STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG PHARMA – ROCHE

Today, in the context of the geopolitical situation, Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of local production, the promotion of the industry in the direction of technology transfer, its digitalization, and increasing the export potential of domestic producers. Kazakhstan has a solid portfolio of government support measures to develop the local market and attract foreign investment in the healthcare industry.

In pursuance of the instructions of the Head of State, the Government is taking a number of measures to increase the share of its own pharmaceutical production in the country to 50% by 2025. Great emphasis is placed on the localization of the production of innovative drugs in order to increase the added value of the product portfolio of domestic manufacturers, the technological re-equipment of the industry and the development of R&D centers for their own developments, thereby increasing the scientific and human potential of the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan. Of course, special attention is paid to interaction with major players in the TOP-50 BIGPHARMA. And to date, a number of projects are planned with such giants of the global pharmaceutical industry as Roche.

It should be recalled that in November last year, Kazakhstan signed a framework agreement with Roche Holding on a strategic partnership. The subject of this agreement is to increase the share of locally produced medicines by localizing the production of a number of innovative medicines intended for the treatment of cancer.

In addition, the company provides support in the implementation of a scientific and technical program for the development of innovative technologies for the early diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases, taking into account modern genomics approaches, in particular for patients with cervical cancer. To implement this project, Roche is ready to provide free of charge equipment for screening for human papillomavirus and provide their full service and repair during their life cycle, as well as regular training for laboratory service specialists.

Also, as part of promoting the introduction of international experience and innovative diagnostic methods, the Roche Diagnostics division intends to create an educational and innovative center for laboratory diagnostics based on Nazarbayev University, which is the flagship in the educational and scientific sphere of Kazakhstan, in order to improve the skills and training of laboratory specialists. At the same time, the company will cover the costs associated with equipping this center with the necessary laboratory equipment. At the initial stage, it is planned to equip the center with immuno- and biochemical analyzers. By the end of this year, the center is expected to be launched and put into operation.

Notably, over its 125-year history, Roche has grown into one of the world's largest biotechnology companies, as well as a leading provider of in-vitro diagnostics anda global provider of transformative, innovative disease diagnostic solutions. The company's experience can help strengthen Kazakhstan's laboratory infrastructure and ensure that it meets international standards.

As it is known, for high-quality treatment of patients, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for equipping medical institutions with modern diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic equipment through the effective functioning of the medical equipment market.

Thus, at an expanded meeting of the Government, the Head of State instructed to switch to a centralized procurement of medical equipment on the basis of the Single Distributor. To date, the Single Distributor has begun work with global manufacturers of medical equipment to develop mechanisms for centralization, including on the basis of localization of production. Roche Diagnostics supports this policy and stands ready to contribute to its implementation in terms of providing the population with high-quality, safe and effective medical equipment.

President of Roche Holding K. Franz has repeatedly noted that Kazakhstan is an attractive investment destination and the company is interested in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. The Single Distributor, in turn, is ready to continue fruitful work for the development of domestic healthcare.

Reference: 

The Swiss holding Roche, which is part of the F.Hoffmann-La Roche group of companies, is one of the world leaders in the field of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. It is one of the leading manufacturers of biotechnological medicines in the field of oncology, virology, rheumatology and transplantology. Founded in 1896 in Basel. It has offices in 150 countries and a staff of 90,000 employees. A representative office of the company was established in Kazakhstan in 1993, and since 2013 the interests of the holding have been represented by Roche Kazakhstan LLP.