The Emirates Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Co. has signed an agreement with Korean biomedical firms, G.L. Rapha and Hankook Korus Pharm, to set up the region’s first biotechnology plant in the UAE, The $150m plant will produce drugs to treat diabetes mellitus, nephrological diseases and tumours. The plant is expected to begin production in two years and will employ over 300 technical personnel specialised in the field
UAE’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan signed an agreement, to set up the first biotechnology plant in the Middle East for the production of drugs to treat diabetes mellitus, nephrological diseases and tumors.
Project Manager Jae Khan Whang signed the agreement representing the Korean side in the presence of Mohammed Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and senior officials from the Emirati and Korean firms.
The US$ 150mn plant is expected to begin production in two years and will employ over 300 technical personnel specialised in the field.
Sheikh Nahyan said that the plant, the first of its kind in the region, will contribute to the development of pharmaceutical industry in the region and will support the emergence of firms in related industries.
He pointed out that biotechnology is no longer the monopoly of multinational pharmaceutical companies and the UAE is capable of owning it and can educate the young people for the benefit of the generations to come.
He added that the plant will help in the preparation and implementation of biotechnology related programs and develop national cadres in the medical field, as the agreement also provides for promoting scientific research with the joint support from UAE University and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.