Landmark Partnership: Sanofi and NUPCO sign the offtake agreement to transfer the technology and localize insulin production in Saudi Arabia to enhance national drug security

Riyadh, KSA, 21 October 2024: Under the Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, the Minister of Health, His Excellency Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and His Excellency Engineer Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Faleh, the Minister of Investment, the offtake agreement was signed at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh.

Sanofi and Sudair Pharma Company (SPC) have joined forces to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to the full production—including delivery, device assembly, and packaging—of Sanofi’s SoloStar insulin pens and advanced insulin products.

This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to reduce the burden of importing medicines, increase access to high-quality insulin for people with diabetes, and contribute to positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for manufacturing biological medicines, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.

Through this agreement, Sanofi will transfer its technical expertise and global knowledge in biological technologies to Sudair Pharmaceuticals Company for full production in Saudi Arabia. This will contribute to raising local content toward the localization of essential biopharmaceutical industries, enhancing economic diversification, and placing the Kingdom in advanced ranks in the fields of life sciences.

Diabetes is a global health concern, making it essential to ensure a continuous and reliable supply of high-quality insulin to meet the Kingdom’s needs. Therefore, Sanofi’s partnership with Sudair Pharma aims to address this gap and increase access to effective care for people with diabetes through insulin localization.

Dr Niven Al-Khoury

General Manager, General Medicines KSA & Gulf Countries, Sanofi

“We take immense pride in being a strategic partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in the healthcare sector. We are committed to enhancing our presence in the Kingdom and contributing effectively to achieving the vision’s goals of “a thriving economy, a vibrant society, and an ambitious nation”. Today, we are proud to sign a pivotal agreement with NUPCO to transfer technology and knowledge and localize insulin production in partnership with Sudair Pharmaceuticals. As a global leader in the development and manufacturing of insulin for over a century, our ultimate goal with this partnership is to provide an insulin pen fully manufactured in Saudi Arabia by Saudi hands, adhering to the highest global quality standards to serve diabetes patients in the Kingdom. We firmly believe that our long-term investments in building local capacities and competencies through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and training are key pillars in driving innovation and making Vision 2030 a tangible reality. This aligns with our unwavering commitment to meeting patients’ healthcare needs, achieving pharmaceutical security, and effectively contributing to the healthcare sector transformation program in line with the Kingdom’s broader national vision to advance industry and the economy.”

Fahad Al Shebel

CEO, nupco

“Through our partnerships with Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, nupco is taking a pivotal step in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By localizing the production of key insulin types, we are not only ensuring a reliable supply of critical medications but also advancing the Kingdom’s goal of building a resilient, self-sufficient healthcare system. As a leading force in the Health Sector Transformation Program, which is one of the Vision 2030 programs, nupco is dedicated to modernizing healthcare delivery, leveraging local expertise, and enhancing the nation’s capacity to meet future challenges.”

Dr Yasser Alobaidaa

CEO, Sudair Pharmaceutical Company

“Today marks a pivotal step in the journey of localizing the pharmaceutical industry in Saudi Arabia, thanks to our partnership with Sanofi and NUPCO for local insulin production. This collaboration is a significant move towards enhancing the Kingdom’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and achieving self-sufficiency in vital medicines. This agreement not only reduces reliance on importing medicines but also serves as a cornerstone for strengthening national drug security. By localizing technology and developing specialized Saudi talent, we at Sudair Pharma are committed to providing advanced healthcare solutions for diabetes patients. Our vision aligns with supporting national industrial goals by developing a robust local pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the objectives of Vision 2030 and positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for high-tech pharmaceutical manufacturing.”