Saidal Reactivates Key Raw Material Production Unit

Saidal, Algeria's leading pharmaceutical group, has reactivated a key production unit at its Médéa plant, specifically for the distillation of butyl acetate. This development marks an important stage in the government's initiative to localize the production of pharmaceutical raw materials, with the unit having been inactive for nearly two decades. The Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry described this reactivation as an "extremely important step" for the sector, directly contributing to the state's project for producing raw materials essential for antibiotic manufacturing.

The relaunch of the Médéa plant is aimed at localizing the production of several types of antibiotics, including penicillin G and its derivatives. This strategic objective is designed to meet domestic market needs, foster export development, and ensure "health sovereignty" in the critical antibiotics segment. The move is also expected to reinforce Saidal's position as a central contributor to the growth of national pharmaceutical production, according to statements following a visit by Director-General Younes Bouarara.

This re-establishment of production capability is projected to significantly reduce Algeria's substantial import bill for pharmaceutical raw materials, which is currently nearing $3 billion annually. Projects focused on localizing production, including those by Saidal, could lead to savings of approximately $1.8 billion. The Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry previously indicated that raw material production capacity could reach 750 tons per year, with a quarter dedicated to national needs and the remaining 75% available for export. The full rehabilitation and modernization of the 17-hectare Harbil site, as part of a program announced for 2024, could eventually increase Saidal's annual turnover to nearly $1 billion.