Cancer-focused biotech BeiGene expands presence in MENA with launch of UAE office
It is focused on improving the treatment outcomes and medical access for cancer patients
BeiGene Ltd., a global biotechnology company and a leading oncology R&D innovator, announced a renewed Middle East and North Africa expansion plan from its newly opened Dubai office, as the company continues its mission to bring innovative cancer treatments to underserved patients.
"We're thrilled to announce our expansion into the UAE, a pivotal location in the worldwide fight against cancer. This move marks our commitment to MENA, and we're eager to grow our talented team as we introduce innovative medicines to the region," said Mohammed Al-Kapany, General Manager, MENA. "Our presence at Dubai Science Park, with its state-of-the-art facilities, will best support our team and collaborations within the dynamic regional landscape to ensure patients across the region are able to equally access our innovative therapies."
BeiGene was founded in 2010 by former McKinsey management consultant, US national John V. Oyler, and renowned Chinese biochemist, Xiaodong Wang. The company is focused on the improvement of treatment outcomes and medical access for cancer patients around the world. with the opening of its Dubai office, the company’s global workforce reaches 11,000 heralding a new regional expansion. Some 3,000 of BeiGene’s global employees are dedicated to “medical affairs and clinical development”, with 1,100 focused entirely on cancer research.
“Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally,” said Al-Kapany. “I have seen people who have been diagnosed with cancer and they couldn’t afford the medication. And I have seen people who have been diagnosed with cancer and they had the money to get treated but decided not to because they wanted to leave the money to their family. BeiGene’s mission is to create impactful, innovative medications that help all patients across the world to receive the most appropriate and innovative treatment advances – to help them either live better lives or get cured of cancer.”
BeiGene’s first product commercially available in the region is zanubrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) sold under the brand name BRUNKINSA. Clinically known as zanubrutinib, this BTKi has shown significant promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. It has already received approval in all six GCC countries and Egypt.
“To ensure zanubrutinib is affordable we will make sure that every single eligible patient will have a fair and equitable chance to start and continue his treatment regardless of any financial hurdles they might experience,” Al-Kapany said.
