MUSCAT: Oman’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector is playing a vital role in supporting the government’s strategic goal of bolstering health resilience by localising drug manufacturing and enhancing self-sufficiency in this critical sector.
At the conclusion of the National Local Content Laboratory last week, a number of leading pharmaceutical players signed agreements committing to localise the production of key drugs and formulations with the goal of reducing the country’s dependence on imported variants.
The signings took place under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Tender Board, with the presence of officials of the Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Health, among an array of other public and private sector organisations.
Opportunities for localisation of pharmaceutical manufacturing were among 58 recommendations spanning a number of economic sectors that emerged from the National Local Content Lab hosted by the Tender Board in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy. Participants underlined the crucial role that pharmaceutical firms can play in strengthening national health sovereignty, notably by ensuring a stable supply of essential medicines, vaccines and medical treatments – all produced locally.
Opal BioPharma, one of Oman’s largest vaccine manufacturers, announced that it has signed a Local Content Commitment Agreement with the Ministry of Health and the National Programme for Investment and Export Development (Nazdehar), to enhance pharmaceutical self-sufficiency in Oman.
“This strategic collaboration aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing efforts to localise biopharmaceutical production, reduce dependence on imports, and foster innovation in the healthcare sector,” said Opal BioPharma in a post.
“As a key player in Oman’s biopharmaceutical industry, Opal BioPharma will leverage this agreement to: Develop domestic production capabilities for specialised biopharmaceuticals; Invest in research collaborations and technology transfer; Strengthen partnerships with regulators to ensure high-quality local manufacturing; and Support local suppliers to create a sustainable, innovation- driven supply chain,” it further noted.
Opal BioPharma is currently developing a high-tech health sciences complex at Khazaen Economic City with an investment of around $150 million. The facility, once operational, with a focus on the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
“Through this agreement, Opal BioPharma is set to expand its bio-manufacturing infrastructure, accelerate innovation in biotechnology and gene therapy, and strengthen its role as a strategic healthcare partner to the government,” the company stated. “With this initiative, Opal BioPharma is advancing local content in healthcare and shaping Oman’s future as a leader in biopharmaceutical excellence,” it affirmed.
Also pledging to collaborate with the government is Menagen, a major pharma firm currently in operation at Rusayl Industrial City. The company revealed in a post that it has signed a “preliminary agreement for pre-procurement in the health sector, with the aim of promoting the localisation of medicines and medical supplies, which contributes to achieving self-sufficiency and supporting local manufacturing”.
Menagen’s complex at Rusayl, set up with an investment of around RO 20 million, specialises in the production of drugs for treating genetic, metabolic, kidney and hereditary blood diseases, as well as formulations for treating various types of cancers. It is billed as a first-of-its-kind facility in the region that will contribute to revolutionising the pharmaceutical industry by providing innovative and life- saving medicines.
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