PHRMAG Marks 20 Years of Healthcare Innovation in the Gulf

Dubai, UAE – The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association Gulf (PHRMAG) today celebrated its 20th anniversary, spotlighting two decades of transformative contributions to healthcare innovation, policy advancement, and patient access across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Coinciding with World Health Day, the milestone underscores PHRMAG’s role as a cornerstone of the region’s journey toward becoming a global hub for medical excellence.

Founded in 2005, PHRMAG has evolved into a pivotal collaborator for Gulf regulators and stakeholders, representing 29 multinational biopharmaceutical giants. Through ethical advocacy and strategic partnerships, the association has accelerated the availability of cutting-edge treatments, shaped sustainable healthcare frameworks, and driven public-private initiatives to address regional health challenges.

Sameh Elfangary, Chairman of PHRMAG, hailed the anniversary as a testament to “relentless collaboration.” He emphasized the dual focus on reflecting past achievements and advancing future-ready systems: “Our mission remains clear—to ensure equitable access to transformative care while supporting Gulf nations in building resilient, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystems.”

Key accomplishments include streamlining regulatory processes for novel therapies, fostering cross-border partnerships, and advocating for intellectual property policies that balance innovation with accessibility. PHRMAG’s working groups on Ethics & Compliance, IP Policy, and Healthcare Financing have further solidified its reputation as a catalyst for transparency and resilience in the sector.

Secretary General Shahad Mahdi highlighted the collective effort behind the milestone: “This anniversary is not just ours—it belongs to every regulator, policymaker, and patient whose lives we’ve touched. Together, we’re shaping a future where Gulf healthcare sets global benchmarks.”

As PHRMAG looks ahead, its agenda includes deepening ties with international bodies like the BIO International Convention and amplifying local capacity-building programs. With Gulf nations prioritizing healthcare modernization under initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071, the association vows to remain at the forefront of translating medical breakthroughs into real-world impact.