Muscat – In a significant development for Oman’s nascent pharmaceutical industry, Opal Bio Pharma (OBP) organised a groundbreaking ceremony for the first life-saving medicines and vaccine factory in the sultanate on Wednesday.

Held under the auspices of H E Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, the ceremony marked the beginning of the second phase of the project. The factory, spread over 37,000sqm in Khazaen Economic City, will be constructed at a cost of approximately RO60mn, with an estimated completion time of 24 months.

The first phase of the project, focused on medicine repackaging facilities, is scheduled for completion before the end of 2023.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has emphasised the project’s alignment with the government’s vision of economic diversification and the nation’s commitment to achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, a vital pillar of national security.

‘By establishing a vaccine industry, Oman aims to secure a prominent position in the global market for vital and complex medicine production,’ MoH stated in a press release.

Access to life-saving medications remains a challenge worldwide, with issues such as drug scarcity, quality and safety standards, and escalating procurement costs. ‘Therefore, a domestic pharmaceutical industry is crucial to ensuring local pharmaceutical security. Moreover, the medical industry presents promising opportunities to reduce import bills while facilitating exports to neighbouring countries.’

Sa’ad Moosa al Junaibi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OBP, highlighted the fact that the manufacturing plant is the first of its kind in Oman and the region.

“It will serve as a distinguished hub for pharmaceutical research and development. The facility will also generate employment opportunities for young Omanis across various academic fields while reducing dependence on imports, especially during medical crises and disasters,” Junaibi said.

Pharmacist Khaled Kassar, a member of OBP’s advisory board, emphasised the significance of the project’s first phase, which involves repackaging medicines. “This step will accelerate the completion of the second and final phase, encompassing full-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing by the end of 2024.”

The factory will produce vital medicines for cancer treatment, immunity improvement and genetic therapies, besides vaccines.

‘Vaccines are in high demand from governments and international organisations such as the World Health Organization, particularly during health crises and disasters.’

Kassar stressed that the manufacturing process will adhere to international specifications and standards, enabling the company to export its products worldwide.

On the occasion, Salim al Dhahli, CEO of Khazaen Economic City, said that this vital medicines and vaccines factory marks the beginning of pharmaceutical projects in the Khazaen Pharmaceutical City. “This project will serve local and foreign markets and is part of a larger plan that includes four projects within the city.”

The pharma city in Khazaen will encompass localised industries for insulin production, vital human vaccines, veterinary medicines and vaccines, and manufacture of medical supplies and dental implants.