Biosidus Partners with Mubadala Bio to Bring 4 Biologic Therapies to UAE Market

For biopharma professionals, this deal signals a strategic entry into the Gulf's growing biologics market, merging a proven biosimilar portfolio with Mubadala's state-backed manufacturing infrastructure. It underscores the localization of biologic production as emerging economies seek to secure drug supply chains, a trend that could reshape how biotechs enter capital-rich but import-dependent regions.

Biosidus, a pioneering Latin American biotechnology company, and Mubadala Bio, the life sciences platform of Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, announced a licensing and supply agreement at the BIO International Convention 2026 on June 24, 2026. The deal aims to introduce a portfolio of biologic therapies into the United Arab Emirates through Mubadala’s DiabTec biologics manufacturing platform, marking a significant step in both companies’ strategic ambitions. According to the parties, the collaboration targets therapies across endocrinology, nephrology, and oncology, including epoetin alfa, filgrastim, interferon beta, and somatropin—all well-established biologics with substantial global markets. The agreement was witnessed by Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, underscoring high-level government support for localized pharmaceutical production.

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According to the parties, the collaboration targets therapies across endocrinology, nephrology, and oncology, including epoetin alfa, filgrastim, interferon beta, and somatropin—all well-established biologics with substantial global markets.

For Biosidus, this partnership represents a calculated expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, leveraging a capital-light model of technology transfer rather than greenfield investment. The company, which built its reputation on biosimilar development in emerging markets, gains a foothold in a wealthy market that is aggressively investing in life sciences infrastructure. Mubadala Bio, as the licensee, benefits from augmenting its DiabTec platform—originally focused on insulin production—with a diversified portfolio that addresses cancer supportive care, anemia, growth hormone deficiency, and multiple sclerosis. This product breadth enhances DiabTec’s value proposition to regional healthcare systems and aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Life Sciences, which prioritizes drug security and reducing import dependency.

The specific therapies included are notable. Epoetin alfa, a biologic for anemia, and filgrastim, for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, are high-volume, biosimilar-friendly products with mature reference markets. Interferon beta, used in multiple sclerosis, offers a narrower but growing niche in the Middle East, where autoimmune disease prevalence is rising. Somatropin, a growth hormone, addresses pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency, an area where access can be limited by cost. Localizing production could lower prices and increase availability across the UAE and potentially neighboring MENA countries.

However, the announcement is entirely a press release, and many details remain undisclosed. Financial terms, technology transfer milestones, regulatory filing dates, and projected launch timelines were not provided. This is typical for early-stage licensing deals, but it means that commercialization could be two to four years away, contingent on approvals from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and successful technology transfer. The biologics are all off-patent or facing patent expirations, so competition from other biosimilar entrants is a likely risk. Still, first-mover advantage in a localized setting can be significant if DiabTec can produce at scale and at a competitive cost.