Pharco launches EGP 500m eye drops production line with annual capacity of 20 million packs

Pharco Pharmaceuticals has inaugurated a new specialized production line for ophthalmic (eye) drops at its Amreya City facility in Alexandria, with total investments exceeding EGP 500m. Nearly EGP 300m was allocated to the new line, which reflects Egypt’s growing pharmaceutical capabilities and supports national efforts to localize drug manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and expand exports to the Middle East and Africa.

The new line has an annual capacity of up to 20 million packs, covering approximately 19% of Egypt’s domestic demand for eye drops, estimated at more than 100 million packs annually. It also addresses around 11% of demand across Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa, which collectively exceeds 177 million packs per year. The facility produces a wide range of treatments, including medications for dry eye, glaucoma, inflammation, post-surgical care, and allergies.

Sherine Helmy, Chairperson of Pharco Pharmaceuticals, described the project as a strategic milestone: “This expansion reinforces Pharco’s commitment to localizing advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhancing Egypt’s global competitiveness. With annual sales surpassing 278 million units valued at nearly EGP 15bn, Pharco continues to play a leading role in advancing Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry.”

Officials emphasized that the facility complies with Egyptian Drug Authority standards and World Health Organization requirements, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 and strengthening the country’s position as a regional pharmaceutical hub. Operating under advanced Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the plant employs aseptic processing and gamma sterilization in collaboration with the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. It is equipped with cutting-edge systems, including Syntegon preparation units, Groninger filling machines, and automated packaging lines, ensuring high-quality sterile production.

Pharco also highlighted expansions in other production lines, including penicillin tablets and semi-solid products, alongside a digital transformation initiative (eQMS & eDMS) and a new R&D center. These upgrades support international certifications such as WHO and EU-GMP.

The official launch was attended by Ali El Ghamrawy, Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority; Hesham Badr, Vice Chairperson of the Unified Procurement Authority; Khaled Faied, CEO of Pharco Pharmaceuticals; and Amr Saleh, General Manager of Pharco Oncology and Ophthalmology, along with leading ophthalmology professors and media representatives.