Mubadala’s KELIX Bio expands life sciences portfolio with acquisition of DiabTec

UAE—KELIX Bio, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), has successfully acquired DiabTec LLC, a former Julphar subsidiary.

This strategic move strengthens Mubadala’s presence in the life sciences sector and bolsters its biomanufacturing capabilities in the MENA region.

The acquisition aligns with Mubadala’s vision of advancing the UAE’s life sciences industry through local manufacturing.

DiabTec’s state-of-the-art facility features 20,000-liter drug substance reactors and a dedicated cartridge fill-finish unit for drug products.

 Built to meet stringent EU and US FDA standards, it is currently the only facility of its kind in the GCC, focusing on microbial-based products such as insulin analogues and GLP-1 treatments, which are vital for managing diabetes both locally and globally.

Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, emphasized the importance of this acquisition.

“This strategic investment reflects our commitment to responsible investing and addressing global healthcare challenges, such as the rising demand for insulin analogues,” he stated.

Dr. Al Katheeri added that the deal not only enhances Mubadala’s biologicals portfolio but also establishes its pivotal role in biomanufacturing across the region.

Sheikh Saqer Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Julphar’s board, highlighted that the sale of DiabTec is part of Julphar’s broader strategy to focus on core assets.

This divestment allows Julphar to streamline its operations and strengthen its primary business areas.

Hocine Sidi Said, CEO of KELIX Bio, pointed out the global challenge posed by the increasing number of diabetes patients, particularly the difficulty in accessing insulin analogues in many regions.

He affirmed that KELIX Bio is committed to addressing this issue by improving access to essential treatments and ensuring patients receive the care they need.

This acquisition further consolidates Mubadala’s footprint in the life sciences ecosystem.

It complements KELIX Bio’s recent purchase of four assets from GlobalOne Healthcare Holding, highlighting its mission to provide innovative healthcare solutions while advancing the UAE’s position as a hub for biomanufacturing excellence.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.