DOI / Kevin AbelaTista' taqra bil- Malti.
MGC Pharma inaugurated its new facility in Malta following a €4 million investment on Tuesday.
The facility, which is situated in Ħal Far will be used to produce its potentially breakthrough plant-based coronavirus treatment. The medication is aimed at treating inflammation caused by Covid-19 as well as other respiratory problems.
In its 800 metres square facility, the Europe-based biopharma company will start producing up to 24,000 units of medicine per day—double the amount that was initially planned.
The company received a €3.1 million grant to fund the work according to the company’s website, while the government said the investment was made possible through the assistance by Malta Enterprise and the Investment Aid initiative.
“The company chose Malta to start producing a new medicinal product, after working on research and development in Slovenia and carrying out clinical trials in Israel,” the government’s statement reads.
MGC Pharma’s managing director Roby Zomer had said that the completion of the construction of the CimetrA facility, which is the company’s second EU based production facility, continues to strengthen their strategic position in pharmaceuticals development and manufacturing, and provides the company with flexible production capacity, which includes production of CimetrA, MGC Pharma’s proprietary treatment for the symptoms of Covid-19.
As well as being developed as an anti-inflammatory, CimetrA, a blend of Curcumin and Boswellia, is thought also to act as an immunomodulatory agent. On 1 November, the company had said a COVID-19 dosing trial had been given approval.
MGC Pharma has collaborated with various government entities and international universities on research projects, to be developed into high quality medicinal products. MGC Pharma produces products for patients who suffer from epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, amongst others.
This company is also in the process of expanding into medicinal cannabis production.
During the inauguration, Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli said the investment enhances Malta’s position as a country which attracts quality investment that provides added value.
“Yet another international company is choosing Malta for its investment. Thanks to Malta Enterprise we will continue to incentivize local and foreign companies to open and expand their operation in our country, whilst creating high quality employment.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection Deo Debattista, Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia and Malta’s Medicine Authority Chairperson Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott were present for the inauguration.
