Minapharm enters into a joint-venture with Rhein-Biotech (currently Dynavax Europe) in Germany to establish MiGenTra Egypt, the first biotech facility in Egypt, Africa and the Middle-East.
MiGenTra Egypt starts operation, dedicated to the development and manufacturing of therapeutic proteins using different eukaryotic expression systems (yeast and mammalian cell culture).
MiGenTra Egypt’s first product using recombinant DNA technology, Interferon – α2a, launched to the market under the brand name “Reiferon 3&6 MIU”. A year later, MiGenTra Egypt develops the 3rd PEGylated Interferon – α2a in the world, launched under the brand name Reiferon Retard.
The first biotech research and development department in Egypt, composed of Egyptian scientists and their German counterparts, is established with the aim of developing innovative and affordable biotechnology medicines for Egypt and the emerging markets.
MiGenTra Egypt develops one of two parenteral forms of Recombinant Hirudin available worldwide for the treatment of serious thrombotic complications, followed by the world first's topically applied Recombinant Hirudin, launched to the market by Minapharm under the brand names Extrauma and Thrombexx.
Minapharm acquires ProBioGen AG, the Berlin-based market leader in cell-line engineering and CMO in Europe, which openeds the door for future synergy projects with MiGenTra Egypt.
This transaction has gained tremendous interest from the German and European media as for the first time, the buyer of an established leading European biotech enterprise is from an emerging market.
The operation of the first mammalian cell production in Egypt and the Middle, and first mammalian-derived product, recombinant FSH, is launched to the market by Minapharm under the brand name Gonapure.
Biosimilar monoclonal antibody program started.
Anticipated new EU compliant bio-manufacturing facility with planned fermentation capacities for mammalian cell culture of up to 10 m3 (disposable concept) and for microbial systems of up to 3 m3 (stainless steel concept).