"Generic manufacturers will likely face increasing challenges such as pricing pressures driven by unbranding efforts"

Kelix Bio, a UAE-based biopharmaceutical company, has four assets in India, Egypt, Malta, and Morocco, and with combined revenues of over $200 million in 2022, the company is pursuing aggressive organic and inorganic growth in Middle East/North Africa (MENA). Kelix Bio’s focus on chronic therapy areas and specialty products in high-growth markets positions it for significant growth and a planned listing on a major exchange in 2026. The company recently completed four acquisitions including Indian firm Celon Labs, thereby expanding its portfolio in oncology, critical care, cytotoxic drug products and insulin analogues. In conversation with BioSpectrum Asia, Hocine Sidi Said, Chief Executive Officer, Kelix Bio and Chairman, Celon Labs, reveals the company’s growth plans, strategic partnerships and more. Edited excerpts;

- Dr Manbeena Chawla [e-mail]

How did the company perform during FY 2022-23? 

The company is currently in a recovery phase following the impact of COVID-19. In the critical care market, Celon is gradually depleting the excess inventory that was stocked by the trade in 2021 in anticipation of a third wave that did not materialise.

In the oncology segment, Celon is slowly regaining ground both domestically and within its export activities. It has made notable progress in expanding its geographic footprint, reaching out to a broader set of markets including Latin America, Southeast Asia and parts of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

What are the key products within the portfolio currently? Which product generated the maximum revenue in FY 2022-23?

Celon’s key products include Amphotericin B, Heparin, and Enoxaparin for the critical care division. These products have played a significant role in addressing critical medical needs and have contributed to Celon’s success in the market. On the oncology front, leading products include Nab Paclitaxel, Liposomal Doxorubicin, and Leuprolide Depot. These – thanks to their unique technology – offer significant advantages versus the standard formulations as they either reduce side effects or offer ease of use for both the specialist and the patient.

Going forward, Celon is committed to expanding its offerings in the field of oncology by developing a broad range of products. This includes a strong focus on kinase inhibitors (nibs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These innovative therapies hold great promise in targeting specific cancer pathways and improving clinical outcomes.