Mubadala’s KELIX bio acquires four GlobalOne Healthcare Holding pharma assets

emirates7 - Following the completion of its acquisition of KELIX bio, Mubadala Investment Company PJSC has empowered its new specialty pharmaceutical business to acquire a 100% stake in four key pharmaceutical assets from GlobalOne Healthcare Holding (GHH). These assets include Bioventure, Bioventure Healthcare, Gulf Inject, and Wellpharma.

This strategic move bolsters Mubadala’s role within the life sciences ecosystem, driving the development of the UAE’s life sciences sector and positioning the country as a global leader in the industry while supporting its broader economic diversification goals.

In March 2024, Mubadala entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KELIX bio, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on delivering complex generic drugs to emerging markets. That acquisition was successfully finalized in September.

GHH’s pharmaceutical assets encompass innovative biopharma and IV solutions manufacturing capabilities. By integrating these assets into KELIX bio’s ecosystem, Mubadala significantly enhances its expanded capabilities, with each asset contributing distinct strengths to the broader portfolio.

Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of the UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala, emphasized that the swift completion of both the KELIX bio acquisition and this subsequent transaction reflects the company's dedication to fostering a robust life sciences sector in the UAE and contributing to the nation's vision for a knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the ongoing pursuit of partnerships and investments that align with Mubadala's strategic objectives, generating value for stakeholders while enhancing the UAE's standing within the global life sciences industry. He added that KELIX bio and its newly acquired assets are well positioned for accelerated growth, bringing Mubadala closer to its goal of creating a regional leader in the life sciences sector.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, noted that the acquisition underscores their strategy to place the UAE at the forefront of the global life sciences ecosystem. This initiative supports economic diversification, generates valuable socio-economic benefits, and reinforces Mubadala’s broader ambitions in the sector. He further stated that as a responsible investor, Mubadala continues to focus on future-oriented solutions that enhance GDP growth, jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen the nation's medical security, ultimately shaping a positive future for UAE communities.

Hocine Sidi Said, CEO of KELIX bio, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition of GHH’s assets, noting that it significantly enhances KELIX bio's presence in the UAE and provides access to a broader product and technology pipeline. He remarked that bringing these businesses and their teams into KELIX bio’s network accelerates the company's journey toward becoming a global leader in life sciences.

Low Ping, Group CEO of Yas Holding, commented that the divestiture of these subsidiaries to KELIX bio represents a strategic shift for Yas Holding, aligning with its commitment to improving healthcare access and fostering innovation across the region. He expressed confidence that, under KELIX bio’s leadership, the newly acquired companies—Wellpharma, Gulf Inject, Bioventure Healthcare, and Bioventure—would continue to flourish and make significant contributions to the life sciences sector.

This acquisition considerably strengthens the UAE’s life sciences capabilities through targeted investments and aligns with government initiatives like ‘Operation 300bn’ and ‘Make it in the Emirates’, which aim to enhance the country's manufacturing sector. Additionally, it advances Mubadala’s efforts to establish a national pharmaceutical leader in Abu Dhabi, bolstering the UAE’s pharmaceutical infrastructure, addressing widespread diseases, ensuring a secure drug supply, reducing healthcare costs, and steering the nation toward a knowledge-based economy.

GlobalOne Healthcare Holding LLC (GHH), a division of Yas Holding LLC, focuses on improving healthcare outcomes through investments in biopharmaceuticals and healthcare services.