Abu Dhabi’s ADQ launches Arcera to boost life sciences sector

Abu Dhabi has launched Arcera, a new global holding company headquartered in the emirate.

Formed by prominent Abu Dhabi investment and holding company ADQ, Arcera brings together existing assets under one umbrella.

The strategic move strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a frontrunner in science and technology, aligning with the UAE’s 2030 Healthcare Life Sciences Vision.

Three companies under Arcera

The three established companies that  fall under Arcera’s leadership, include:
• Acino International (Acino): A Swiss pharmaceutical company with experience in developing, manufacturing, and distributing a wide range of medicines.

• Birgi Mefar Group (BMG): A leading Turkish manufacturer specialising in sterile injectables, glass packaging, and pharmaceutical distribution.

• Amoun Pharmaceutical Company (Amoun): An Egyptian company that’s into the development, manufacturing, and distribution of human and animal health products.

Isabel Afonso, who has been named the CEO of Arcera, said the company will enable its businesses to accelerate growth and enhance integration, “allowing us to pursue bold ambitions and become a leading global life sciences company fostering longer and healthier lives”.

Arcera offers 2,000 branded medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas, addressing numerous acute and chronic conditions across neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, pain relief and rheumatology.

The company’s manufacturing and packaging base features seven sites in the UAE, Switzerland, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Türkiye and Egypt.

The company has more than 6,500 employees.

Ambitious goals set

Building upon Acino’s success, Arcera has set ambitious targets for the future. The company plans to double its revenue within five years through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

This growth will be fuelled by focusing on key markets and forging high-impact collaborations.

Arcera is positioning itself as a preferred partner for academic institutions and leading pharmaceutical companies. It aims to leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced technologies and research capabilities to enable breakthroughs in the field of life sciences field.

Attracting top talent is a key strategy to foster an environment ripe for scientific advancements across various levels.

The company plans to expand its product portfolio and functionalities while implementing centralised capabilities in ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices and disruptive digital solutions to add further value to their companies.

Hamad Al Hammadi, deputy CEO of ADQ, emphasised the importance of Arcera.

He stated: “This consolidation unlocks substantial portfolio value and reinforces our commitment to innovation, globalisation, and digitisation – key drivers in the life sciences industry.”