Japan medicine firm plans Bahrain unit
Manama, August 23, 2013
A deal paving the way for a new facility producing diabetes and cancer medication in Bahrain will be concluded this weekend, a report said.
The facility is being established in Bahrain by Japan's SBI Pharmaceuticals Company, which is due to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the King Hamad University Hospital tomorrow, the Gulf Daily News report said.
The news coincides with a two-day visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which begins tomorrow.
"Diabetes and cancer detection drugs will be manufactured from the facility to be set up in Bahrain and will certainly help scores of patients in the region," said SBI Pharmaceuticals assistant manager in Bahrain Yusuke Asama.
The drug manufacturer has already moved into an office in the Diplomatic Area, but it is not yet clear when the production facility - which will also conduct clinical trials - will be ready.
"This important agreement between Japan and Bahrain will enhance co-operation in pharmaceutical and clinical research," added Mr Asama.
The project will create job opportunities for Bahrainis and follows a visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, to Japan in March.
During the visit, SBI Pharmaceuticals chief executive Yoshitaka Kitao signed an MoU with the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the Bahrain government's non-oil and gas investment branch.
The company is a leading developer of products containing 5-ALA, a key component of haemoglobin and chlorophyll that transport oxygen around the body.
It is used in food supplements, cosmetics, cancer detection, diagnosis and screening, prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders, and agriculture.
When it was first announced Kitao predicted the project would attract other international pharmaceutical and medical companies to Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service
