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Eva Pharma has officially entered the oncology scene: Local pharma player Eva Pharma has started producing immunotherapy hematology and oncology meds with an annual capacity of 22 mn packs — more than enough to meet domestic demand and enable Egypt to serve as a regional hub for cancer drug exports, Managing Director Riad Armanious said at a presser attended by EnterpriseAM.
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Long time in the making: The company has spent the past seven years building an integrated oncology business, developing 18 specialized products for a range of cancers, including breast, lung, colon, and blood cancers. Seven of these products are already on the market and being exported, with the remainder to follow soon, after securing EU, Egyptian, and regional regulatory approvals.
A broader local manufacturing drive is underway: Eva’s launch is part of a national push to localize 30 complex targeted cancer treatments — a process that requires long-term investment and technical expertise — Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) head Ali El Ghamrawy said at the event.
Why this matters: Some 50k new cancer cases are diagnosed in Egypt each year, with between 360-380k patients receiving treatment through Health Ministry-affiliated centers, and another 80k receiving treatment under the Universal Health Ins. System, according to Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. Imported meds can cost patients EGP 200k per month, while local alternatives would reduce the monthly bill to around EGP 57-59k, El Ghamrawy said.
Pharma market growth is expected to accelerate: El Ghamrawy sees domestic pharma sales rising 30% to EGP 400 bn in 2025, up from EGP 309 bn last year. Exports are projected to reach USD 1.3 bn by the end of next year.
The localization drive is already bearing fruit: The EDA has helped local manufacturers localize 208 drugs that used to cost USD 732 mn in annual imports.
ALSO FROM THE EDA- The EDA is currently studying a potential price update in light of recent economic improvements — including a stronger EGP, falling inflation, and lower interest rates — which could allow for selective price reductions without compromising product quality or threatening the sustainability of local industry, El Ghamrawy said.
