Egypt marked a significant milestone in its pharmaceutical sector with the production of the first locally-made insulin. During a ceremony on Tuesday, December 17, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, Aly al-Ghamrawy, announced that by the end of the third quarter of 2024, 1.47 million doses of locally-produced insulin had been sold, generating sales worth LE 1.13 billion (approximately $36.6 million). This development is expected to cut Egypt’s annual insulin import bill by $30 million.
The locally-manufactured insulin is produced through partnerships between two Egyptian manufacturers and international pharmaceutical companies, following four years of negotiations to establish the industry. Beyond meeting domestic demand, the initiative aims to position Egypt as a key exporter of insulin to African markets.
Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, highlighted the country’s substantial spending on pharmaceuticals for chronic diseases. Annual spending on drugs for non-chronic illnesses alone reaches LE 3 billion (around $97 million). Addressing the specific challenge of diabetes, which affects 15.5% of the Egyptian population, including 55,000 children, the minister emphasized the immense demand for insulin, with 17 million doses required annually. Previously, 12 million doses were merely packaged locally, underscoring the importance of domestic production in achieving self-sufficiency.
The government’s efforts to expand domestic production align with broader goals of advancing Egypt’s pharmaceutical capabilities, supporting public health, and fostering regional trade, particularly in Africa, where access to affordable medication remains a pressing need.