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Maliban to manufacture SL’s first anti-cancer drug

29 Mar 2021

With the aim of catering to the local demand for anti-cancer drugs, the Government has permitted Maliban Group to manufacture Sri Lanka’s first locally-made anti-cancer drug, the company told The Morning yesterday (28). Well known for its production of confectionery and milk powder, this is the first foray of the Maliban Group into the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, stated Maliban Bio Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Project Chief Executive Officer S.M.D. Suriyakumara. “Our late Chairman and Managing Director wanted to do businesses while doing a service to the country, and we were interested in manufacturing quality medicine. When we applied for this, State Minister Prof. Jayasumana was keen on getting us to manufacture anti-cancer drugs. We were recommended for this because we are a Sri Lankan company.”  Suriyakumara told us that all anti-cancer drugs are imported at the moment and that no-anti cancer drugs are produced in Sri Lanka.  “We have done calculations to fulfill the Sri Lankan requirement, but we will be producing to export as well,” he said.  The anti-cancer drug manufacturing plant is to be set up in two years’ time at the recently Cabinet-approved Anuradhapura Pharmaceutical Zone in Oyamadu by Maliban Bio Ventures Pvt. Ltd.  Speaking to The Morning, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana explained the reasons for the selection of Maliban for this pioneering venture.  “Maliban is a well known local company that has won a good name in Sri Lanka. They have joined to produce anti-cancer drugs.”  According to the company, the anti-cancer drug manufacturing plant plans to produce 25 million tablets, 25 million capsules, 2.8 million five-millilitre liquid injections and 1.2 million dry powder injections annually, across 84 types of drugs.  When asked about the technological expertise required for the manufacturing, Maliban Group’s Suriyakumara said that discussions are underway with global manufacturers to import the technology, since the country does not possess the required technology yet. “At the moment we are discussing with European, Indian, and Chinese manufacturers, and we will pick whoever that is in possession of the latest technology.”  The Rs. 3 billion investment would result in a 40,000-50,000 sq. ft. factory in a land of four acres in Oyamadu, Anuradhapura, and would produce 250 employment opportunities. After signing the relevant agreements with the Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceutical Supply Department, Maliban Bio Ventures Pvt. Ltd. is hoping to release its products in two years’ time.  On 23 March, the Cabinet approved a proposal tabled by Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi to implement the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in Oyamadu Anuradhapura as a project under the State Ministry of the Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals on 23 March. An investment of Rs. 30 billion is expected from the 24 selected local investors, and a period of 36 months will be given for the factories to commence operations, while the project is to generate 3,000 new employment opportunities in total. The project is part of the country’s plan to become self-sufficient in pharmaceuticals, The Morning learnt from the State Ministry.


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