Government will provide the support needed to expand the pharmaceutical industry as it seeks to build a knowledge-based economy, State Minister for Health Dr. MA Muhith said on Monday.
"We have been here for 6 months. We want to build a knowledge-based economy. We are trying to give that signal in different ways. Our government's priority is to create high-end employment," Muhith said at a roundtable in Dhaka.
The meeting, organised by BioTED and Somru BioScience, focused on developing Bangladesh's biopharmaceutical industry through biologics, biosimilars and vaccines.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had held several meetings with the pharmaceutical industry, Muhith said, adding that the government would provide the support needed for its growth.
"There is a huge opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry to contribute to the national economy. We should not miss that opportunity," he said.
The industry needed skilled workers before it could achieve further growth, Muhith said, adding that the government would formulate the necessary strategy.
Bangladesh currently produces about 98% of its domestic medicine demand and exports medicines to 166 countries. Pharmaceutical exports were worth about $213 million in fiscal 2025, speakers said.
The speakers said the industry should build on its generic medicine base by expanding into high-value biologics, biosimilars and vaccines.
They said patents for 118 biologic drugs were due to expire in the United States, creating an opportunity in a global biosimilars market worth more than $232 billion.
Somru BioScience CEO Mohammed Moin outlined the global outlook for biosimilars and vaccines and their potential in Bangladesh. The Canada-based company said it had recently acquired Novus Clinical Research in Dhaka, its first direct investment in Bangladesh, to develop clinical research infrastructure.
The company sought government support to expand its activities in Bangladesh after more than two decades of research and business operations in Canada and other countries.
Participants proposed five policy measures to develop the biopharmaceutical sector: a 10-year strategy for biologics and vaccines; investment in shared research and practical training infrastructure; stronger regulatory capacity to meet international standards; increased private investment in research and development and market development; and measures to promote quality medicines and exports.
Dr. Munia Amin said Bangladesh had made significant progress in generic medicine production but needed an integrated bioeconomy strategy to move to the next stage.
BioTED Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Saugatul Islam said skilled workers were essential for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector and called for practical training for life science graduates and an environment for international-standard clinical research.
Industry leaders and university researchers also called for greater recognition of Bangladesh's scientific capabilities, stronger regulatory institutions and expanded clinical research capacity.
FP/R
