'Bangladesh's pharmaceutical success is an unthinkable achievement for a developing country'

If you look back to where Bangladesh once stood — a struggling, low-income country with little manufacturing capacity — our current position in the pharmaceutical sector is truly unthinkable. Today, among all least-developed countries (LDCs), Bangladesh stands out as the only nation not only self-sufficient in pharmaceutical finished doses but also successfully exporting to over 200 markets around the world.

This transformation is not accidental. Over the past four decades, Bangladesh has built a strong foundation of pharmaceutical technologies — from simple oral formulations to complex dosage forms. Multiple companies have acquired and mastered these technologies while developing in-house research and development capabilities. As a result, innovations are being translated into market-ready products faster than ever before. These advances have benefitted not only the people of Bangladesh but also millions of patients globally who now have access to affordable, high-quality medicines produced in our country.

Making modern healthcare accessible to every Bangladeshi

The impact of this transformation on access to healthcare has been extraordinary. Thanks to robust local production, essential and even advanced medicines are now affordable and widely available — from large hospitals in Dhaka to small dispensaries in remote rural areas.

I have seen this change first-hand. People in villages who once depended on traditional healers or home remedies now receive scientific medical treatment. Pharmacies have mushroomed in nearly every village, supported by an ecosystem where doctors prescribe confidently, patients can afford to buy medicines, and distribution networks ensure nationwide availability.

If you compare with India, which is often called "the pharmacy of the world", you'll find that many Bangladeshi products are priced even lower — despite our dependence on imported raw materials. That affordability has dramatically improved access and outcomes across the country.

ACI's role in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical rise

ACI has been at the forefront of this progress. Following the 1982 Drug Ordinance, local companies were finally given the space to thrive. Multinational firms such as ICI and Pfizer had already laid the groundwork by introducing advanced manufacturing and quality standards. ACI, which evolved from ICI, carried that legacy forward and built upon it.

Today, we have developed more than 800 formulations, all created by our own scientists. Across two R&D centres, we employ over a hundred researchers dedicated to innovation — whether that's improving drug delivery systems, enhancing taste and absorption, or refining formulations to make medicines more effective and patient-friendly.

Innovation through signature products

Some of our flagship products — like Othera and Gavilac — reflect our focus on innovation. Take Othera, for example. It uses a dual-release technology where one portion of the drug releases immediately and the second portion releases after 90 to 120 minutes. This ensures effective acid suppression for a full 24 hours. It's a sophisticated formulation, developed entirely by our in-house scientists.

At ACI, we continually strive to create differentiated products that combine efficacy, convenience, and adherence — ensuring better outcomes for patients both at home and abroad.

Entering the world's most regulated market

When we set our sights on the US market, we knew we were taking on one of the most challenging endeavours in the pharmaceutical world. But our philosophy has always been to aim high — to prove that Bangladeshi companies can meet and exceed the toughest international standards.

In 2019, we established ACI Healthcare Limited and built a new, US FDA-compliant manufacturing plant. The process was long and demanding, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed audits and inspections. Yet, through persistence and commitment, we succeeded. Today, ACI is proudly supplying products to the US market directly from Bangladesh — a landmark achievement for the entire industry.

Our global footprint continues to grow. We are already exporting to Europe, with two products approved there. Overall, Bangladesh's pharmaceutical exports now reach more than 200 countries, and we aim to significantly expand that reach in the coming years.

Preparing for post-LDC challenges

As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status, one of the most pressing challenges will be intellectual property rights under the TRIPS agreement. At present, LDCs enjoy waivers that allow the production of patented medicines, enabling affordable access to life-saving drugs.

To illustrate, consider a breakthrough anti-diabetic and weight-loss medicine developed by Eli Lilly. In the United States, it costs around $1,050. Our locally produced version costs only $13. After LDC graduation, we will no longer be able to produce such patented products without paying royalties — which could render many drugs unaffordable for millions.

It is therefore critical that the government takes proactive measures now. Accelerating product registrations and marketing authorisations will allow local companies to continue producing existing essential drugs legally even after graduation.

The road ahead: From generics to biosimilars

Globally, the next frontier in pharmaceuticals lies in biotechnology and biosimilars. These are complex, large-molecule drugs that require advanced scientific expertise and infrastructure. While this is a challenging field, it is also a tremendous opportunity for Bangladesh.

ACI, along with a few other forward-looking companies, is already investing in biotechnological capabilities to develop biosimilars. We see this as the natural progression from generics — a move that will define the next chapter of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical story.

The success we have achieved so far is already extraordinary for a developing nation. But I firmly believe this is only the beginning. With continued investment in innovation, skilled human capital, and quality assurance, Bangladesh can emerge not only as a leading producer of affordable generics but also as a significant player in the global biosimilar and biotech market.

Our pharmaceutical journey reflects the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of our people. From being import-dependent to becoming a trusted exporter of life-saving drugs — Bangladesh's pharmaceutical success truly is an unthinkable achievement for a developing country.

The interview was conducted by The Business Standard's Chief Reporter Abbas Uddin Noyon