Modernization and Localization of API Industry in Egypt, Success Stories, Challenges and Opportunities

The continuous supply of active and inactive pharmaceutical raw materials that fulfill the quality essentials (purity, safety, and efficacy), is a crucial corner for the sustainability of pharma industry. The past highest global prevalence of HCV (Hepatitis C virus) in Egypt and the unaffordable initial cost of the HCV medication, stimulated the revival of the local API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) industry that was originally established in the mid-sixties of the last century by El-Nasr Company. The optimum exploitation of local resources and encouraging the target-directed academic scientific research along with collaborative technology transfer would be vital in promoting the API industry. The successfully achieved local syntheses and production of sofosbuvir and Ravidasvir by Pharco from one side and of Remdesvir and Molnupiravir by EVA from another side, represent remarkable milestones in a must-have and crucial industry in Egypt. The arena of API industry is unbelievably opened for creative and skillful pharmacists and chemists that Egypt is impressively rich in for promoting the local economy and improving the health care system. Some success stories and strategic approaches for advancing the local API industry and enhancing academic-industrial collaboration as knowledge and technology alliances with a notable socio-economic impact would be highlighted in this talk.