Pfizer, the US biopharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has announced plans to strengthen its presence in the Gulf region. The company aims to invest in healthcare infrastructure, develop digital health solutions, and support research and education initiatives. According to Serhat Yalcinkaya, Pfizer Gulf cluster country manager, the company is dedicated to accelerating the availability of global innovations while working closely with governments, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders.

According to WAM, Yalcinkaya told, that Pfizer’s vision to promote health equity and innovation, ensuring timely access to transformative breakthroughs that enhance the quality of life for individuals in the region. He stated that this vision aligns with the company’s global mission to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

In his remarks, Yalcinkaya mentioned that Pfizer plans to expand access to vaccines and innovative therapies while also supporting initiatives focused on local data generation. He underscored the company’s commitment to developing sustainable healthcare solutions that resonate both regionally and globally. Pfizer has established partnerships with governments and healthcare institutions throughout the Gulf to support these initiatives.

One notable partnership is with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), where Pfizer aims to enhance real-world data generation and expand into various disease areas. Yalcinkaya noted that this initiative will help position Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub for healthcare, life science, and innovation. He added that Pfizer’s hub in Dubai plays a critical role in ensuring supply flexibility and facilitating the timely delivery of Pfizer medicines across multiple Gulf countries.

Pfizer has also implemented ‘Patient Support Programs’ in the Gulf region, designed to assist eligible patients in accessing their medications despite financial challenges. Yalcinkaya highlighted that last year, Pfizer introduced over 20 innovative treatments across the Gulf, including a breakthrough migraine treatment that offers rapid relief and significantly improves the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Additionally, Pfizer is championing maternal immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and providing essential protection for newborns, infants, and adults at high risk of severe respiratory illnesses. The company recently launched a transformative treatment for alopecia areata, which offers renewed hope for patients as young as 12 facing challenges related to self-image and emotional well-being.

Yalcinkaya noted that last year, Pfizer successfully introduced more than 30 products in the Gulf, with a strong focus on maternal immunization and vaccination efforts, including the RSV vaccine and the latest pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20). He also mentioned the seamless integration of oncology treatments following the Seagen acquisition, which positions Pfizer to change the cancer treatment landscape.

Pfizer’s ability to introduce its medicines to the Gulf shortly after their US rollout is credited to the streamlined regulatory frameworks in the region. The company played a crucial role in the Gulf’s Covid-19 response by delivering one of the first mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines, which was instrumental in mitigating the pandemic’s impact and protecting millions of lives.

Yalcinkaya praised the Gulf countries for their exceptional leadership during the pandemic, highlighting their swift and decisive actions to safeguard public health. He noted that their proactive measures and readiness to adopt new technologies positioned the region as a global model for effective pandemic response.

Looking to the future, Yalcinkaya stated that Pfizer is committed to enhancing the region’s healthcare resilience by advancing public health preparedness. This includes investing in vaccine innovation and continuing to collaborate with health communities and governments to address challenges related to cold chain and service delivery, as well as leveraging digital health solutions for improved early detection and disease management.

He added that developing local talent is foundational to Pfizer’s strategy in the region. Yalcinkaya reiterated that Pfizer’s strategic priorities in the Gulf have significantly evolved to focus on advancing healthcare and delivering medical breakthroughs that positively impact millions of people across the region. He concluded by acknowledging that the Gulf region, particularly the UAE, has emerged as a global leader in healthcare innovation, and Pfizer will continue to partner with government and private institutions to ensure preparedness for future health crises.