Qualiphar-Gifrer, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Europe, has signed a partnership agreement with Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of Tecom Investments, to set up operations within the life sciences park.

Established in 1937 and fully owned by a Belgian family, Qualiphar-Gifrer is a major pharmaceutical player in healthcare products, contract manufacturing and production of plant-herbal extracts.

The company is specialised in the development, production and marketing of a wide range of drugs, vitamins, cosmetics and healthcare accessories.

Within five years, the company aims to generate an annual turnover of Dh114 million ($31 million) from its DuBiotech operations.

Marc Verlinden, vice-president and managing director for Qualiphar-Gifrer, said: “We are pleased to announce the establishment of our offices in Dubai through our partnership agreement with DuBiotech. This is a major feat that will enable us to meet the increasing demand for our pharmaceutical products in the Middle East."

“Setting up operations in Dubai will allow us to provide the best possible service to our affiliates in the region, as well as to our future partners in the Middle-East, Asia  and Africa.”

Dr Abdulqader Al Khayat, executive director of DuBiotech, said: “Qualiphar-Gifrer has acknowledged the enormous potential that Dubai offers, particularly in biotechnology, and we are glad DuBiotech is their partner of choice in this first step towards global expansion."

He said DuBiotech was committed to creating an advanced technical and community infrastructure for the life sciences industry.

"In this regard, we are confident Qualiphar-Gifrer will add considerable value to our offerings through conducting research and development on new pharmaceutical products and existing product formulations.”

Launched in February 2005, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with appropriate infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.-TradeArabia News Service