Egyptian Drug Authority: Imported Medicines Make Up Only 6% of National Needs

The Egyptian Drug Authority has announced that the country's requirement for imported medicines does not exceed 6%. The Authority highlighted its capability to provide a range of local equivalents for several important therapeutic groups, which had previously relied heavily on imported drugs.

The Authority has successfully localized 9 different local equivalents of immunosuppressants, achieving about 79% self-sufficiency in this therapeutic category. These were introduced to the Egyptian pharmaceutical market by the end of 2022.

In the case of antibiotics, 5 different local equivalents have been developed, reaching around 71% self-sufficiency. These began circulating in the Egyptian drug market by the end of 2021. Additionally, there has been significant progress in hormonal preparations and single-dose eye drops, with self-sufficiency rates of approximately 86% and 78%, respectively.

The Egyptian pharmaceutical market has received international acclaim, notably in a report by Fitch magazine, which identified Egypt as the largest drug producer in the Middle East. The report lauded efforts to elevate the pharmaceutical industry, including the localization of drug manufacturing, increasing private sector investments, accelerating digitalization in drug manufacturing, and projecting a record growth rate of 10% in the Egyptian pharmaceutical market over the next five years.

The Egyptian Drug Authority's announcement underscores Egypt's strides in pharmaceutical self-reliance and innovation. With a focus on increasing local production and reducing reliance on imported medicines, Egypt is poised to become a key player in the Middle Eastern pharmaceutical industry, ensuring better access to essential medicines for its population.