- Kazakhstan will invest in a large-scale project to raise locally produced medicines to 50%
- A full-cycle biopharmaceutical plant will be built in the Alatau Special Economic Zone to produce 58 medicines
- The KZT 103bn project will create 180+ jobs and supply both domestic and export markets
Kazakhstan has decided to embark on a grand investment project that will remarkably increase the domestic production of pharmaceuticals, which is the government’s way of directing to locally made medicines to take up 50% of the total share.
As per the statement issued by the Prime Minister's press office, the project was declared as one of the steps taken to fortify the national healthcare system and at the same time lessen the importation of medicines.
The Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov has given his backing to the resolution that sanctions the investment contract between the Ministry of Health and Khan Tengri Biopharma.
A high-tech biopharmaceutical plant having complete production cycle capacity will be set up inside the Alatau Special Economic Zone under this contract. The plant will utilize the most modern and advanced production technologies and it will also conform to international standards.
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The new facility is likely to manufacture 58 different medicines with special focus being given to the entire production process, including the manufacturing of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) locally. It is believed that the domestic production of APIs is a major factor in making the supply secure and lessening the reliance on imported materials.
As per government sources, the factory's output will consist of twenty-seven international non-proprietary names (INNs) as the main contenders.
The pharmaceuticals will cater to a vast area of medical needs from cancer, autoimmune disorders, rare diseases, and a wide range of inflammatory conditions. The total cost of the activity is believed to be more than KZT 103 billion (over $203 million), and the production site will be adding 180 jobs for its workers.
While supplying the local market, part of the production is also meant for export to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Middle East.
Thus, the government views the project as an opportunity to not only bolster the pharmaceutical industry of Kazakhstan but also to play a role in the local market by providing more affordable social medicines, and ultimately to become a more active player in the regional pharmaceutical market.