KELIX bio

About KELIX bio

KELIX bio operates as a biopharmaceutical platform with a clear focus on providing specialty generic drugs to emerging markets. The company was established in November 2020 by co-founders Hocine Sidi-Said and Alhadi Alwazir, alongside a consortium of investors including Development Partners International (DPI), British International Investment (BII), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The founding principle was to address the insufficient supply of complex therapies such as injectables, insulin analogues, and monoclonal antibodies in these underserved regions.

Hocine Sidi-Said, the CEO, brings over 25 years of executive experience from pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and UCB, providing a deep understanding of global pharmaceutical operations. His partner, Alhadi Alwazir, serves as the Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Corporate Development, complementing the team with expertise in investment management and post-acquisition integration. This leadership combination has been pivotal in steering the company’s strategic direction.

KELIX bio's business model is centered on a 'buy-and-build' strategy, acquiring pharmaceutical companies and manufacturing sites to create a synergistic network. This approach allows for the local production and distribution of affordable, life-saving medicines, thereby enhancing access and reducing costs for patients. Since its inception, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint through key acquisitions in India (Celon Labs), Egypt (Adwia), Malta, and Morocco (Pharmaceutical Institute - PHI). These subsidiaries have enabled KELIX bio to build a robust manufacturing base and an extensive export network covering over 50 countries across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In March 2024, the entire KELIX bio platform was acquired by Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor, in a move designed to bolster the UAE's life sciences sector.

The company's product portfolio is targeted at critical therapeutic areas with high demand, including oncology, diabetes, critical care, respiratory therapies, and biosimilars. It offers a wide range of products, such as 105 oncological products, 64 anti-infectives, and 94 treatments for central nervous system and cardiovascular conditions. KELIX bio also focuses on differentiated delivery systems like ready-to-use formulations, long-acting injections, and advanced devices such as auto-injectors and inhalers, which improve patient usability and reduce adverse effects. With revenues exceeding $150 million, the company operates by making these critical drugs available at a materially lower cost than competitors, directly impacting healthcare affordability in its target markets.