Pharma giants join hands to boost biotech manufacturing

KARACHI: Citi Pharma Limited (CPHL), Martin Dow, and Chinese pharmaceutical leader Kingbo Pharmatec have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaboratively develop and manufacture biotech and biologic products, aiming to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported medicines.

“This partnership seeks to enable local production of essential biotech products for domestic use and export,” Citi Pharma said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday.

As part of the agreement, the three companies will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Indonesia. Strategically positioned to cater to both Pakistani and global markets, the plant will adhere to rigorous international quality standards.

Kingbo Pharmatec, known for its technical expertise, will lead the establishment of the manufacturing plant and oversee the technical aspects of the partnership. “In collaboration with Citi Pharma and Martin Dow, Kingbo will also unlock new export opportunities, extending the reach of the products to international markets,” the statement added.

Citi Pharma added that the initiative aligns with its vision to introduce advanced biologics and biotechnology products in the country. The local production of these medicines is expected to reduce healthcare costs, conserve foreign exchange and strengthen Pakistan’s presence in the global pharmaceutical industry.

The partnership is also anticipated to bring broader economic benefits, including cost reductions for medicines, foreign exchange savings and revenue generation through exports.

This announcement follows Citi Pharma’s recent strategic collaboration with Mersi Farma, an Indonesian pharmaceutical firm, to establish active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities and expand nutraceutical markets in Indonesia.