northland in the middle east
The Middle East has seen the greatest shift of pharmaceutical and medical needs in the last 3 decades. Chronic heart, lung, and metabolic diseases have supplanted infectious disease as the leading cause of morbidity in this region, particularly in the gulf states. Economic prosperity has altered local lifestyles; providing the impetus for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and COPD. Demand for medications such as ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril), calcium channel blockers (Amlodipine), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix) and diabetic drugs (Insulin, Metformin) has easily outpaced regional supply and manufacturing capabilities. The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly one-third of the gulf population above 35 is either diabetic or prediabetic. With such a high prevalence, it will be critical in the upcoming decades for the proper supply and distribution of metabolic medications as an adjunct to widely needed education in lifestyle modification and dietary control.
Despite the above shift, infectious disease does persist and at rates of incidence that are higher than in western countries. Infections of the GI tract (dysentery) and respiratory tract (pneumonia) as well as vector-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever are still prevalent particularly in areas of poor public health infrastructure and sanitation. Political unrest and conflict compound these challenges as recently evident by the Cholera epidemic in Yemen. Common antibiotics (Cephalosporins, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, and Artemether) will continue to be in constant need in these regions.
Northland Bioscience, via its subsidiaries NBS Pharmaceuticals and NBS Medical, possesses the necessary production capacity and supply chain forecasting to provide a continuous supply of medications to the region. We work closely with local healthcare agencies to accurately assess product needs of a region; adjusting our manufacturing to help fill anticipated demand of specific products. Our highly trained staff not only monitor production quality but also work closely with the local communities to educate on proper storage, distribution, and administration of our products.