Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
In a major stride towards curbing the scourge of malaria in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, Emzor Pharmaceuticals has unveiled plans to construct an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) facility in Shagamu, Ogun State, with an investment totalling $23 million.
In a joint statement released by the Head of Marketing and Strategy, Kunle Faloye and Executive Director, Uzoma Ezeoke, the company reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the pressing public health challenge posed by malaria.
The firm expressed its commitment to combating malaria through robust research and development endeavours.
According to the company, the establishment of the API plant signifies a pivotal advancement in enabling the local production of vital pharmaceutical ingredients essential for manufacturing antimalarial drugs.
The statement said: “The company’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the establishment of its state-of-the-art API plant, which will enable the local production of critical pharmaceutical ingredients essential for antimalarial drugs manufacturing.
“This initiative not only strengthens the antimalarial supply chain but also contributes to expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in the region.
“By aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure longer and healthier lives for all, Emzor’s efforts promise to protect millions of people in Africa from disease and disability.
“Moreover, the project emphasises financial inclusion and the health of pregnant women by producing APIs intended for use in manufacturing antimalarial pharmaceuticals, including those for the Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp).
“This initiative has the potential to empower women and address gender inequality within communities.”
According to the statement, upon completion, the API facility will produce 400 metric tonnes of quality APIs annually, significantly accelerating the fight against malaria in Africa.
This milestone, the company added, underscores Emzor’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical sector in Africa and aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) malaria elimination target by 2030.
