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Mundipharma: Improving Lives

Staying true to its motto, Mundipharma ‘brings more to life’ by introducing innovative medicines to patients worldwide, says Dr. Ashraf Allam, Regional Vice-President Middle East and Africa.

Dr. Ashraf Allam, Regional Vice-President, Middle East and Africa, Mundipharma Chairman, Executive Committee, Middle East and Africa Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Innovation has played a major role in what Mundipharma, a global pharmaceuticals company, does best – improving the quality of life of patients across the Asia-Pacific, Australia, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Europe and Latin America.

“We are committed to bringing novel treatment options and solutions to patients with debilitating diseases. These cover moderate to severe pain, oncology, cancer therapies, respiratory disease, rare genetic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and antiseptics,” said Dr. Ashraf Allam, Regional Vice-President MEA of Mundipharma.

The company’s approach to innovation has led to a number of pioneering products, such as the world’s first extended-release morphine tablets and the first seven-day analgesic patch that have transformed the way healthcare providers treat pain.

Mundipharma also markets the Betadine line of antiseptics, which have demonstrated strong efficacy in fighting viruses, including the deadly Ebola that has claimed millions of lives in Africa. In February this year, Mundipharma took an active stance in containing this outbreak by donating supplies for at least two million hand washes in Ebola treatment centres in West Africa.

Focus on Middle East and Africa

Allam, who is also Chairman of the Middle East and Africa Executive Committee of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said nimbleness and entrepreneurial spirit have remained at the core of Mundipharma, which set up its MEA presence in Dubai in 2013.

He describes the MEA region as one of the last low-hanging fruits in the pharmaceutical industry – bearing huge potential that has attracted several players, both regional and international.

“Today, the MEA region is one of the fastest growing areas for Mundipharma’s global operations. Because of this, the region is perceived as an icon of success,” he said.

His observation comes as governments across the wider Middle East and North Africa region place huge importance on the healthcare industry, with overall spending estimated to reach $125 billion in 2015, 64% of which will come from the public sector.

“In my capacity as Chairman of the PhRMA for MEA, I have also been working closely with the Middle East and Africa governments to discuss ways on raising the region’s competitiveness, including regulatory improvements and the enforcement of intellectual property rights,” he added.

Expansion in the Cards

Two years ago, Mundipharma was barely known in the region’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Now, the company is gaining traction.

“I think many people see Mundipharma as a fast-growing company with a massive runway in front of it, whereas several other multinational giants’ opportunity set has shrunk as patents expire and their room to grow becomes limited,” Allam explained.

As a result, Mundipharma is setting its sights on expanding into new geographies, launching new innovative products and strengthening its position with its existing portfolio of medicines. It is also looking into in-licensing products from other companies that currently do not have presence in the region.

“Our vision is to build Mundipharma as one of the top 10 companies in the MEA region,” the regional VP said.