April 1, 2008
Novartis Inaugurates First Multinational Pharmaceutical Global Production Center in Egypt
Cairo, April 1, 2008- H.E. Minister Hatem El Gabaly, Minister of Health and Population, will inaugurate Novartis Egypt’s newly updated pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities on April 15, 2008. The ceremony will take place at 9 am at the company’s premises in Al Amiriya. The ceremony will be attended by Alexandre Jetzer, Board Member Novartis A.G., Ali Toker, President of Novartis Egypt, H.E. Charles Edouard-Held, Ambassador of Switzerland in Egypt, Dr. Alaa Nashaat, Head of Pharma Operations, Dr. Salah El Sharkawy, Chief Scientific Officer and the members of the board of directors of Novartis Egypt.
The upgrade to the manufacturing facility is valued at 80 million Egyptian pounds. The Novartis site, established in 1962, locally produces products for its three divisions: Novartis Pharma, Consumer Health and Sandoz generics. The production covers important therapeutic areas such as Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Metabolism, Gastroenterology, Diabetes, Central Nervous System, Allergy and Cold, Arthritis, Bone and antibiotics. The Cairo facility obtained ISO 14001 certification in 2004. In 2007 the production volume reached 54 million packs which will increase to 68 million packs in 2008.
“Novartis Egypt is now the only multinational in Egypt to become a global production center. In addition to the 123 medicines produced here, we will be exclusively supplying two medicines, treating allergies and hormonal disturbances, to the whole world, said Ali Toker, President of Novartis Egypt. “Our investment in upgrading the factory signals the importance of Egypt as one of the most dynamic and fastest growing markets in the region. Our plan over the coming years is to increase the number of products produced exclusively here,” added Toker.
“Over a period of 18 months, the Site Upgrade was going on at all levels,”
said Dr. Alaa Nashaat, covering not only facilities and equipment, which were completely renovated, but also quality systems. “It is truly a center of excellence that was reinforced through the adoption of the latest Pharma technology, and continuous development of Novartis associates,” he added.
According to Dr. Salah El Sharkawy, Chief Scientific Officer, Novartis’ expansion in Egypt is due to the continuous improvement in the investment climate adding that “there is strong support from the government to increase exports. Novartis will exert all efforts to respond to every positive change in the business environment.”
About Novartis
Novartis is a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, cure disease and improve well-being. Its medicine-based portfolio, is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics, human vaccines and leading self-medication OTC brands. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 100,000 associates and operate in over 140 countries around the world.
For further information please contact
Hanan Nayel, Head of Corporate Communications, Novartis Egypt.
+202 24567256
