Frater–Razes: A Leading Algerian Pharmaceutical Innovator Expanding Toward Africa
Under the leadership of Dr. Abdelhamid Cherfaoui, Frater-Razes Laboratories has emerged as one of Algeria’s most dynamic and influential pharmaceutical producers. The company is positioning itself not only as a national industrial force but also as a rising regional exporter, with a clear strategy focused on Africa and the Arab world.
A Growing National Pharmaceutical Powerhouse
Frater-Razes has built a strong reputation in Algeria through continuous investment in modern production units, advanced technology, and strict quality control. Dr. Cherfaoui has guided the company through a transformative phase, enabling it to enter segments previously dominated by multinational laboratories.
Breakthrough: Local Production of Biosimilars
One of the company’s most important achievements is entering the field of biosimilars—complex biological medicines produced using living cells and used to treat chronic and serious diseases.
This transition represents a major leap for the Algerian pharmaceutical industry, as biosimilars require high-precision biotechnological infrastructure, rigorous quality assurance, and specialized scientific expertise. Through this step, Frater-Razes places Algeria among the few emerging countries with the capability to produce such advanced medicines.
The company has announced production capacities reaching 15 to 18 million injectable doses per year, with the possibility of expanding further depending on market demand.
Export Ambitions: Building an African Footprint
Exporting Algerian-made medicines is a central pillar of Frater-Razes’s long-term strategy.
The company aims to supply:
African markets
Arab countries
And, in the longer term, potentially certain European markets
This ambition is made possible thanks to internationally compliant production lines, competitive pricing, and the advantage of geographical proximity to Africa.
Supporting National Health Sovereignty and the Economy
Frater-Razes plays a dual national role:
1. Strengthening pharmaceutical sovereignty
By producing strategic and advanced medicines locally, the company helps reduce Algeria’s dependence on imports and ensures safer, more stable access to essential treatments.
2. Supporting the national economy
The company contributes by:
Creating highly skilled jobs
Increasing local value-added
Replacing expensive imports
Generating foreign currency through exports
This aligns with Algeria’s national industrial strategy and efforts to boost the pharmaceutical sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges include:
Meeting strict international standards for export
Expanding biotechnological expertise
Building robust supply chains for raw materials
Opportunities include:
Growing African demand for affordable, high-quality medicines
Potential partnerships with international laboratories
Integration into regional distribution networks
Strengthening Algeria’s position as a continental pharmaceutical hub
Conclusion
Frater-Razes, under Dr. Abdelhamid Cherfaoui’s leadership, represents a new model of ambitious, innovative Algerian pharmaceutical manufacturing. With its progress in biosimilars, industrial capacity, and export strategy, the company is poised to become a major regional player and a pillar of Algeria’s pharmaceutical sovereignty and economic development.
