Disruption, uncertainty and Egyptian aid as war impacts pharma in the Middle East

The ongoing conflict involving Israelis and Palestinians represents a long-term threat to the peace and stability of the Middle East, but it is also impacting the production and flow of medicines and other medical supplies in the region, writes The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.

Several global pharma companies operating in Israel have released statements regarding the current situation and future plans. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) have announced that they are closely following events in Israel and will take all necessary steps to ensure the flow of finished products to distributers, and secure the safety of their employees and products in the affected areas.

Israeli generics giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE: TEVA), meanwhile, declared that its production remains largely unaffected despite nearly 10% of its employees in Israel being called to reserve duty.