RIYADH: Lifera, a biopharmaceutical firm owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has partnered with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi and Saudi manufacturer Arabio to bolster the local production of vaccines. This collaboration marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to localize vaccine manufacturing and reduce its dependence on imports.
According to a press release, Lifera, Sanofi, and Arabio signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration opportunities in vaccine manufacturing within Saudi Arabia. As part of the strategy, Lifera aims to become a contract manufacturer for Sanofi, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision to enhance local content across various sectors.
Ibrahim Aljufalli, Chairman of the Lifera Board, expressed the company’s commitment to working with global and local partners to fulfill its mission. He stated, “This MoU is a testament to that commitment,” highlighting the transfer of technology and expertise to Saudi Arabia and the goal of delivering high-quality vaccines to Saudi citizens, thereby enhancing national resilience and self-sufficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Agenda
The partnership also involves strengthening the local and regional distribution of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products by Arabio, a company partially owned by Tamer Group. This collaboration will support Saudi Arabia’s public health agenda and the development of the industrial sector, contributing to the Vision 2030 agenda’s objective of diversifying the economy.
Fokion Sinis, Vaccines General Manager for Sanofi in the Greater Gulf, emphasized that the partnership will help reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on vaccine imports. Sinis added that the collaboration enables Sanofi to share global expertise and contribute to the advancement of public health and the industrial sector in the country, ultimately benefiting patients and communities in Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Tamer, Chairman of Arabio and Vice Chairman of Tamer Group, highlighted that this partnership marks the beginning of the development of Saudi Arabia’s biopharmaceutical sector. Tamer anticipated that the agreement will create several new opportunities for talent growth in this vital sector. He also emphasized Arabio and Tamer Group’s commitment to supplying Saudi consumers with high-quality healthcare products through their network of leading global partner companies.
