SEARL Secures Approval For Locally Manufactured Biosimilar Drug

SEARL aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective biotechnology medicines to patients in Pakistan, addressing critical healthcare needs.

SEARL Secures Approval For Locally Manufactured Biosimilar Drug

The Searle Company Limited (SEARL), a leading pharmaceutical entity in Pakistan, has received approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for ADALIMUMAB, marking a significant milestone as the country’s first locally manufactured biosimilar drug.

Biosimilar drugs are replicas of original biological medicines, offering similar safety and efficacy profiles. ADALIMUMAB, developed in collaboration with Chinese biotech company BioRay Biopharmaceuticals Co. Limited, is a biosimilar of the widely used drug Humira, utilized for treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.

SEARL, in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), announced that it plans to launch ADALIMUMAB in the market within the next 3-6 months. The company aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective biotechnology medicines to patients in Pakistan, addressing critical healthcare needs.

Mr. Nadeem Ahmed, CEO of SEARL, emphasized that the introduction of ADALIMUMAB aligns with the company’s strategic commitment to diversify its product portfolio, thereby enhancing earnings and shareholder value. He highlighted SEARL’s rapid expansion into various regions worldwide, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, GCC, CIS, Canada, Europe, and Latin America.

SEARL stands as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, boasting a market capitalization exceeding Rs 100 billion. The company specializes in the production of a diverse range of products, spanning branded generics, consumer health, and animal health offerings. Furthermore, SEARL operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the UAE, which recently received approval from the UAE Ministry.

The approval of ADALIMUMAB represents a significant stride for the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry, fostering innovation and contributing to the accessibility of vital treatments for patients dealing with inflammatory diseases.

SEARL’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions underscores its pivotal role in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape in Pakistan and beyond. As the company prepares for the imminent launch of ADALIMUMAB, it stands poised to make a lasting impact on healthcare outcomes and reinforce its position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical arena.