Daewoong’s Nabota launches in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA—Daewoong Pharmaceutical, a prominent South Korean healthcare company, has officially introduced its high-purity botulinum toxin product, Nabota, into the Saudi Arabian market.

This significant move follows a comprehensive quality evaluation by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), underlining Nabota’s adherence to stringent safety and efficacy standards.

Nabota has previously secured approvals from esteemed regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Health Canada, highlighting its global recognition for quality and safety.

The entry into Saudi Arabia, the largest botulinum toxin market in the Middle East, is anticipated to serve as a strategic gateway for Daewoong’s expansion throughout the region.

Leveraging Nabota’s superior quality, Daewoong aims to address the aesthetic and therapeutic needs of patients in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

 The product is manufactured using the patented ‘HI-PURE™ Technology’ and advanced vacuum drying processes, resulting in a high-purity composition with over 98% of the 900kDa complex.

This meticulous production ensures rapid and precise effects while minimizing the formation of inactive toxins, thereby enhancing safety and reducing immunogenicity.

Nabota shares the same molecular structure (900kDa) as AbbVie’s Botox, which currently dominates the Saudi market.

 Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nabota’s efficacy is comparable to Botox’s, positioning it for swift market adoption in the region.

Daewoong hosted a symposium on January 24 at the Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh to commemorate the launch, attracting approximately 300 local healthcare professionals.

Dr. Hassan Galadari, a renowned dermatologist from the UAE, delivered a presentation titled ‘CHANGE THE GAME Prabotulinum Toxin,’ sharing global clinical results and treatment insights related to Nabota.

He emphasized that Nabota has proven its efficacy and safety through clinical trials and regulatory approvals in advanced markets, noting its precision, longevity, and high patient satisfaction.

Dr. Amr Abduljabbar, a Saudi Arabian dermatologist and symposium moderator, highlighted that the event provided valuable insights into Nabota’s advanced manufacturing process, superior quality, and global clinical data.

He expressed confidence that Nabota will be a game-changer in Saudi Arabia, a pivotal market for the botulinum toxin industry in the Middle East and Africa.

Jun-soo Yun, Head of the Nabota Business Unit at Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated that Nabota is Korea’s most exported botulinum toxin product, owing to its high purity and quality.

 He added that Daewoong’s botulinum toxin products are currently approved in 69 countries and partnered in over 80.

With the launch in Saudi Arabia, the company aims further to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Africa.

This strategic expansion aligns with the growing demand for aesthetic treatments in Saudi Arabia, driven by shifting cultural norms and increased interest in beauty and cosmetic procedures.

 According to global research firm Astute Analytica, the beauty and cosmetic surgery market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow from US$7.9 billion in 2023 to US$18.8 billion by 2032, reflecting the country’s economic prosperity and cultural emphasis on aesthetics.

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