Health for marketing these two products in the country. The overall market for oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) in the UAE is estimated to be USD115 million and DPP-IV inhibitors command nearly 50% share of this market. Jalra and Jalra-M will be manufactured by Novartis in Europe and marketed and distributed by NeoBiocon in the UAE after local release in Abu Dhabi through Neopharma. 
The partnership between NeoBiocon and Novartis will benefit the large and increasing number of diabetics in the UAE, estimated to be 1.85 million currently. This collaboration will enhance access to the novel oral hypoglycaemic agent by leveraging the huge marketing network of NeoBiocon and distribution network of NMC Healthcare. Novartis will continue to market its brands Galvus and Galvusmet in the UAE.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Country Pharmaceutical Organization Head, UAE, Novartis said: “Our mission is to improve patient lives, and help them lead a normal and healthy life. Novartis is a company with a mission: Delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. Therefore, as part of our continuous efforts to maximize patient’ access to our medications, Novartis is partnering with NeoBiocon, which aims to help more diabetic patients to gain access to innovative medications, in addition to supporting the local manufacturing and partnering with local companies.  This could not have happened without the vision of the UAE government, and the great support from the UAE health authorities, and MOH who continuously encourage investment, innovations and improving patient’s lives.”

Through this collaboration, Vildagliptin is expected to gain significant coverage from the huge marketing network of NeoBiocon & distribution network of NMC Healthcare.

NeoBiocon is amongst the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in the UAE and is ranked amongst the top 25 pharma companies in the region. It is the No 1 generic pharma company in the UAE, in the cardiovascular segment with successful brands such as Statix (atorvastatin). NeoBiocon is committed to introducing innovative products to the GCC market and enhancing capabilities of the local manufacturers.  

Established in 2011, NeoBiocon markets its own brands in the UAE & other GCC markets in various therapies such as metabolics, oncology, asthma & allergic rhinitis, anti-infectives and others. Through this partnership with a multinational pharma company, NeoBiocon has further strengthened its resolve to create a positive impact in the lives of the patient’s through innovative products.