Mubadala’s KELIX bio acquires Julphar subsidiary DiabTec

KELIX bio, a company wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, recently completed the acquisition of DiabTec, a subsidiary of Julphar. This acquisition enhances Mubadala's portfolio in the field of biologics, establishes its position in the field of biomanufacturing throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and supports the development of the UAE's life sciences sector through localized production.

The strategic acquisition of DiabTec aligns with Mubadala's commitment to responsible investment, which focuses on addressing significant global challenges, including the growing prevalence of diabetes, and the demand for microbial products such as insulin analogs and GLP-1 for the treatment of such diseases locally and globally.

DiabTec's facilities include a 20,000-liter active pharmaceutical ingredient reactor and a separate cartridge filling facility for drug filling. This advanced facility, built to EU/US FDA standards, is currently the only such facility in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Mubadala recognizes the critical importance of ensuring reliable access to treatments such as insulin analogs, especially in the face of growing global demand and supply challenges. The acquisition of DiabTec is a direct response to this need.

Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform, stated, “KELIX bio’s acquisition of DiabTec is a significant milestone for Mubadala, further strengthening our nation’s position in the global life sciences ecosystem. This strategic investment reflects our commitment to responsible investment, aimed at addressing key global healthcare challenges such as the growing demand for insulin analogs.”

KELIX bio’s acquisition of DiabTec further solidifies Mubadala's position in the life sciences ecosystem, promotes the development of the UAE's life sciences sector, and positions the country as a global leader in the industry, while supporting its economic diversification. In addition, this acquisition complements Mubadala's recent acquisition of four GlobalOne Healthcare Holding assets, further strengthening the UAE's biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and contributing to its emergence as a global leader in life sciences.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Cluster at Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform, added, “This move not only strengthens Mubadala and the UAE’s life sciences sector, but also underscores our commitment to improving global health outcomes by contributing to a more secure and sustainable supply chain for insulin analogs.”