The country celebrates a pivotal moment in healthcare innovation with the launch of its first batch of long-acting insulin, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The insulin, which is designed to treat millions of diabetes patients, is the product of a partnership formed in 2022 between Egyptian pharmaceutical company Eva Pharma and global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company. The initiative underscores Egypt’s commitment to reducing its reliance on imported medications and bolstering domestic production capacity.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, who attended the launch at the Eva Pharma factory in Giza, hailed the project as a significant milestone for Egypt’s healthcare sector. “This is a vital step in Egypt’s journey toward self-reliance in pharmaceutical production,” Abdel-Ghaffar remarked. “It is not just about fulfilling domestic demand; this initiative sets the stage for Egypt to become a key player in the regional pharmaceutical market.”
A Growing Diabetes Epidemic
Diabetes is a significant public health issue in Egypt, with 15.5% of the population currently diagnosed with the disease. This figure aligns with global statistics, highlighting the widespread nature of the condition. Insulin is crucial for managing blood sugar levels, and the introduction of locally produced insulin is expected to make treatment more accessible and affordable for millions of Egyptians.
The long-acting insulin, known as insulin glargine, works gradually over a 24-hour period to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The introduction of this product is particularly important given the growing number of diabetes patients in the country and across Africa. According to the World Health Organization, the number of diabetes patients in Africa has reached 24 million and is expected to double to 55 million by 2045. With affordable insulin increasingly becoming a necessity, this collaboration aims to provide a sustainable solution for the continent.
The Importance of Localizing Drug Production
During the launch, Minister Abdel-Ghaffar emphasized the importance of localizing drug production for national security. He highlighted that Egypt currently produces 90% of its pharmaceutical needs domestically, significantly reducing the reliance on imports. This shift is expected to contribute to lowering healthcare costs and improving access to essential medicines for the population.
Ali Al-Ghamrawy, head of the Egyptian Drug Authority, described the local production of insulin as a “game-changer.” He noted that the move will lead to significant savings, with Egypt expected to reduce its insulin import costs by $30 million by the end of September 2024. With Eva Pharma’s facility capable of producing up to 100 million insulin vials, the initiative is poised to stabilize the Egyptian pharmaceutical market for the long term.
Targeting African Markets
The collaboration between Eli Lilly and Eva Pharma is also a key part of a larger strategy to address the growing demand for insulin in Africa. The two companies aim to provide high-quality, affordable insulin to over one million people annually by 2030, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa.
As part of the agreement, Eli Lilly will supply insulin’s active ingredient at a reduced price, along with pro bono technology transfer. This enables Eva Pharma to locally formulate, package, and distribute insulin vials and cartridges for the region, ensuring a more stable and cost-effective supply chain.
Looking Ahead
The number of diabetes patients in Egypt is expected to continue rising, with projections estimating that 13 million Egyptians will have diabetes by 2030 and 20 million by 2045. As the country works to meet this growing need, local insulin production will be essential in addressing the public health challenge.
This significant achievement represents not only a medical and economic milestone for Egypt but also a major step forward in Africa’s efforts to tackle the diabetes crisis. As the country continues to localize production, the benefits will be felt not only in Egypt but across the continent, with access to affordable insulin becoming a reality for millions.