In a new crucial step for the Egyptian pharmaceutical industry, the launch of the first batch of local production of Glargine insulin in Egypt raises major challenges both economically and in terms of public health. This historic collaboration between the Egyptian company Eva Pharma and the multinational Eli Lilly paves the way for a significant step forward that will strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
According to the statements of the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, reported during a telephone interview with the television channel “Al-Hayat”, this first batch of locally produced insulin is of crucial importance for Egypt. Indeed, for the first time, insulin is now produced in the form of pens in Egypt, whereas it was previously only available in the form of injections. This transition marks a major turning point in the country’s capacity to locally produce vital medicines, thus meeting the growing needs of the domestic market in terms of insulin.
With approximately 15% of the Egyptian population suffering from diabetes, the availability of locally produced insulin is becoming an urgent necessity to meet the needs of patients in the country. This step forward also helps to reduce the price disparities between imported and locally produced insulin, thereby providing financial relief to citizens from the high costs of imported medicines.
Local insulin production will therefore help reduce dependence on foreign currency, thereby limiting the consumption of hard currency while offering insulin at much more affordable prices compared to imported products. This step forward represents a victory for both the economy and public health in Egypt.
The Ministry of Health is committed to pursuing concrete initiatives to achieve the full localization of the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt by 2025. Close collaboration with major players in the pharmaceutical industry, such as India and China, is underway to transfer their technology and expertise to the country, opening new prospects for the development of the Egyptian pharmaceutical industry.
In this promising context, the launch of the first batch of locally produced Glargine insulin in Egypt underlines a strong commitment to self-sufficiency in life-saving medicines, while strengthening the national economy and providing a concrete solution to meet the growing needs of diabetic patients in the country.