Pharmaceuticals Committed to the Future

Pharmaceuticals worldwide are experiencing a true renaissance. Today, the spotlight is not only on scientific discoveries and innovative medicines, but also on where and how they are produced. Uzbekistan, located at the crossroads of Eurasia's key trade routes, is steadily transforming into a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing – a cluster serving both the domestic market and offering strong export potential.

By investing in modern plants, the country is building an entire ecosystem. This is a step toward pharmaceutical independence, reduced reliance on imports, and stronger positioning on the global manufacturing map. For businesses, it is an opportunity to combine international quality standards with local advantages: affordable resources, strategic geography, and government support. Joint ventures are vivid examples of how international expertise can seamlessly align with the dynamics of a growing market. The significance of such projects goes far beyond economics. They directly affect people’s lives by ensuring access to modern and safe medicines. In discussing the pharmaceutical sector in Uzbekistan, the conversation inevitably turns to health, the region’s future, and its strategic outlook.

Against this backdrop, JV LLC ROMPHARM NS stands out – a plant established through the joint efforts of Uzbekistan’s Navbahor Holding and the Romanian company S.C. ROMPHARM COMPANY S.R.L. Today, it is already setting new standards in Central Asia by combining European GMP norms, state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturers, and the ambitious strategy of a holding that is building a full pharmaceutical ecosystem – from manufacturing and logistics to pharmacy chains.

The plant’s production capacity is impressive – up to 120 million ampoules per year. In the near future, the company also plans to expand its portfolio with tablets, capsules, and sachets. JV LLC ROMPHARM NS is becoming more than just a manufacturing site; it is a catalyst for change in a market where demand for local, high-quality medicines continues to grow. The facility operates a full production cycle – from raw material supply to the release of finished products.

What makes the project truly unique is the strategy of Navbahor Holding: a full cycle – from drug development to the end consumer. This level of integration turns the enterprise into a model of how business and social mission can go hand in hand. At the same time, the plant is open to contract manufacturing, offering international and regional partners a European-level platform for product localization, market expansion, and adherence to the highest quality standards.

In the long term, JV LLC ROMPHARM NS has the potential to become the heart of a Central Asian pharmaceutical cluster capable of competing with global leaders. This is a story not only about manufacturing, but also about industry transformation, the country’s strategic growth, and how pharmaceuticals are becoming a driving force for health, the economy, and the future of the region.

We spoke with Marat Mavlyanov, Director of JV LLC ROMPHARM NS, who shared insights about the joint venture.

– Please tell us about the origins of the Uzbek–Romanian joint venture JV LLC ROMPHARM NS and what drove its establishment in Uzbekistan.

– The joint venture JV LLC ROMPHARM NS was established in 2021 together with S.C. ROMPHARM COMPANY S.R.L. from Romania, one of the largest contract manufacturers in Europe. Our cooperation dates back to 2010, when we began distributing their products in Uzbekistan. Before the plant was founded, products from S.C. ROMPHARM COMPANY S.R.L. were imported into Uzbekistan through Navbahor Holding. Over time, we came to realize that imports alone could not fully meet the needs of the market.

The idea of establishing production in Uzbekistan emerged as a natural continuation of this cooperation – we wanted to localize the manufacturing of medicines that had previously been imported from Romania. The creation of the joint venture was driven not only by pragmatic commercial considerations, but also by strategic factors: the need for technology transfer, reducing dependence on imports, and building a pharmaceutical base that meets international standards. In this way, the project became part of a broader transformation of the national pharmaceutical industry, aimed at integrating into global production chains.

– What were the reasons for selecting Uzbekistan as the site for the plant's construction?

– There are several reasons behind this choice. First, we already had strong business ties with our European partner, which provided a solid foundation for moving to a new level of cooperation. Second, localizing production makes it possible to significantly reduce costs, cut logistics expenses, and, as a result, make products more affordable for the end consumer. Third, the joint venture aligns with the national pharmaceutical development strategy set out in presidential decrees.

Such a project helps reduce dependence on imports, lower foreign currency expenditures, create new jobs, attract specialists, introduce modern GMP standards, develop export potential, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in the regional pharmaceutical industry. In essence, the plant is not merely a business enterprise but a tool for implementing a long-term state strategy aimed at ensuring the population’s access to high-quality and affordable medicines.

– What are the main characteristics that set the JV LLC ROMPHARM NS plant apart?

– In March 2024, we successfully passed inspection and obtained a European GMP certificate. The joint venture was built in strict compliance with European GMP standards. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 120 million ampoules annually. At present, we have 23 international product names in our portfolio. Our main production lines include medicines for the cardiovascular and nervous systems, pain relief, gastrointestinal treatments, and vitamin and mineral complexes. The facility employs 85 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery certified in Europe.

– How would you describe the pricing segment of your products?

– We focus on a broad range of consumers. Our products will be offered in the affordable and mid-price segments, while maintaining quality at the level of European standards. In this way, we aim to combine accessibility with a high degree of reliability and safety.

– What challenges did you have to overcome in the process of establishing the plant?

– The most labor-intensive and time-consuming procedure was the registration of pharmaceutical products. This process requires both time and great precision, as it involves multiple regulatory stages. Today, we are already at the stage of launching the enterprise: registration certificates have been obtained, raw materials and ampoules have been purchased, and a long-term business plan is being developed.

– How are the responsibilities allocated between your team and the international partners?

– The foreign partner transfers production technologies, methods for quality control of raw materials and medicines, a list of approved suppliers, and documentation related to pharmaceutical manufacturing. We replicate all production processes identically to the S.C. ROMPHARM COMPANY S.R.L. plant, including quality control. In this way, we are implementing a "mirror production" model, which ensures full compliance with international requirements and builds trust within the medical community.

– Why wasn't importing finished medicines alone considered sufficient?

– Imports are associated with high logistics costs, which inevitably get passed on to the end consumer. Localization removes these barriers, reducing the cost of medicines without compromising quality. Moreover, it strengthens the country's pharmaceutical independence, allowing it to rely less on external supplies and currency fluctuations.

– What are the company’s short-term growth priorities?

– We are now launching a second project for the production of solid dosage forms (tablets and capsules). This will also be a large facility in Uzbekistan, further expanding the company's capabilities.

– Do you have plans for export?

– Yes. We are planning to apply for certification within the EAEU framework. This will allow us to register our medicines and supply them to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union countries, and in the future – to expand our export geography.

– How do you manage to maintain European quality standards while operating local production?

– To maintain European-level quality, we strictly adhere to GMP standards and regularly renew our certification. A robust quality management system is in place at the plant, supported by audits and continuous staff training. We minimize production risks and optimize costs through localization, long-term contracts, and energy-efficient technologies, while also implementing innovations and flexible production lines. At the same time, we develop a marketing strategy to ensure patient access to medicines, retain skilled personnel, and nurture a strong culture of quality. This integrated approach enables us to sustain stable production and guarantee the availability of medicines.

– If you had to choose one metric (other than profit) by which the success of JV LLC ROMPHARM NS could be measured in 10 years, what would it be?

– The most significant indicator is market share in key therapeutic categories. It reflects sustainable growth, the level of trust within the medical community, and the ability to introduce innovations. Alternative metrics could include patient satisfaction, the number of registered medicines, the geographical scope of our presence, and a sustainability index. Our strategic goal is to become the leading producer of injectable medicines in Central Asia, ensuring access to innovative and effective therapies for the widest possible range of patients.

– How would you capture the unique DNA of JV LLC ROMPHARM NS in just one phrase?

– Every injection is a promise of trust, upheld by uncompromising standards and meticulous quality control at every stage.