In Alexandria, Glym Pharmacy was established, marking the beginning of its in-house production of aminophylline suppositories, highly effective and safe bronchodilators.
The Vitanco Scientific Office was established, introducing soft gelatin capsule medications imported from RP Scherer Germany.
The year marked the foundational beginning of Pharco Pharmaceuticals, setting the stage for its journey in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.
On January 14th, Pharco Pharmaceuticals officially began operations as a local manufacturer of soft gelatin capsules, introducing new dosage forms and antibiotics to the Egyptian market for the first time.
R.P. Scherer Egypt was established in partnership with RP Scherer Corporation, bringing soft gelatin capsule technology into local production.
Pharco Impex 93 was founded as Pharco's import, marketing, and distribution arm in Romania — the group's first operation outside Egypt and its gateway to Central and Eastern European markets.
Dr. Hassan Abbas Helmy acquired the majority partner shares in Pharco Pharmaceuticals, marking a significant step in the company's growth and leadership.
A new Beta-Lactam facility was constructed in compliance with cGMP regulations, ensuring the separation of production to prevent cross-contamination with other products.
Pharco acquired Amriya Pharmaceuticals, EEPI (European Egyptian Pharmaceutical Industry), and Techno Pharma Egypt.
Pharco acquired Abu Kir Trading to expand distribution across Egypt.
Batterjee Pharmaceuticals KSA was established to offer a wide range of pharmaceutical products in the Saudi market, following Pharco Pharmaceuticals' partnership with local competitor EIPICO and the Batterjee Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Pharco B was launched with a dedicated facility for the production of Cephalosporin antibiotics, serving both local and export markets.
Pharco B International expanded with a dedicated facility for the production of water for injection in plastic ampoules.
Pharco B International expanded its sterile, non-Cephalosporin production to include small and large-volume parenterals. Additionally, a dedicated hormone production facility was established at Techno Pharma Egypt.
In April, Gratisovir was launched as an affordable and effective oral treatment for Hepatitis C. Active ingredient: Sofosbuvir.
Dr. Gamal Esmat, Professor of Hepatology and Endemic Medicine at Cairo University and WHO viral hepatitis expert, presented advanced results of the abstract: High Virologic Response Rate in Egyptian HCV-Genotype 4 Patients Treated with Ravidasvir (PPI-668) and Sofosbuvir: Results of a Large Multicenter Phase 3 Registrational Trial. Representing Pharco, Dr. Esmat became the first Arab to present at the closing ceremony, where key treatment protocols for the upcoming year are established.
Pharco B International for Chemicals was launched.
Pharco established Egypt's first API factory dedicated to the production of modern, affordable, and effective Hepatitis C therapies, all in compliance with cGMP standards. Over one million months' worth of treatment was produced, curing 500,000 patients in Egypt. The Halel w Etamen national screening initiative was launched, aiming to cover the entire population, with over 20,000 people screened to date.
Pharco partnered with Prime Pharma to launch Tour n' Cure, an international medical tourism program. Patients from around the world can visit Egypt for a week, complete all necessary medical check-ups, receive treatment from top doctors, and enjoy Egypt's beauty, all at less than 80% of the global cost. Football legends Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, and Ahmed Hossam (Mido) serve as program ambassadors.
Pharco signed an exclusive license agreement with Presidio Pharmaceuticals for the HCV NS5A inhibitor PPI-668, enabling its development and commercialization in Egypt, with potential expansion to other MENA countries. 'This partnership allows Pharco to provide an effective, safe, and affordable HCV treatment,' said Dr. Sherine Helmy, Vice Chairman & CEO. 'PPI-668, combined with other therapies, offers a promising path to cure patients.'
IHEPC is a local initiative dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of people at risk for Hepatitis C. The program provides accessible preventive health services and supports affected individuals through awareness campaigns, screenings, treatment options, and patient counseling, with the help of university students and volunteers.
AfriCan is an alliance of foundations across Africa, collaborating with top influencers to launch a movement raising awareness about Hepatitis C, preventing new infections, and spreading knowledge of the cure. The initiative carries a powerful message: Africa aims to become the first continent in the world to eliminate Hepatitis C.
In 2018, Techno Pharma Egypt launched 25 new products for women's hormonal care and treatment, covering three main areas: contraceptives, hormonal support, and infertility. The company's production capacity ranges from 120,000 to 150,000 tablets per hour.
On December 18, 2018, European Egyptian Pharmaceutical Industries (EEPI) received WHO prequalification for Sofosbuvir 400 mg tablets for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Sherine Helmy, CEO of Pharco, stated: 'This milestone ensures HCV patients in developing countries have access to affordable, high-quality treatment, bringing Egypt closer to an HCV-free future by 2020 and Africa by 2025.'
Bio Generic Pharma was established in 2022, dedicated to biogeneric and specialty pharmaceutical development and production. This milestone expanded Pharco's capabilities into the high-value biogeneric segment, broadening the group's portfolio and strengthening its commitment to accessible, innovative healthcare solutions.
Construction started on Pharco International's manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, with opening planned for 2027, marking a landmark step in the group's global manufacturing expansion. This state-of-the-art facility strengthens Pharco's regional presence and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality pharmaceuticals across the Gulf and international markets.
The group launched a new eye drops production line in Egypt with over EGP 500 million in investments to boost regional ophthalmic manufacturing capacity.
