Nevian Lifescience PLC has officially launched production of Novartis-branded medicines in Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone following the acquisition of majority shares from Novartis AG Switzerland by Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited. The first locally manufactured Novartis brand under the new ownership, 'Galvus Met', was unveiled at a ceremony in Dhaka on October 18, 2025.
Seamless Transition Maintains Global Standards
The transition from Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited to Nevian Lifescience PLC ensures continuity of pharmaceutical manufacturing while adhering to Novartis' global production and quality assurance standards. Under the licensing agreement, Nevian will continue to manufacture and market Novartis' world-renowned pharmaceutical brands in Bangladesh using the same ingredients, processes, skilled workforce, and manufacturing facilities.
"Since the same ingredients, processes, skilled workforce, and manufacturing facilities are being maintained, there will be no change in the quality of Novartis medicines produced in Bangladesh," assured Musawat Shams Zahedee, Managing Director of Nevian Lifescience PLC.
Preserving Five Decades of Legacy
The pharmaceutical operations in Bangladesh trace back to 1973 with the establishment of Ciba-Geigy (Bangladesh) Limited as a joint venture with Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC). Following the global merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz AG in 1996, the entity became Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited. The recent divestment by Novartis AG led to the acquisition by Radiant Pharmaceuticals, while BCIC's shareholding remains unchanged.
"Novartis has been at the forefront of innovation and medical advancement for over 250 years worldwide. In Bangladesh, over the past five decades, Novartis' medicines have earned the trust of both doctors and patients," said Nasser Shahriar Zahedee, founding director of Nevian and Chairman of Radiant Pharma.
Strategic Manufacturing and Export Expansion
Nevian's state-of-the-art EU-GMP certified manufacturing facility in Tongi already operates as a contract manufacturer for Sandoz, supplying pharmaceuticals to various European markets. The company has announced ambitious plans to expand exports to the USA, Europe, and other developed countries, positioning Bangladesh as a dependable global hub for high-quality pharmaceutical products.
The facility will continue producing all Novartis medicines in Bangladesh under license while also serving as the local importer for newly developed Novartis products. Looking ahead, Nevian's leadership has announced plans to invest in advanced technologies such as biotechnology.
Government and Industry Support
The launch ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials including Nasimul Goni, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of Health Services Division; and Md. Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, alongside international diplomatic representatives.
BCIC Chairman Md. Fazlur Rahman emphasized that "the production of Novartis medicines under Nevian's banner represents more than a corporate milestone; it is a significant step toward the self-reliance of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry, helping to deliver safer, more reliable, and world-class healthcare for the nation."
Professor Dr. Chowdhury Mahmud Hasan, former head of the Directorate General of Drug Administration and Professor at the University of Dhaka, called the development "a testament to the growing capabilities of the country's pharmaceutical sector," expressing confidence that Nevian would uphold Novartis' longstanding reputation for quality and patient trust.
