Biogaran, a French pharmaceutical business specialising in generic medications and a subsidiary of the Servier Group, has announced the start of operations in the Ivory Coast. Biogaran has started offering 14 medicines from its over 800 product line since January. The launching event was attended by Ms Annick Diener, French Ambassador’s Counselor, and Dr Aka Aouélé Eugène, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene.
Biogaran’s medicine portfolio includes treatments for diabetes, high blood pressure, and bacterial infections, all of which are becoming more prevalent on the African continent. According to the World Health Organization, 11 of Biogaran’s 14 medications are classified as “important” and “responding to public health concerns” (WHO).
Biogaran supplies pharmaceuticals imported from France to patients on Ivory Coast. These medications are made according to European standards and are reasonably priced. All Biogaran medicines are bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, ensuring the same efficacy. In addition, Biogaran is committed to keeping track of all pharmacovigilance instances in Ivory Coast.
“Biogaran wants to improve healthcare access in West and Central Africa. We want to provide items compliant with European standards at a reasonable price. Ivory Coast appears to be the right location for our deployment in French-speaking West and Central Africa, thanks to a favourable business climate and solid logistical capabilities “, says Biogaran’s General Manager and International Affairs Director, Emmanuel Le Duff.
One of the concerns that must be addressed to assist and accelerate the development of the African continent is public health. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes affected 5.7 per cent of the population in Ivory Coast in 2005, and high blood pressure affected 21.7 per cent. The prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses is rapidly increasing in African countries, and patient care is frequently inadequate. In addition to the issue of finding high-quality, inexpensive medicine, counterfeit drugs are spreading at an alarming rate. According to the WHO, 100 000 people die each year in Africa due to the use of counterfeit medications.
Biogaran has agreed to supply free medical samples to newly diagnosed patients as part of the Corporate Health Program, a CIAN programme, and to promote cardiovascular disease awareness initiatives.
Biogaran has had a foothold in Africa since 2017, thanks to Swipha, a Nigerian medication manufacturer and distribution company.
Biogaran’s Background
Biogaran, a subsidiary of Servier and based in Colombes, is a French pharmaceutical laboratory specialising in generic pharmaceuticals (France). It was founded in 1996 and is now the market leader in generic pharmaceuticals in France. Biogaran produced €1.252 billion in gross sales in 2018, with 290 million units sold. Pharlab is the Group’s presence in Brazil, and Swipha, a local generic specialist, was acquired by the Group in Nigeria in 2017.
Regarding Servier
Servier is a worldwide pharmaceutical laboratory based in Suresnes, France, managed by a foundation. Servier employs 21,700 people worldwide, with a strong international presence in 149 countries and a turnover of €4.152 billion in 2017. Fully self-sufficient, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (originator company) in research and development and devotes 100% of its profits to development. The Group’s success is built on a never-ending search for new ideas in five key areas: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and diabetes, as well as quality generic medication development. Beyond drug development, Servier also provides e-health solutions.
