Novartis, a leading global medicines company, has entered a strategic partnership with UAE-based Pharmax Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures and markets branded generic medication.

The collaboration covers the commercialisation and co-marketing of Novartis products to Pharmax to enhance patient access to medicines and treatments in a range of cardio-metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

“Our vision is to foster an effective and sustainable healthcare system that contributes to the wellbeing of society, and key partnerships in the private sector are critical to this effort,” said Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap).

As a shared objective between Novartis and Pharmax, this collaboration will serve Mohap’s strategy to make the UAE a benchmark of excellence in the fields of medicines encouraged by local partnerships and initiatives. The agreement will cover the commercialisation of oral antidiabetic and oral antihypertensive medicines to enhance care and treatment outcomes for these conditions.

“Novartis is on a mission to reimagine medicine and improve and extend people’s lives,” said Mohamed Ezz Eldin, President and Head of Gulf Cluster, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “We cannot do that alone. We continually seek out like-minded partners such as Pharmax to support us in our efforts. By joining forces, we will broaden access to medication for the citizens and residents of the UAE, and thereby support the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s healthcare vision.”

The companies formalised their partnership at a signing ceremony held at the Swiss Pavilion, Dubai Expo 2020.

“Pharmax takes pride in associating with one of the most innovative companies such as Novartis. This partnership will advance the treatment for diabetes and hypertension and improve access to medication for the larger population of UAE,” said Madhukar Tanna, CEO, Pharmax Pharmaceuticals.