Belgian pharma major at DuBiotech

The company, which was established in 1937 and is fully owned by a Belgian family, aims to generate an annual turnover of Dh14 million from its DuBiotech operations within five years.

Marc Verlinden, vice-president and managing director of Qualiphar-Gifrer, said: “We are pleased to announce the establishment of our offices in Dubai through our partnership agreement with DuBiotech.

 

This is a major feat that will enable us to meet the increasing demand for our pharmaceutical products in the Middle East. Setting up operations in Dubai will allow us to provide the best possible service to our affiliates in the region, as well as to our future partners in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.”

Dr Abdulqader Al Khayat, executive director of DuBiotech, said: “Qualiphar-Gifrer has acknowledged the enormous potential that Dubai offers, particularly in biotechnology, and we are glad DuBiotech is their partner of choice in this first step towards global expansion.

“DuBiotech is committed to creating advanced infrastructure for the life sciences industry. In this regard, we are confident Qualiphar-Gifrer will add considerable value to our offerings by conducting research and development on new pharmaceutical products and existing product formulations.”

Qualiphar-Gifrer is a major European player in healthcare products, contract manufacturing and production of plant-herbal extracts. The firm specialises in the development, production and marketing of a wide range of drugs, vitamins, cosmetics and healthcare accessories.

DuBiotech, launched in February 2005, aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with appropriate infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D laboratories, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. It currently hosts more than 35 licensed firms.