Strategy for the development of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in Mauritius

The Africa RISE team coordinated and supported a market analysis, legislative review and skills gap analysis with the aim of delivering a proposal for Mauritius to become a leading regional hub for bio-pharmaceutical research and manufacturing.

Africa RISE has conducted an in-depth and comprehensive feasibility study for the establishment and focused strategic positioning of Mauritius as a regional pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub. This report was prepared in response to a request from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology with the support of the EU Delegation of Mauritius. 

Thhe report focuses in depth on the building blocks of a pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub. It develops main aspects such as the regulatory framework, the skills needed and the different fields of research and production of services and products. Emphasis is laid, in parallel on the strategic market positioning of Mauritius, which is a member of the African Union and various African trading blocs such as the SADC and COMESA.

                                                    

The third part of the study emphasises the Institutional and Governance framework. The pivotal roles of the Mauritius Life Science Authority (MLSA) and of the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) are highlighted as well as the necessity for regular appraisal of performance, for example through Hard KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

 

The research by Africa RISE created a list of the essential success elements needed in order to aid the growth of Mauritius’ pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries through the construction of the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology. These include the consolidation of regulations and administrative processes, as well as the implementation of good manufacturing practices and a one-stop shop to advance the sector. It also underlined the need for higher diplomatic[MC1]  efforts to secure markets, investments, and training. Additionally, the report mentions establishing up to 7 Centres of Excellence and utilising the connections and skills that the Mauritian Diaspora may offer.

KEY INVESTMENT. RESEARCH AND PARTNERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

PRODUCTS:

·              Biological drugs, diosimilars (including vaccines, hormones, antibodies, cell and gene technology products)

·              Therapeutics, generics, and novel formulations

·              New medical devices manufacture (invasive & non-invasive) dermo cosmetics, and medical aesthetics

·              Nutraceuticals and products incorporating food technologies

·              Oceanic research products

 

SERVICES:

·              Mauritius Non-Communicable Diseases Centre of Excellence (NCDE):

·              Exploratory Drug Development Centre (EDDC)

·              Pre-clinical Research services/studies with Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs), including long term toxicology studies

·              Phase II and Phase III Clinical Trial Studies

Promotion of Mauritius as a hub for global or regional pharmaceutical administrative headquarters and/or distribution.

EXPERTS

Dr. Ricardo Godinez Moreno, the lead consultant and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry expert, Dr. Mitra Dave Gunput, the expert for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, Dr. Mitra Boolell, the expert on regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, Mrs. Madhevi Nilamber Ghoorah, the expert on the Mauritian pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem, and Mr. Akshay Bholee, the junior consultant for research and data analysis, authored the report under the oversight of Mrs. Manisha Dookhony, a key expert in economic and market reform for Africa RISE.


 [MC1]Why diplomatic ?