ADQ, an investment and holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has recently consolidated its assets in the life sciences sector. The purpose of this consolidation is to establish a new holding company with a primary focus on enhancing the quality and longevity of human life. Arcera encompasses ADQ’s ownership stakes in various pharmaceutical entities such as Acino, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, Birgi Mefar Group (BMG), a Turkish company specializing in the production of sterile injectables and glass packaging, and Amoun, an Egyptian pharmaceutical company.
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According to ADQ’s statement, Arcera provides a portfolio of 2,000 branded medications covering a wide range of therapeutic areas, including neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular health, pain relief, rheumatology, and anti-infectives. The company’s manufacturing and packaging operations are spread across seven locations in the UAE, Switzerland, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Türkiye, and Egypt. With a combined workforce exceeding 6,500 employees, Arcera conducts sales and distribution activities in over 90 countries.
Arcera’s revenue doubling plan
Additionally, ADQ said Arcera has set ambitious goals to double its revenue in the next five years. This will be achieved through strategic acquisitions in important global markets and the establishment of impactful global partnerships. Hamad Al Hammadi, deputy chief executive of ADQ, stated that Arcera’s consolidation of life sciences companies represents a strategic evolution. It unlocks substantial value in the portfolio. It also demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation, globalization, and digitization. All of these are critical drivers of growth in the industry, Al Hammadi said. Furthermore, Arcera is expected to play a significant role in Abu Dhabi’s life sciences sector and contribute to the emirate’s diversification objectives. By collaborating with academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies, Arcera aims to lead advancements that address the needs of communities both locally and globally.
UAE’s focus on life sciences
The UAE is actively developing the life sciences sector. It is part of its economic diversification strategy. The country has a particular focus on supporting non-oil industries, especially in the innovation field. Moreover, the UAE heavily relies on importing approximately 80 percent of its pharmaceutical products. This has prompted significant investments in local manufacturing capabilities. The goal is to reduce costs and ensure a steady supply of medications. ADQ, in a white paper published in 2022, further stated that the UAE’s pharmaceutical market is projected to grow by 27 percent between 2021 and 2025. The country aims to become a regional hub for the pharmaceutical industry. According to the report, the local pharmaceutical market’s value is expected to reach $4.7 billion by 2025. This marks a three-fold increase compared to 2011.
In addition to focusing on the domestic market, the UAE has plans to expand its pharmaceutical export market, aiming to reach approximately $297 million by 2025, which represents a 15 percent increase from 2021.
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