Madagascar - Scientific research and pharmaceutical production

The country is rich in medicinal plants whose virtues are well known to the population but whose scientific basis is still poorly documented. At the same time, the pharmaceutical industry will be developed. The construction of Pharmalagasy constitutes a first step towards the development of the industrialization of the health sector, an important pillar for the emergence of Madagascar.

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Madagascar has the potential to develop the sector through the existence of a biodiversity rich in medicinal plants, a favorable economic environment with the establishment of future Industrial Emerging Zones, and access to African regional markets (COMESA, SADC, COI, ZLEC) which offer preferential access to more than 900 million consumers.

By 1985, there were only three pharmaceutical industries left in Madagascar: OFAFA, RATHERA, and FARMAD. Laboratories developing herbal products emerged and were recognized as being of public utility, such as the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA). In addition, some thirty distribution chains, dealing with the promotion of medicines and their supply to consumers, emerged in the capital and the provinces.

The promotion of a national pharmaceutical industry is therefore vital in order to ensure Madagascar's self-sufficiency in medicines and to boost exports thanks to the opportunities offered by the African market.

The Malagasy response to Covid-19

In the wake of the first cases, the Malagasy government and scientists mobilized to find solutions to COVID-19. Under the leadership of President Rajoelina, Madagascar promoted the protective and therapeutic power of a traditional remedy called Covid-Organics or Tambavy CVO, composed of Artemisia and medicinal plants endemic to Madagascar. The National Center for Pharmaceutical Research Applications (CNARP) collaborated with the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) to complete the research. An agreement was established with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) to continue testing and research on this product. At the same time, the government decided to restart domestic production of pharmaceutical products.

According to the latest figures from health authorities, as of early March 2021, there have been 20,155 cases of contamination and 300 deaths linked to the coronavirus since the start of the epidemic in Madagascar.

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The launch of Pharmalagasy

The Madagascar Emergence Plan (PEM) places the pharmaceutical industry among the main axes of Madagascar's industrialization. Thus, the construction of the Pharmalagasy pharmaceutical factory is an initiative due to President Andry Rajoelina. Formerly OFAFA, Pharmalagasy is an ultramodern factory fully equipped by the Malagasy government. Located in Tanjombato in the southern part of Antananarivo, the factory has a production capacity of 15,000 capsules and 240 bottles per minute, adhering to GMP/FDA standards to facilitate product export.

With the creation of Pharmalagasy, Madagascar aims to position itself as a pioneer, with the support of the WHO to foster the emergence of a robust pharmaceutical industry. Aside from CVO+, a product discovered by IMRA to treat COVID-19, Pharmalagasy plans to produce, within three years, 12 other types of medications treating chronic and/or endemic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and malaria. Harnessing the skills of Malagasy researchers, Pharmalagasy will focus on herbal medicines to produce specialty products and export them. The plant will comply with eco-responsible standards by treating all its waste in collaboration with Adonis.

The phytomedicine market

The value of plant varieties from developing countries used in the pharmaceutical industry is estimated at $47 billion. Overall, more than 35,000 plants worldwide are used in industries such as pharmacy, phytotherapy, herbalism, hygiene, etc. According to Market Research Future (MRFR), the global market for herbal medicines will reach more than $129 billion by 2023 and will be accompanied by an average growth of 5.81% per year. In Madagascar, this trend is confirmed by the ever-increasing demand for essential oils, especially from the United States and the European Union. Major pharmaceutical and cosmetic groups are already interested in Madagascar's tremendous potential. For example, "longoza" (aframomum augustifolium) is grown there especially for Dior. It is the signature ingredient in "Capture Totale" skincare products. The LVMH group, for its part, highlighted ylang-ylang, of which Madagascar produces more than 25% of the world's production.

At a time when consumer interest in medicinal plants is fueling strong market growth, Madagascar can stand out. Indeed, according to the WHO, spending on alternative medicines worldwide is not only considerable but also rapidly increasing. Currently, 50% of the molecules marketed for cancer treatment or the most effective drugs for treating influenza or malaria are still extracted or derived from plants. The sector is underdeveloped and represents a market to be conquered.

Photovoltaic solar systems installed in clinics

Manufacturing its own solar kits, the startup Jirogasy has already electrified 19 health centers since February 2020. The young company, specializing in connected devices and "made in Madagascar" solar kits, has completed the electrification of 11 clinics in the town of Antsirabé in the center of the island. These health centers benefit from electricity generated by solar generators that the startup manufactures in Madagascar.

The commissioning of clean energy systems should enable these healthcare facilities to better care for patients.

The electrification of these health centers is part of a partnership between the startup created in 2017 and the NGO Agriculture and Health in Tropical Environments (EAST), which aims to improve healthcare conditions for disadvantaged populations.