RIYADH: Seven new pharmaceutical companies for humans and animals are now operational in the Kingdom, adding to the 26 currently operating, said Dr. Saleh Bawzir, Deputy Executive President for Pharmaceutical Affairs. Bawzir said pharmaceutical industries in the Kingdom face major obstacles including a lack of technical staff and raw materials. Despite these difficulties he believes the future is bright and the industry will grow to manufacture essential drugs and medical supplies for the domestic market. He said the percentage of drugs manufactured in the Kingdom will jump to 40 percent in the next 10 years. New medicines are likely to be produced for diseases such as cancer. Dr. Sami Abdul Kareem, head of the Medical Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said new ways need to be found for drugs to flow into the country. Currently there are about 2,000 brands not available in the Kingdom. He said the committee monitors the amendments and changes in the lists of drugs registered by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. It also checks on the major obstacles facing pharmaceutical companies in the Kingdom.
