Boston Oncology Arabia localises production of advanced biologic medicines in Saudi Arabia

Boston Oncology Arabia, a fully integrated pharmaceutical company based in Riyadh, has signed an agreement with the Local Content & Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA) to localise the manufacturing of two biosimilar medicines. 

The initiative positions private healthcare developers at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s national procurement strategy, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for industrial self-sufficiency and healthcare transformation.

Under the agreement, Boston Oncology Arabia will lead the technology transfer, local production, and commercial rollout of adalimumab and etanercept, biologics used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The project is expected to generate SAR 1.2 billion (€276 million) in economic impact and create around 500 direct jobs, enhancing the domestic workforce in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

The move underscores the importance of embedding private operators within national procurement frameworks. By assuming responsibility for the end-to-end production process, Boston Oncology Arabia ensures faster access to critical medicines while reinforcing local manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration with LCGPA ensures all outputs comply with the highest standards, meeting USFDA, EMA, and SFDA regulations.

Boston Oncology Arabia’s Sudair Industrial City facility will oversee the full production chain, from licensing and local development to manufacturing and commercial distribution. This comprehensive approach guarantees reliability in supply and consistency in quality, aligning private sector delivery with national healthcare needs.

The agreement also highlights the expanding role of private companies in national procurement initiatives. By integrating global biopharma expertise into local operations, developers like Boston Oncology Arabia can reduce dependency on imports, streamline supply chains, and introduce efficiency-driven processes in healthcare infrastructure.

Discover how private healthcare developers are shaping Saudi Arabia’s procurement strategy and driving domestic production growth in the full story.