Santa Farma, one of the most well-rooted domestic pharmaceutical companies in Turkey, took the strategic cooperation made with MEALIS Middle East Life Sciences one step further after executing an agreement last month. Under the new agreement, MEALIS was assigned the selling, marketing and distribution rights of a drug with iron III-hydroxide polymaltose and folic acid, which is used for treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Santa Farma proudly invested EUR 150 million in its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant which was commissioned for the benefit of Turkish pharmaceutical industry with a closed space of 43 thousand sqm in Dilovası, Kocaeli in 2015. The manufacturing plant which boasts of the capacity to manufacture annually 150 million boxes in a single shift based on EU-GMP, TR-GMP and Jordanian GMP certificates not only manufactures products for Turkey and countries of export but also provides localization support to global and domestic pharmaceutical companies which are engaged in importing pharmaceutical products.
Recognized for its dedication to ensuring “healthy life at every age”, MEALIS started its operations in Dubai and Beirut in 2013, to be followed with Turkey in 2014. MEALIS currently undertakes services for drugs, medical devices and supplements in 35 different countries, including Turkey, in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa. MEALIS Turkey undertakes promotion, marketing, selling and distribution operations for original and generic drugs with a view to contributing to the development and sustainability of pharmaceutical industry in addition to improving the future of public health.
Under the strategic cooperation agreement, Mealis was granted the selling, marketing and distribution rights of a drug with iron III-hydroxide polymaltose and folic acid which is used for meeting iron and folic acid needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia caused by several reasons since it was registered and launched in Turkish market by Santa Farma in 2006.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron naturally occurs in all cells of the body and is considered essential for several physiological functions including making blood and transmission of oxygen to tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron and transmits oxygen in blood to tissues. The reduction of red blood cells and haemoglobin inside them leads to anemia.
According to the World Health Organization, anemia occurs when haemoglobin level is below 13g/dl in males older than 15 years of age, 12g/dl in non-pregnant females older than 15 years of age and 11g/dl in pregnant females.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in Turkey and the world and one fourth of the global population is affected by iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is observed mostly in babies and pregnant women, followed by women in fertility age. It is also highly common in seniors. The frequency of iron deficiency anemia is 1-2% in adults and 12-17% in people above 65 years of age.
About Santa Farma:
Santa Farma, marking its 75th anniversary as one of the most deep-rooted pharmaceutical companies in Turkey, was incorporated in 1944 as Farma Laboratory to manufacture pesticides, cough drops and syrup and other simple but widely used medicines. The foundation of current Santa Farma was laid following merger with Santa Laboratory in 1946. The company decided to establish a manufacturing plant in 1953. Santa Farma İlaç Fabrikası Kollektif Şirketi was incorporated in 1954, followed with the establishment of Santa Farma İlaç Sanayi A.Ş. in 1973. Santa Farma operates in 10 distinct therapeutic categories with totally 73 products supplied to 50 different markets. The therapeutic categories are Dermatology, Digestive System and Metabolism, Gastroenterology and Infection, Hematology, Cardiovascular System, Musculoskelatal System, Radiology, Nervous System (CNS), Immunology, Respiratory System, and Urogenital System. The manufacturing plant of the company which has an indoor area of 43,000 sqm in GEBKİM OIZ boasts of a manufacturing capacity of annually 150 million boxes.
For detailed information, please visit our corporate website on www.santafarma.com.tr .
About Mealis:
Incorporated in 2014 to undertake selling, marketing and distribution of original contrast substances and accompanying medical devices in radiology, Mealis Turkey is recognized as one of the most distinguished selling, marketing and distribution corporations in Turkey. In 2015, the company entered into international exclusive business cooperation on women’s health which entitled it to perform selling, marketing and distribution of the relevant products, including fulfilling specific distribution requirements for original biological products. The company continues to display its dedication to high quality health services by integrating the know-how of its domestic and international business partners into its marketing and selling processes. The company is dedicated to launching innovative and value added products to increase the life quality of women and especially urology patients by providing extensive and effective scientific introductory services to healthcare professionals throughout the country. For detailed information, please visit www.mealisturkey.com.