Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO) and AstraZeneca signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during a recent official visit of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, to the UK.

SPIMACO chief executive officer Fahad Al Khalaf said that the contract manufacturing organization (CMO) arrangement once concluded will allow AstraZeneca to work closely with SPIMACO to deliver local manufacturing of AstraZeneca pharmaceutical products, leveraging added value through SPIMACO’s manufacturing expertise to patients in the Kingdom.

“SPIMACO is committed to delivering high quality pharmaceutical products of international standards,” said Al Khalaf. “This strategic alliance with AstraZeneca is fully supportive of our responsibility towards patients in Saudi Arabia and our commitment to healthcare development in the Kingdom.”

For his part, country president for AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia, Ismael Shehada, said that the CMO provides wider access of AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines to patients who need them, and is in strong alignment with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision. “At AstraZeneca, we are committed to continue the strong strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a partnership that is based on cooperation and mutual responsibility to improve patients’ access to innovative technologies,” he said.