ADQ Launches Arcera to Address Healthcare Challenges Globally

ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, has launched Arcera, a global holding company in the life sciences sector with its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The new company will aim to be a leader in addressing and mitigating healthcare challenges by offering products that improve the quality and longevity of human life.

Consolidating ADQ’s existing assets in this sector, the establishment of Arcera builds a global life sciences powerhouse set to make significant contributions to realising Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Healthcare Life Sciences Vision and bolster the UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a frontrunner in science and technology.

ADQ’s shareholdings in three companies – Acino International, Birgi Mefar Group (BMG) and Amoun Pharmaceutical company – were transferred to Arcera.

While Acino is based in Switzerland with origins dating back to 1836 and manufacturing sites in five countries as well as commercial operations across four continents that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of medicines internationally, BMG, one of Turkiye’s largest sterile production service companies specialised in the manufacturing of sterile injectables and glass packaging.

Amoun is headquartered in Egypt specialised in the development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and export of a wide range of human pharmaceutical and animal health products.

With a combined workforce of over 6,500 people and sales and distribution in over 90 countries across four continents, Arcera aims to offer ground-breaking solutions that foster longer and healthier lives.

Arcera offers 2,000 branded medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas, addressing numerous acute and chronic conditions across neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, pain relief and rheumatology and anti-infectives.

The company’s robust manufacturing and packaging base encompasses seven sites in the UAE, Switzerland, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Turkiye and Egypt.

Aims to Double Revenues

Boosted by Acino’s legacy and strong growth track record over the past years, Arcera is planning to double its revenue over the next five years through value-accretive strategic acquisitions in key markets globally and forging high-impact global partnerships.

By positioning itself as the preferred partner anchored in Abu Dhabi for top-tier academic institutions and leading pharmaceutical companies, Arcera is committed to spearheading ground-breaking advancements that address the needs of communities in the region and beyond.

Leveraging advanced technologies and robust research and development capabilities in the UAE, Arcera is dedicated to pushing the boundaries. At the heart of this mission is attracting and nurturing of top-tier talent in Abu Dhabi to accelerate human-centric innovation and foster an environment ripe for industrial, commercial, and clinical breakthroughs.

ADQ Deputy CEO ‍Hamad Al Hammadi said that by consolidating our life sciences companies under one umbrella, Arcera signifies a strategic evolution, unlocking substantial portfolio value and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, globalisation and digitisation, which are key growth levers in this industry.

“As a unified force, Arcera is positioned to be a significant contributor to Abu Dhabi’s life sciences sector, reflecting our unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes through ground breaking solutions while aligning with the Emirate’s diversification goals,” he added.

Arcera CEO Isabel Afonso said that the growing need for high quality and effective medicines lends tremendous importance to building a global life sciences company like Arcera.

“Arcera enables its businesses to accelerate growth plans and enhance integration, as well as further expand and develop capabilities. We are pursuing bold ambitions and work towards becoming a leading global life sciences company that fosters longer and healthier lives while creating value. It is a great honour to be trusted to lead Arcera,” she added.