Pharmaceutical companies, Globalpharma and ZIM Labs, team up to introduce EU-verified Oral Dispersible Film technology in the United Arab Emirates.
Globalpharma and ZIM Laboratories Partner to Bring Advanced Drug Delivery System to GCC
Globalpharma, a leading pharmaceutical firm based in the UAE, has entered into a partnership with ZIM Laboratories, an Indian pharmaceutical company known for its EU-certified Oral Dispersible Film (ODF) technology. This collaboration aims to introduce ThinOral, a user-friendly dosage form, to the GCC region.
Under the terms of the agreement, ZIM Laboratories has licensed its proprietary ThinOral ODF technology platform to Globalpharma. The UAE-based company will register and commercialize ten pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ODF products developed by ZIM, tailored to meet regional patient needs.
Initially, ZIM Labs will supply bulk products and regulatory support to facilitate market registration in the UAE. Upon market approval, ZIM will provide ready-to-use powder mixes, enabling Globalpharma to perform localized manufacturing and marketing of the finished Oral Thin Film-based formulations within the GCC.
This partnership not only represents a technology transfer but also promotes regional pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and market expansion for advanced drug delivery systems. It leverages ZIM's EU-certified technology and regulatory expertise, combined with Globalpharma's regional manufacturing and marketing capabilities.
The collaboration was officially announced during AIM Congress 2025, held from April 7-9 in Dubai. Zulfiquar Kamal, Promoter & Finance Director at ZIM Labs, and Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, General Manager of Dubai Investments Industries and Board Director at Globalpharma, were among the signatories.
Zulfiquar Kamal described the partnership as a "milestone in expanding access to next-gen drug delivery systems across the GCC." Dr. Basem Al-Barahmeh, General Manager of Globalpharma, also made a statement, but no specific details were shared.
The ODF technology is known for its patient-friendly format, thin, fast-dissolving strips that require no water. This makes it particularly beneficial for children, the elderly, and individuals with swallowing difficulties. ZIM Labs' proprietary formulation is EU-GMP certified, meeting rigorous international standards for quality and safety.
This partnership could represent a significant step for pharmaceutical innovation and the availability of user-friendly dosage forms in the GCC market. It aligns with evolving pharmaceutical distribution models emphasizing localized production and regulatory compliance. The collaboration between Globalpharma and ZIM Laboratories exemplifies the growing trend in pharmaceutical partnerships that integrate technology transfer, regulatory cooperation, and local production to meet regional healthcare demands with innovative, patient-centric products.
The UAE's role in shaping global pharma innovation is reinforced by this partnership. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment. This strategic collaboration between Indian pharmaceutical innovation and GCC manufacturing/marketing infrastructures is expected to introduce novel dosage technologies like Oral Thin Films to the region, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and facilitating faster patient access to advanced therapeutics and nutraceuticals.
- This partnership between Globalpharma and ZIM Laboratories signifies a significant investment in advancing drug delivery systems in the GCC region, particularly with the introduction of the user-friendly ThinOral dosage form.
- The collaboration represents a strategic business move, promoting both regional development and expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity for innovative drug delivery technologies.
- With ZIM Labs' EU-certified ODF technology and Globalpharma's regional manufacturing and marketing capabilities, the partnership boosts health-and-wellness innovations in the GCC market.
- The collaboration aligns with current trends in the pharmaceutical industry focusing on technological advancements, regional regulatory compliance, and localized production to address the health needs of the GCC community.
- This partnership could influence the finance sector, as it underscores the UAE's growing influence in shaping global pharma innovation, making it an attractive hub for international trade and investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
- By embracing science-driven innovation and collaborative strategies like this partnership, the pharmaceutical industry contributes to improving the safety, health, and well-being of people in the GCC region.
