With the aim of improving the quality and longevity of human life, ADQ, the Abu-Dhabi-based investment company, has announced the formation of Arcera, a global holding company in the life sciences sector.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Arcera aims to be a leader in addressing and mitigating healthcare challenges and consolidates ADQ’s existing assets in the sector. It will also help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Healthcare Life Sciences Vision.
The name Arcera is a fusion of ‘arc’ and ‘era’, symbolising upward momentum and longevity and reflects the company’s vision to emerge as a leading global player in the industry.
ADQ portfolio firms’ shares shifted
ADQ’s shareholdings in three companies – Acino International (Acino), Birgi Mefar Group (BMG) and Amoun Pharmaceutical Company (Amoun) – were transferred to Arcera.
Acino is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland and established in 1836. It has manufacturing sites in five countries as well as commercial operations across four continents that develops, manufactures and sells a wide range of medicines internationally.
BMG is one of Türkiye’s largest sterile production service companies specialising in the manufacturing of sterile injectables and glass packaging, in addition to pharmaceutical distribution services.
Amoun is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Egypt. It specialises in the development, manufacturing and sales of a wide range of human and animal health products.
Arcera already boasts manufacturing and packaging units in seven countries, including the UAE, a combined workforce of over 6,500 people and sales and distribution in over 90 countries across four continents. It 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.
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.
Hamad Al Hammadi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, commented: “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 dedication to improving patient outcomes through ground-breaking solutions while aligning with the Emirate’s diversification goals.”
Arcera is also committed to its mission of attracting and nurturing of top-tier talent in Abu Dhabi to accelerate human-centric innovation and foster an environment for industrial, commercial, and clinical breakthroughs.
Isabel Afonso was named Chief Executive Officer of Arcera. Alonso brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector as well as expertise in transformation and global expansion, acquired through 18 years of leadership in a top-tier pharmaceutical company and an additional eight years of management roles in other industries, including MedTech.
Afonso said: “The growing need for high quality and effective medicines lends tremendous importance to building a global life sciences company like Arcera, which enables its businesses to accelerate growth plans and enhance integration, as well as 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.”
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