INNOVATA PHARMACEUTICALS: World-Class Innovata Sets the Standard in SA Pharma Manufacturing
Innovata Pharmaceutical is approaching its quarter century in business, and it has been delighting key clients with its range of quality products for most of its life. In the future, the company will continue to form a vital part of the SA pharma industry as it builds deeper and more effective relationships with critical sector bodies.
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Over the past decade – a tumultuous one for the global healthcare sector – South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry has experienced notable growth, driven by factors such as an expanding healthcare infrastructure, improved investment, and a rising demand for quality services. In 2014, the market was valued at approximately USD$2.8 billion. By the end of 2024, it is projected to reach more than USD$3.6 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2.6%.
This growth trajectory underscores the industry’s resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the population. Key drivers include government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, the introduction of new pharmaceutical products, and the expansion of both public and private healthcare sectors. Additionally, South Africa’s strategic position as a gateway to the broader African market has attracted significant foreign investment, further bolstering the industry’s development. As the nation continues to prioritise healthcare advancements, the pharmaceutical sector is poised for sustained growth, contributing significantly to the overall economy and public health outcomes.
EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE
Within the burgeoning space sits Innovata Pharmaceutical, a level 1 BBBEE company, proudly South African, and on a mission to be ‘the benchmark of excellence in healthcare’. The company is a prominent player in South Africa’s healthcare sector and has been making significant strides in providing accessible and high-quality medicines across the continent since its establishment almost 25 years ago. As a subsidiary of the Avacare Health Group, Innovata is committed to delivering essential pharmaceuticals that meet the diverse needs of patients and healthcare providers.
“Our products are manufactured to meet GMP standards. They are SAHPRA approved, and our suppliers are approved by either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) or European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMA),” the Johannesburg-based company states.
“Since our inception in 2000, Innovata has established a noteworthy relationship with the Public Health Sector where we hold numerous national tenders. Not only are we committed to delivering cost-effective products timeously; our team remains committed to forging long-term relationships with customers, business partners, suppliers and employees alike.”
Innovata’s product range is both extensive and meticulously curated, covering major therapeutic classes to address various health conditions. Offerings include medications for cardiovascular health (lypovas (rosuvastatin) and cardiz (telmisartan tablets)), respiratory conditions (Amcough solution (diphenhydramine)), central nervous system disorders (diazepam, aripiprazole, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine), a comprehensive range of anti-infectives, and many pain and inflammation relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen etc) among others.
Quality assurance is a cornerstone of Innovata’s operations. The company ensures that its products are manufactured in facilities approved by international regulatory bodies such as the USFDA and the EMA. This commitment to quality is evident in their adherence to stringent manufacturing standards and regulatory compliance, reflecting a dedication to patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
“Driven by our mission to be the benchmark for excellence in healthcare, the credibility we have attained in the Public Health Sector and the backing of our parent company, Innovata is well poised and eager to extend our footprint into the South African Private Health sector,” the company says of its long-term goals.
Innovata has also established a noteworthy relationship with the public health sector in South Africa, holding numerous national tenders. This collaboration underscores reliability and capability in meeting the healthcare needs of the public sector. Additionally, thanks to involvement with Avacare, Innovata benefits from a robust network that enhances its distribution capabilities and market reach across the African continent. Innovata became part of Avacare in 2013.
“Further to our parent company’s vision of ‘Caring for Africa’, Innovata is driven to emphasise the ‘care’ in healthcare and to continue providing a sought-after range of essential pharmaceuticals as affordably and efficiently as possible,” the company says.
This care is driven from top down, positioned a key part of the culture created by Dr Vikramkumar Naik, Group Executive Chairman of the Avacare Health Group and supported by CEO Andreé Meyer. Naik has worked across African healthcare as an anaesthetist, recognising first-hand the need for expertise in under-resourced hospitals. Meyer has worked across many high-profile healthcare companies that operate national and continental footprints.
With a team of around 200 people, Innovata boasts a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. The collective expertise within the company spans various domains, including research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and sales and marketing. This multidisciplinary approach enables Innovata to pioneer and respond effectively to the constantly evolving healthcare landscape.
Beyond its commercial endeavours, the company is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. The company engages in initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in underserved areas. This commitment to corporate social responsibility reflects Innovata’s holistic approach to healthcare and business, emphasising the importance of community well-being alongside commercial success.
Looking ahead, Innovata Pharmaceuticals is poised to continue its growth trajectory by exploring new markets and expanding its product portfolio. The company’s strategic focus includes leveraging technological advancements to enhance manufacturing processes and product development. By maintaining its commitment to quality, compliance, and patient-centric solutions, Innovata aims to solidify its position as a leader in the African pharmaceutical industry.
“Our greatness lies in the ability for us, as a group, to make a difference to the lives of the people of Africa and for our products and services to be accessible in every part of Africa,” Avacare Health says of its mantra. “We are a group of dedicated and talented individuals who are passionate in ensuring that each of our efforts leads to the success of our vision. We have a diverse set of skills, competencies and knowledge within the group.”
South Africa’s population is growing, and Africa’s population is swelling quickly as the second most populous continent in the world. As long as people are around, healthcare will grow, and Innovata Pharmaceutical has made its mark as an anchor tenant in this competitive space. World class products from industry leading people make for a truly remarkable business, and one that is required in Africa more and more.