JGL Beograd Sopot received a GMP certificate that will enable this subsidiary of JGL d.d. from Rijeka to export products to Russia and enter positive drug lists in Serbia more easily.
"A little more than a year after obtaining the drug manufacturing authorisation in our plant in Sopot, at the beginning of 2016, we underwent an inspection by the competent regulatory body for the compliance of manufacturing processes with good manufacturing practice guidelines according to national regulations that are harmonised with the European ones. This was the last in a series of small steps leading to the realisation of one of the most important goals of our young company - obtaining a GMP certificate, which fulfils the key prerequisite for the export of products from Serbia to Russia", said Nataša Knežević, Quality Manager and Qualified Person for Batch Release in JGL Beograd Sopot.
Since this is a sector with high entry price barriers for the development, manufacturing and registrations based on GMP guidelines, the project was extremely demanding.
Investments in the renovation and reallocation of pharmaceutical premises and in the manufacturing equipment in Sopot, a town located approximately 60 kilometres from Belgrade, amounted to around 2 million euro.
JGL d.d. Rijeka started its production in the Republic of Serbia when it founded JGL Beograd Sopot and took over the Bg Pharm company at the beginning of 2014. This was followed by starting the cycle of business expansion and investment in production plants.
The size of the Serbian pharmacy segment is approximately equal to the Croatian and records continuous growth. The production on this market enables JGL's flexibility, recognisability of the company as a local manufacturer, and engaging in the local GMP community. The company also enjoys a preferential customs treatment on the markets of the CIS region, where it already has well-developed operations.
The production is mainly focused on the Serbian market, but also on the export markets of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, as well as CEFTA countries, primarily due to free trade agreements between the Republic of Serbia and the neighbouring countries.
"In addition to Folacin that has been our successful brand for a number of years, we are also present in Serbia with the majority of other well-known JGL brands - Aqua Maris, Lactogyn, Normia, Dramina. Our company in Serbia currently has 50 registered drugs and further expansion of the portfolio is planned. In the future, we plan to focus on the continuous production of solid pharmaceutical forms and on cooperation in the segment of contract manufacturing as we offer complete development, production and support to our partners", said Zorica Lazić, Sales and Marketing Director at JGL Beograd Sopot.