SEARL charts biotech-led future with global expansion plans

July 17, 2026 (MLN): Global pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~5-8%, with market size reaching $2.6tr by 2030 from the current $1.78tr, according to management of The Searle Company Limited (SEARL) at the Pakistan Investor Connect Conference organized by Topline Securities.

The session was led by SEARL's CEO Mr. Tahir Ahmed, who shared the company's operational updates, financial position, and outlook.

Pakistan's pharma market grew at a five-year CAGR of 17.5%, reaching US$4.2bn (Rs1.17trn) in 2025, which constitutes ~0.3% of the global market, with National companies holding a 78% value share and Multinationals holding 22%.

As drug prices now adjust annually in line with inflation, the company is structurally well positioned to benefit from pricing deregulation, with 80% of its portfolio comprising non-essential medicines.

SEARL's top five flagship brands are Nuberol, Extor, Peditral, Hydryllin, and Gravinate, with the company ranked number 1 and 2 in these respective brand categories. The company also introduced 14 new products, including Rexeva, Bilfaxin, Tramal D, Hydryllin G, Semaglutide, SYNPEP, and Bempics, among others.

Biopharma Private Limited is initiating toll manufacturing of biological products for third-party industry partners to monetize its existing biologics capacity through a new high-value revenue stream.

Key partnerships include an MoU with Martin Dow Marker Ltd (MDM) and another with Atco Laboratories Ltd to contract-manufacture biological products at the facility, diversifying the revenue mix beyond own-brand sales and boosting the subsidiary's future profitability.

The biosimilar portfolio features seven high-value products, establishing a strong market presence to capture a significant share of the global biosimilars market, which is expected to reach $66.9bn by 2028.

The company has already successfully commercialized 9 key products, with 3 more in the development pipeline.

On the export front, management noted that the industry has already absorbed the shock of the Pak-Afghan border closure and is now preparing for new opportunities.

Pakistan currently exports to countries holding less than 4% of global market share, and international standard bio plants will pave the way for further exports.

Management expects the biotech share in total prescription and OTC sales to reach ~41% by 2028, up from ~38% in 2025, with the biological segment expected to take over value growth going forward.

On the biological portfolio side, the company is targeting ~60-70% of product value through in-house manufacturing.

The strategy is focused on four key steps: establishing a local fill-and-finish setup for immediate cash flow, moving to in-house manufacturing to boost margins, upgrading global facilities for regulated-market access, and leveraging CDMO partnerships to unlock exports.

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