Pharmaniaga Bhd has won a RM281.7 million government contract to supply human insulin to public hospitals over three years, making it Malaysia’s first local producer of the drug.
The insulin will be manufactured at Pharmaniaga’s Puchong facility under its unit, Pharmaniaga Lifescience Sdn Bhd, according to the government procurement portal. The deal positions Pharmaniaga as likely the largest supplier of human insulin to government hospitals, stepping in after a shortage caused by production issues at Biocon and Novo Nordisk’s exit from the market.
The Puchong plant can produce up to 30 million doses annually, and sources estimate Pharmaniaga will supply roughly 50–60% of the government’s insulin needs under this contract.
Pharmaniaga recently exited PN17 status on March 17, following a red-flag in 2023 after a RM552.3 million Covid-19 vaccine inventory impairment.
Separately, Duopharma Biotech Bhd may secure a new three-year contract to supply human insulin under a dual-supplier arrangement with Pharmaniaga, with its current interim extension expiring on May 15. Human insulin is expected to contribute 9–11% of Duopharma’s revenue in 2026.
