French Biopharma Major Ipsen Expands Direct Operations To MEA With Headquarters In The UAE

Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY), inaugurated its first regional office in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), headquartered in Dubai, to kickstart direct operations and bring innovative treatments to serve unmet medical needs covering oncology, rare diseases and neurosciencein the region.

The opening of Ipsen’s regional headquarters in the Al Jalila Foundation Building at Dubai Healthcare City was attended by His Excellency Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Her Excellency Raja Rabia, Consul General of France to Dubai and Northern Emirates, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation,Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, President of the Emirates Oncology Society, representatives of the medical community, and Ipsen leaders.

His Excellency Dr Amin Hussain Al Amirisaid,“The UAE has emerged as a global pharmaceutical hub led by an exceptional healthcare and business infrastructure, and a strong legislative environment that supports innovative and international-standard healthcare enterprises. Ipsen’s commitment to investing in the UAE and the region, and its decision to open its regional headquarters here is a welcome step that further underlines our nation’s rich legacy of facilitating the regional expansion of multinational firms. We look forward to path-breaking therapies by Ipsen that will help the healthcare community further secure the wellbeing of our communities.”

Her Excellency Raja Rabia, Consul General of France to Dubai and Northern Emirates said,“The United Arab Emirates and France enjoy a strong and long-standing relationship covering culture, business, education, healthcare and more. Over the years, French companies have contributed to the economy and gained from the opportunities offered by the country both at a national level and to expand to regional markets. We congratulate Ipsen on the opening of their new regional headquarters in the UAE and look forward to the positive impact this creates on the lives of patients as we continue to strengthen the friendship between our nations and build on the strong bilateral relations.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Ipsen’s decision to open their first regional office in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Dubai is testament to the growing healthcare industry in the UAE with the pharmaceutical sector being a major player. In Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to create a medical research innovation hub for the advancement of science, we are extremely proud that Ipsen chose our building as a base for their operations to serve patients in the region.”

Vice President of Middle East, Africa and Maghreb for Ipsen, Matthieu Savarzeixsaid, “As a French biopharmaceutical company with over 90 years of heritage and a global presence in advancing R&D programs, we have continuously focused on creating exceptional value to the local communities we serve. We are dedicated to improving patients’lives and health outcomes, and consistently focus on introducing innovative treatments and breakthrough medicines that help enhance the quality of life”

Middle East and Africa Specialty Care Operations Head for Ipsen, Khaled Elrefae added, “The opening of our new office in Dubai is a milestone for our company. We look forward to building value through our global innovation in oncology, rare diseases and neuroscience, as we strive to contribute to the health and well-being of the people of the UAE, and the region, especially at a time when healthcare is top priority.”

The pharmaceutical industry has been a key focus area for the UAE over the past decade, with the government implementing strategic and long-term plans to develop and grow the market. Multinational pharmaceutical companies are leveraging the country’s robust infrastructure, economic incentives and attractiveness to top talent to manage vast regions. Ipsen’s regional office and headquarters will help in faster access to innovative treatments for patients with unmet medical needs.

Addressing life-threatening and underserved diseases through transformative medicines, Ipsen’s areas of expertise include Neuroendocrine tumors which is the second most prevalent gastrointestinal neoplasm after colorectal cancer; prostate cancer, breast cancer, spasticity, and renal and hepatocellular cell carcinoma among others.

In 2020, Ipsen Group reported net sales which exceeded 2.5 billion Euros, representing 3% growth in sales. The company continued to increase R&D investments reaching 15.6% of net sales and has also made significant strides in building a rare disease franchise for the next decade.