Abu Dhabi, UAE- March 2024 – Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KELIX bio, a specialty pharmaceutical business focused on delivering complex generics across emerging markets, to further strengthen the development of the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem, position the UAE as a global leader in the life sciences sector and to support the diversification of the economy in the UAE.
KELIX bio was incepted in November 2020. And has since, acquired manufacturing businesses in India, Egypt, Malta and Morocco successfully commercializing a broad range of both oral and injectable formulations covering diverse therapy areas including diabetes, oncology, cardiology, and central nervous systems.
The acquisition will boost the UAE’s global standing in life sciences. With Kelix bio specializing in relevant therapy areas and a leadership team experienced in successful buy-and-build strategies globally, the move aligns with Mubadala’s goal to position the UAE prominently in the global life sciences sector.
Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, said: “In line with our role as a responsible investor, today’s acquisition is testament to the role Mubadala continues to play in accelerating the nation’s economic diversification through our portfolio companies and national champions.”
Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters, at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform said: “At Mubadala, we are deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of our communities through strategic investments that address critical health care needs. By amplifying our domestic capabilities in producing essential medications via Kelix bio, our goal is to significantly empower the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring wider access to life-saving treatments for all citizens.”
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Hocine Sidi-Said, co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer at KELIX bio commented: “We are immensely grateful to our previous shareholders for their faith in our vision and for supporting a fast-paced acquisition program since inception. With Mubadala’s acquisition of KELIX bio, we embark into an exciting journey that promises to deliver not only economic returns but also cause a durable societal impact in the United Arab Emirates.”
The UAE has historically witnessed a high incidence of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and diabetes. Yet the nation relies on pharmaceutical imports to meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals alike. Mubadala’s 100% acquisition of KELIX bio is a strategic investment to advance the UAE’s national life sciences capabilities by fostering innovation and manufacturing partnerships that will further enhance pharmaceutical capabilities regionally.
Before Mubadala’s acquisition, a consortium of investors including Development Partners International (DPI), British International Investment (BII), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held KELIX bio.
The transaction’s completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
