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The booming biotech industry in the Middle East has grown to about $32 billion in 2020 and continues to rise. Globally, the Middle Eastern biopharmaceuticals market is expected to experience its highest growth ever, from $19 billion to $29 billion USD between 2021 and 2026. The region has become a hub for innovation in gene therapy, precision medicine, and regenerative technologies, driven by significant government investment, international partnerships, and advancements in biotech R&D.
Here are 20 of the top biotech companies in the Middle East:
President & Chief Executive Officer: David Baram
Located in Ness Ziona, Israel, Emendo Biotherapeutics develops novel gene-editing tools designed for genetic disorders. Using protein engineering, the company resolves bottlenecks in gene therapy, enabling doctors to treat disorders that are currently considered untreatable. Their gene-editing technology focuses on expanding CRISPR applications to treat more complex genetic conditions, paving the way for future breakthroughs. Emendo is also collaborating with leading academic institutions to accelerate research into inherited diseases. Their partnerships aim to refine precision tools and contribute to global genetic research.
President & Chief Executive Officer: Joe H.
Located in Dubai, UAE, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals develops therapeutics and medical devices designed to treat diabetes, cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Dubai, contributing to the advancement of treatments across the MENA region. The company’s focus is on bridging the gap between global biotech innovations and the needs of patients in the MENA region. By establishing a distribution network for cutting-edge treatments, NewBridge ensures that breakthrough therapies are accessible to underserved populations in the region. Its expertise in regulatory affairs has positioned it as a trusted partner for international biotech firms entering the Middle Eastern market.
Chief Executive Officer: Amir Farshchi
Located in Tehran, Iran, AryoGen Pharmed manufactures and provides biopharmaceutical products to the national and international market. Some of its offerings include AryoSeven™ (for blood disorders), Zytux™ (for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), and Altebrel™ (for Psoriasis-Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis). AryoGen’s robust pipeline reflects its commitment to biosimilars, making life-saving therapies more affordable and accessible. With an emphasis on oncology and immunology, AryoGen is expanding its global footprint by targeting emerging markets that require cost-effective solutions. Its manufacturing facilities adhere to stringent international quality standards, bolstering its reputation for reliability and safety.
President & Chief Executive Officer: Dror Bashan
Located in Carmiel, Israel, Protalix BioTherapeutics develops recombinant therapeutic proteins using its proprietary ProCellEx protein expression system. The company's products are used to treat Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, and cystic fibrosis. Their cutting-edge plant cell-based protein expression system offers a cost-effective and scalable platform for developing biologics. Beyond its pipeline of therapies, Protalix is investing heavily in next-generation enzyme replacement treatments, aiming to diversify its product portfolio. Its research initiatives focus on rare diseases, creating hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Chief Executive Officer: Asaf Danziger
Based in Haifa, Israel, with offices worldwide, Novocure uses its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields, to treat critical tumors. Their products have been approved to treat glioblastoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma in certain countries. The company continues to expand its pipeline to explore applications for other forms of solid tumors, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in oncology. Novocure has also invested in clinical trials aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of Tumor Treating Fields in combination with immunotherapy, reflecting its commitment to integrated cancer care. Its novel approach has earned global recognition, transforming outcomes for patients with aggressive cancers.
Chief Executive Officer: Eyal Shamir
Located in Caesarea, Israel, IceCure Medical uses cryoablation technology to kill cancer cells using liquid nitrogen. This approach is used for benign and malignant breast tumors, renal, lung, and bone cancer. Cryoablation offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, significantly reducing recovery times for patients. IceCure continues to push the boundaries of cryogenic technology, developing next-generation devices that enhance precision and patient comfort. Its focus on clinical validation ensures the widespread adoption of cryoablation as a preferred treatment modality.
Chief Executive Officer: Madhukar Tanna
Located in Dubai, UAE, Pharmax manufactures affordable, high-quality medications in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region. As one of the prominent pharmaceutical industries in Dubai, it specializes in key therapeutic areas like cardiovascular health. These medications are used in urology, cardiovascular, gastroenterology, and other fields. Pharmax’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility meets global regulatory standards, allowing it to export to international markets. The company has recently announced plans to diversify into biologics, leveraging advanced biochemistry techniques to address unmet medical needs. Pharmax is also fostering partnerships with leading academic institutions to advance its R&D capabilities.
Chief Executive Officer: Amotz Shemi
Located in Modi’in, Israel, Silenseed develops RNA interference (RNAi)-based drugs and delivery systems intended to treat malignant solid tumors. Its innovations align with the research and development ethos seen in the biggest biotech companies in the world. Their innovative RNA delivery platform targets hard-to-treat tumors, offering hope to patients with limited options. Silenseed has also received recognition for its precision drug delivery systems, which minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. The company is expanding its focus to include next-generation RNA technologies, ensuring its relevance in the rapidly evolving biotech landscape.
Chief Executive Officer: Ashish Koshy
Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, G42 Healthcare is a leading innovator in AI-driven healthcare solutions. The company focuses on genomics, digital health, and precision medicine. It played a critical role in COVID-19 vaccine trials in the region. The company also operates the Omics Center of Excellence, which advances research in genomics and bioinformatics. Beyond its achievements in vaccine development, G42 is leveraging its AI expertise to accelerate drug discovery processes and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Its collaboration with global biochemistry companies ensures access to the latest scientific advancements, fostering innovation across the healthcare spectrum.
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Executive Officer: Oz Adler
Located in Israel, SciSparc creates assets and technologies based on cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. The company is currently engaged in drug development programs for the treatment of Tourette's syndrome, sleep apnea, pain management, autism, and epilepsy. SciSparc is leveraging its proprietary drug delivery systems to optimize cannabinoid efficacy and safety. The company’s research spans multiple therapeutic areas, ensuring that its cannabinoid-based products can address a wide range of conditions. Its focus on patient-centric care has earned it accolades as a leader in cannabinoid therapeutics.
Chief Executive Officer: Farhan Malik
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, PureHealth is a leading healthcare group specializing in laboratory diagnostics, health-tech solutions, and personalized medicine. As one of the biggest biotechnology companies in the world by market impact in diagnostics, it also collaborates closely with pharma companies in Dubai for regional synergies. Their centralized diagnostic labs are among the largest in the region, supporting population-scale screening programs. PureHealth’s strategic investments in digital health solutions are transforming patient care, making diagnostics more accessible and efficient. The company’s partnerships with global leaders ensure its continued prominence in the biotechnology sector.
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer: Michal Amit
Located in Haifa, Israel, Accellta develops advanced stem cell technologies for cost-effective and scalable production of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These technologies are instrumental in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and cell-based therapies. Accellta’s microcarrier-based suspension culture system has set new benchmarks for efficient stem cell production, allowing for industrial-scale applications. The company also collaborates with academic and industry partners to push the boundaries of cell therapy solutions.
Chief Executive Officer: Phil Serlin
Located in Modi’in, Israel, BioLineRx creates therapeutics with a focus on oncology. Currently, its pipeline consists of two candidates in the clinical stage—Motixafortide and AGI-134. Motixafortide is a peptide used for treating pancreatic cancer, and AGI-134 is an immuno-oncology agent used to treat solid tumors. The company’s clinical advancements aim to transform treatment paradigms for challenging cancers. BioLineRx is also exploring combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of existing treatments, underscoring its innovative approach. Its focus on robust clinical validation ensures that its therapies meet the highest safety and efficacy standards.
Chief Executive Officer: Yaron Pereg
Located in Jerusalem, Israel, KAHR develops drugs designed to overcome the camouflaging ability of cancer cells to evade recognition by the immune system. Using their multifunctional immuno-recruitment protein (MIRP) technology, KAHR elicits an immune response by tagging these cancer cells and making them visible. KAHR’s innovative approach targets immune evasion, a major hurdle in effective cancer immunotherapy. Its groundbreaking therapies have demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies and are now advancing to clinical trials.
Chief Executive Officer: Gili Hart
Located in Jerusalem, Israel, Splisense develops drug candidates using antisense oligonucleotides intended to fix splicing mutations involved with genetic diseases. This helps clinicians treat cystic fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), and other genetic diseases. Their precision-targeted therapies address previously untreatable genetic mutations, providing new hope for patients. Splisense is also working on expanding its therapeutic applications to include respiratory and genetic disorders beyond cystic fibrosis, positioning itself as a leader in rare disease research.
Founder: Dr. Michael Har-Noy
Located in Jerusalem, Israel, Immunovative Therapies develops drugs that incorporate immune cells. These drugs are intended to modulate the immune system to target cancer and other infectious diseases. Their proprietary “Mirror Effect” technology is at the forefront of advancing cancer immunotherapy. The company is also exploring partnerships to expand its immunotherapy applications to infectious diseases, paving the way for new breakthroughs in immune-based treatments.
Chief Executive Officer: Siggi Olafsson
Headquartered in Amman, Jordan, Hikma Pharmaceuticals is a global pharmaceutical company producing high-quality generic and branded medications. It operates in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Hikma’s extensive product portfolio spans critical care, oncology, and respiratory health, ensuring comprehensive patient support. The company continues to innovate by expanding its pipeline with biologics and targeted therapies, cementing its role as a global leader in pharmaceutical development.
Chief Executive Officer: Fabian Tenenbaum
Located in Jerusalem, Israel, Nectin Therapeutics develops antibodies aimed at treating hematological and solid malignancies. These antibodies target the nectin and nectin-like receptors that play key roles in cancer cell signaling and immune evasion. Nectin’s novel immunotherapies focus on boosting the body’s natural defenses, with its lead candidates showing significant potential in preclinical studies. The company’s precision-driven approach is shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy.
Chief Executive Officer: Amir London
Located in Negev, Israel, Kamada develops plasma-derived therapeutics using their proprietary protein purification technology. Its products, recognized globally, hold relevance in cardiovascular biotech companies addressing rare plasma-related conditions. Its two leading products are GLASSIA®, the first liquid, ready-to-use, intravenous plasma-derived Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), and KamRAB, a rabies immune globulin (Human) for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis against rabies infection. Both of these products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Kamada’s ongoing research focuses on rare diseases, aiming to address unmet medical needs.
Chairman: Dr. Nadhir Al-Harthy
Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, SaudiVax focuses on the local manufacturing of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, ensuring regional self-sufficiency in critical health products. Its partnership-driven approach includes collaborations with global vaccine manufacturers to bolster local capacity. SaudiVax’s efforts are particularly crucial in addressing pandemic preparedness and vaccine equity within the region.
How Scispot Can Empower Middle Eastern Biotech Companies
As the biotech industry in the Middle East continues to grow, companies face increasing challenges in scaling operations, managing data, and maintaining compliance. Scispot, a no-code digital operating platform tailored for life sciences, offers solutions to these challenges by:
- Streamlining R&D Workflows: Scispot allows biotech companies to digitize their lab operations and standardize workflows, reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency. Companies like Emendo Biotherapeutics and G42 Healthcare can use Scispot to accelerate their gene editing and genomics workflows.
- Data Integration and Analytics: Scispot’s platform integrates seamlessly with instruments and external tools, enabling real-time data collection, visualization, and AI-powered analytics. Novocure and Silenseed can leverage these features to optimize their clinical trial data management and accelerate drug development.
- Enhanced Collaboration: With Scispot’s Labsheets and digital tools, geographically dispersed teams across the MENA region can collaborate effectively. Companies like PureHealth and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals can use Scispot to centralize data and ensure transparency in multi-site operations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Scispot’s automated audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access controls simplify compliance with regulatory frameworks like FDA, HIPAA, and GMP, which are essential for firms like Kamada and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
- Scalability and Customization: Scispot’s no-code capabilities allow companies of all sizes to build custom solutions tailored to their unique workflows. From startups like Splisense to established firms like AryoGen Pharmed, Scispot’s platform adapts to evolving needs.
By leveraging Scispot, biotech companies in the Middle East can unlock their full potential, enhance productivity, and drive innovation while staying ahead in a competitive market.
Conclusion
The biotech industry in the Middle East exemplifies resilience and innovation. Companies like Emendo Biotherapeutics, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, and G42 Healthcare demonstrate the region’s growing capability to produce world-class treatments across oncology, cardiovascular health, and rare diseases. As government initiatives continue to attract global partnerships and investments, these biotech pioneers are well-positioned to drive transformative change in healthcare globally.
Whether through cutting-edge gene editing, innovative drug delivery systems, or advanced AI-driven healthcare solutions, the Middle East's biotech firms are making significant strides in improving patient outcomes and advancing global medical science.
