Citi Pharma becomes Pakistan’s largest antibiotics producer with help from Chinese firm

Citi Pharma has become Pakistan’s largest producer of antibiotics, following a strategic collaboration with Chinese pharmaceutical machinery company Xin Weisheng.

The announcement was made in an official press release issued by Citi Pharma on Wednesday.

“This achievement not only positions Citi Pharma as Pakistan’s largest antibiotics producer but also contributes to our nation's pharmaceutical independence and ability to meet the healthcare needs of our people,” said Dr Zameer Ul Hassan, managing director at Citi Pharma, in the release.

The partnership has significantly boosted domestic manufacturing capacity, cutting reliance on imports and strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical sector.

Xin Weisheng installed automated aseptic production lines at Citi Pharma’s facility in Phool Nagar, increasing output from 10,000 to 100,000 vials per day.

In 2023, Pakistan imported more than $126 million worth of antibiotics, with 84% of those imports coming from China. The expansion in local capacity is expected to reduce import dependence and enhance drug availability.

Yuting Shao, director at Xin Weisheng, said the collaboration reflects a broader mission.

“We are passionate about helping nations achieve pharmaceutical self-reliance to address critical public health needs,” she said. “Our partnership with Citi Pharma shows how technology can transform a country’s healthcare capabilities.”

Citi Pharma, listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, is one of the country’s largest manufacturers of active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs.