Our Mission

Striking the Balance between Innovative and Affordable Medicines

Minapharm’s ultimate goal is to strike the balance between innovation and affordability. The company’s longstanding expertise covers a broad spectrum of medicines, advanced biologics, and cell and gene therapies. Minapharm relies on a science-driven approach that has already had a positive impact on the distribution of pharmaceuticals in the Middle East and Africa as well as globally.

Minapharm’s success is largely the result of its optimized and self-developed processes. The company’s reliance on end-to-end manufacturing makes it possible to streamline production and delivery. This translates to great accessibility of and broader access to the latest pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.

Company Background

Leading the Way in Biopharmaceuticals and Innovation Across Africa and the Middle East

Minapharm is a leading pharmaceutical company in Egypt and the Middle East as well as Africa’s largest end-to-end manufacturer and the first biopharmaceutical company in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East. Headquartered in Cairo, Minapharm has over 25 years of experience in cellular and bioprocess engineering and maintains a portfolio of more than 150 lifesaving and life-enhancing products, ranging from small molecules to complex bioengineered proteins.

With our 2000 full-time employees, Minapharm is pursuing our strategy of becoming a global technology provider and manufacturer of high quality, affordable, and innovative medicines. Minapharm currently exports to more than 15 countries in the Gulf and Africa. Together with its Berlin-based subsidiary, ProBioGen , Minapharm has established an integrated business model, making it the largest biotech company in Africa and the Middle East.

Company

  • Biopharmaceutical company established in 1950’s that develops, manufactures & commercializes small molecules, bioengineered proteins and viral vectors.
  • “Innovation made affordable”. Strive to provide economically challenged markets with affordable and innovative therapies.
  • The Largest biotech company in MEA.
  • Develop & license advanced technologies in protein production, vaccines and CGT for large pharma.
  • HQs in Cairo and Berlin (6 facilities).
  • A portfolio of 150+ highly specialized SKUs.
  • 2000 full time employees.

Group Journey

Impacting the Egyptian and Global Pharmaceutical Markets for Over 50 Years

A proud heritage of over half a century of prominent existence in the Egyptian and regional pharmaceutical market, and quarter a century in the global biotech market, to help people around the world with innovative yet affordable medicines.

  1. 1958

    Founder of the company Dr. Saad El Bardissi, during the inauguration ceremony of the first privately owned pharmaceutical company partnering with world leaders in the industry.

    Egypt's 1st Private Pharmaceutical Factory

  2. 1960

    Heliopolis Pharmaceutical laboratories signed the first under-license agreement with Philips-Duphar.

    Signing the 1st Under-License Agreement

  3. 1960

    Pharmaceutical Production of standard and sterile products, in Heliopolis Pharmaceutical factory.

    Operation of Heliopolis Pharmaceutical Factory

  4. 1960

    The economy and industry experienced turbulent times in the history of Egypt, starting from the sixties, merger and nationalization has led to a temporary halt of the production activity.

    Heliopolis Factory Nationalization

  5. 1992

    The ideal link to the pharmaceutical world. MINAPHARM is re-established as a multi-alliance company with worldwide links to the pharmaceutical industry.

    Establishing Minapharm Factory and The Beginning of Operations

  6. 1998

    Minapharm differentiates its portfolio into a specialty pharmaceutical company with dedicated lines in gastroenterology, cardiology, orthopedics and uro-gynaecology.

    Minapharm Differentiates Its Therapeutic Portfolio

  7. 2001

    MINAPHARM enters into a joint-venture with Rhein-Biotech in Germany to establish the first Biotech firm in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East.

    First Joint Venture in Biotechnology in Emerging Markets

  8. 2003

    Operation of Rhein-Minapharm, uniquely dedicated to the development and manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, using different eukaryotic expression systems (yeast and mammalian cell culture).

    Operation of The 1st Biotech Facility in MENA Rhein-Minapharm

  9. 2004

    Launch of the first IFN for hepatitis C.

    Launch of the First IFN for Hepatitis C

  10. 2005

    Launch of The First PEGylated Interferon

    Launch of the First PEGylated Interferon

  11. 2006

    Launch of recombinant Hirudin portfolio for thrombosis prophylaxis & treatment.

    Launch of Recombinant Hirudin Portfolio for Thrombosis Prophylaxis & Treatment

  12. 2008

    Launch of the world's first topically applied recombinant protein brands: Extrauma and Thrombexx, as well as one of two parenteral forms available worldwide for the treatment of serious thrombotic complications.

    Launch of the World's First Topically Applied Recombinant Protein Brands

  13. 2009

    Expansion of the sterile pharmaceutical area as the state-of-the-art and the most advanced sterile area in Egypt and the Middle East.

    Expansion of the Sterile Pharmaceutical Area

  14. 2010

    Acquisition of ProBioGen: The Berlin-based market leader in cell-line Engineering in Europe.

    Acquisition of ProBioGen AG in Berlin

  15. 2014

    Start of operation of the first Egyptian-Middle Eastern mammalian cell production using genetic engineering. MINAPHARM is launching the first mammalian-derived product Gonapure, recombinant human FSH.

    Launching the First Mammalian-Derived Product Gonapure, r- FSH

  16. 2018

    Expansion of ProBioGen AG (Berlin).

    Expansion of ProBioGen AG (Berlin)

  17. 2020

    Moderated the 1st national biotech conference with MoH and PEI to release EDA biosimilars guidelines.

    Moderating the 1st Egyptian-German Biotech Conference

  18. 2021

    The 1st African Biologic to Complete Clinical Trials in Germany,r-PTH “Bonosome”.

    The 1st African Biologic to Complete Clinical Trials in Germany

  19. 2022

    Establishment of “MiGenTra” GmbH, for Biosimilars, vaccines, and CGT for Africa.

    Establishment of “MiGenTra” GmbH, for Biosimilars, Vaccines, and CGT for Africa

  20. 2023

    Approval of Phase 1 Multi-center Clinical Trial for Minapharm's Biosimilar Adalimumab in Germany by the Paul-Ehrlich Institute.

    Minapharm's Biosimilar Adalimumab is Approved for Clinical Trials in Germany

  21. 2023

    Launching Teriparatide Biosimilar, Bonosome rDNA.

    Launching Teriparatide Biosimilar, Bonosome rDNA

...

Manufacturing Sites

Leading the Way in Expanding and Growing Our Global Presence

Minapharm has established four manufacturing sites, including two expansions in Cairo and Berlin that cater to the development and end-to-end manufacturing of advanced biologics’ therapies.

International Business Development

Saving Lives Through Strategic Business Development

Minapharm has developed an extensive dynamic network of partners to introduce our products to multiple markets.

Leadership Team

Paving the Path Towards Health and Security for All

...

Dr. Wafik Bardissi

Chairman and CEO of Minapharm pharmaceuticals
MiGentra Shareholders Board (Cairo)

Dr. Wafik Bardissi, the Chairman and CEO of Minapharm Pharmaceuticals, has been working in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry for more than 25 years. While holding various executive positions, he has become a driving force for pharma and biopharma in Egypt and the Middle East. This includes the 2001 establishment of the first state-of-the-art biotech manufacturing operation in Africa and the MENA region as well as the 2010 acquisition of ProBioGen AG, a global German biotech cellular engineering and CDMO specialist.

Following his studies in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Wafik pursued his research interests in Business Information Technology (MSc.), Operational Research (MSc.), and Complex Decision Sciences and Artificial Intelligence (PhD) in the UK. In 2010, Dr. Wafik was honored with the Knighthood of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his pioneering social work.

Investors

Supporting Our Mission and Growth

Minapharm is committed to provide high-quality, affordable, and innovative medicines to people in need. Our growth and success are only possible with the support of our valued investors.

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