Abstract:
The local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) plays a vital role in strengthening national healthcare resilience by improving access to essential medicines and reducing dependence on imports and global supply chains. While the API industry is heavily driven by research, its growth is hindered by the lack of effective governance, insufficient support for R&D, regulatory gaps, and limited skilled workforce. These challenges create significant barriers to expanding local API manufacturing. This review explores the current pharmaceutical production landscape in Saudi Arabia, identifies key obstacles, and presents strategic solutions to enhance and diversify local API manufacturing.
Presentation Overview:
The presentation will examine the current state of API production in Saudi Arabia, the challenges impacting its growth, and strategic recommendations to strengthen and expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Biography:
Dr. Waleed Mohammed Al-Shaqha is an Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He holds both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a PhD, reflecting his extensive expertise in the pharmaceutical field. Beyond his academic role, Dr. Al-Shaqha serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at CAD Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries LLC (CAD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also took on the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide the company through challenging times. CAD focuses on producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for small molecules, offering a diverse range of generic medicines across various therapeutic categories.
In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Al-Shaqha has contributed significantly to pharmaceutical literature. Notably, he authored the 4th Edition of the "Saudi National Formulary (SNF)," a comprehensive medical reference published in 2009. His research interests encompass medicine, clinical pharmacology, basic pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and cardiology. His scholarly work has been widely recognized, with his publications cited over 950 times, underscoring his impact on the field. Through his multifaceted career, Dr. Al-Shaqha has made substantial contributions to both the academic and practical aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, playing a pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Saudi Arabia.
