DiabTec’s state-of-the-art facility is built to EU/US FDA standards and is currently the only one of this kind in the GCC
KELIX bio, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala, has recently completed the acquisition of DiabTec, a subsidiary of Julphar. This acquisition strengthens Mubadala’s portfolio of biologicals, establishes its role in biomanufacturing across the MENA region, and supports its efforts to advance the UAE’s life sciences sector through local manufacturing.
The strategic acquisition of DiabTec aligns with Mubadala’s commitment to responsible investing, which focuses on addressing critical global challenges including the growing prevalence of diabetes, and demand for microbial-based products such as insulin analogs and GLP-1 to treat such conditions locally and globally.
Advancing life sciences through local manufacturing
DiabTec’s facility includes 20,000-liter drug substance reactors and a separate cartridge fill-finish facility for drug products. The state-of-the-art facility is built to EU/US FDA standards and is currently the only one in the GCC of this kind.
“The acquisition of DiabTec by KELIX bio is a significant milestone for Mubadala, further strengthening our nation’s position in the global life sciences ecosystem. This strategic investment reflects our commitment to responsible investing, addressing critical global healthcare challenges like the growing need for insulin analogs,” stated Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform.
The acquisition of DiabTec also strengthens Mubadala’s portfolio of biologicals, establishes its role in biomanufacturing across the MENA region, and advances the UAE’s life sciences sector through local manufacturing.
Mubadala recognizes the critical importance of ensuring reliable access to therapeutic solutions like insulin analogs, particularly in light of growing global demand and supply challenges. The acquisition of DiabTec is a direct response to this need.
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Mubadala expands life science portfolio
KELIX bio’s acquisition of DiabTec further consolidates Mubadala’s footprint in the life science ecosystem, advances the UAE’s life sciences sector, and positions the nation as a global leader in the industry whilst supporting its economic diversification.
It also complements Mubadala’s recent acquisition of four GlobalOne Healthcare Holding assets, further solidifying the UAE’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and contributing to its emergence as a global leader in life sciences.
“This move not only strengthens Mubadala’s and the UAE’s life sciences sector but also underscores our commitment to improving global health outcomes by contributing to a more secure and sustainable insulin analog supply chain,” added Ismail Ali Abdulla, executive director of UAE Clusters at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform.
