Emerging trends in the healthcare landscape of MENAPEmerging trends in the healthcare landscape of MENAP

As the pharmaceutical landscape rapidly evolves, the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP) region stands at a pivotal point of transformation. With a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, the region is poised to become a significant player in the global pharmaceutical market. Here are some of the key trends that are driving this change and shaping the future of healthcare in the MENAP region.

Growth of local manufacturing

One of the most significant shifts in the MENAP pharmaceutical sector is the push towards local manufacturing. The need for self-sufficiency, highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, has driven governments to invest in building robust local production capabilities. For instance, The UAE's pharmaceutical market is expected to grow by 27 per cent between 2021 and 2025 as the country pushes to become a regional pharmaceutical centre. By reducing dependency on imports, the region is not only enhancing its healthcare security but also fostering economic growth.

Regulatory harmonisation

The journey towards regulatory harmonisation is another crucial trend in the MENAP region. Efforts are underway to align with international standards, streamline approval processes, and ensure that patients have faster access to safe and effective medicines. This harmonisation is expected to create a more predictable and efficient regulatory environment, making the region more attractive to global pharmaceutical companies looking to enter or expand in these markets.

Embracing digital health and telemedicine

Digital health technologies are rapidly gaining traction in the MENAP region, revolutionising how healthcare is delivered. Telemedicine has seen widespread adoption, offering new ways for patients to connect with healthcare providers. For the pharmaceutical industry, this trend presents opportunities to engage patients in innovative ways, from remote monitoring to personalised treatment plans. As the digital health infrastructure continues to grow, it will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of healthcare in the region.

Focus on generics and biosimilars

Regulatory affairs for biosimilars in the MENA region are undergoing significant changes as existing guidelines and frameworks are being progressively updated. Since the European Medicines Agency (EMA) established a legal pathway for biosimilar approvals in 2004, various global authorities, including the WHO, MHRA, and HC, have developed comprehensive regulations and guidelines for biosimilar licensing. Reflecting this global trend, countries within the MENAP region, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq, have also introduced and published their own guidelines for biosimilar products, highlighting the region's commitment to aligning with international standards while addressing local healthcare needs.

Investment in R&D and innovation

Across the MENAP region, there is a growing focus on innovation, driven by substantial investments in research and development. For example, Saudi Arabia, under its National Vision 2030, allocated US$3.9 billion to R&D in 2021, which was 0.46 per cent of its GDP. While this percentage is currently lower than in larger global economies, Saudi Arabia aims to increase its R&D investment to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2040, setting the stage for significant contributions to the region's overall innovation landscape.

The pharmaceutical industry in the MENAP region is poised for significant advancement, driven by key trends as stated above. Strategic partnerships and collaboration among key regional stakeholders will see an elevation in healthcare standards and increased investment in R&D leading to economic growth and improved health outcomes across the region.

Kamal Ubaysi is the Chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan Self Care Industry (MENAP-SCI).