Pharmaceutical firm, Eva Pharma, has introduced its range of diabetes medications to the Nigerian market, pledging to offer premium healthcare solutions at affordable prices.
Eva Pharma announced the medications including Gliptus Plus, for managing blood glucose levels, Thiotacid, for treating diabetic neuropathy and Donifoxate, for managing hyperuricemia and gout, at a recent launch event in Lagos.
The firm also revealed its plans to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
Eva Pharma’s Head of Marketing for West Africa, Bishoy Faltas, hailed the launch event as successful noting “We are proud to launch our diabetes, diabetes complications, hyperuricemia, and hepatitis B medications in Nigeria. Our goal is to fill the gaps in the market and ensure patients enjoy a better quality of life.”
Faltas pointed out that Nigeria is a key market to Eva Pharma, describing the country as one of Africa’s leading economies with a large population and highly skilled medical professionals.
He added, “We see Nigeria as a critical hub where we can share expertise between Nigerian physicians and their counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.”
Eva Pharma’s launch of new medication follows the exit of some multinational pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria or the downsizing of their economic operations citing economic challenges, including GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Aventis.
Faltas explained the company accounted for the economic situation in Nigeria and worked out a strategy to counter medical inflation, adding “Before entering the market, we studied it extensively and positioned our products to be among the most affordable while maintaining international standards.
“Patients and healthcare providers have noted that our products deliver premium quality at prices significantly lower than other market players.”
Eva Pharma’s Country Head for Nigeria, David Otokpa, highlighted the company’s broader mission to ensure medicines are accessible to the common man, remarking “Drugs are available, but they are often beyond the reach of most Nigerians. Our goal is to provide the same high-quality products used in Europe, Asia, and North America at prices that Nigerians can afford.”
Otokpa acknowledged the harsh economic realities many Nigerians face, including rising inflation and low disposable income which hinders access to premium medications.
“The minimum wage can barely buy a bag of rice. Patients must choose between feeding their families and accessing medical care. Our mission is not profit-driven but patient-centred. We prioritise serving as many patients as possible rather than focusing on high-profit margins for a few,” he added.
The event featured presentations by medical experts, including a clinical endocrinologist, Dr Bolanle Okunowo, who highlighted the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in Nigeria, Dr Israel Akinmokan, Dr Tunde Oloyede and Professor of Medicine at the University of Lagos, Olufemi Fasanmade, who discussed the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
In addition to the product launch, Faltas announced Eva Pharma’s partnerships with other firms.
He disclosed Eva Pharma signed an agreement with Gilead to distribute Lenacapavir API and with Eli Lilly to manufacture insulin.
