Nevian Life Science PLC on Wednesday started exporting medicines to Canada, marking a milestone for Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical export sector under a contract manufacturing arrangement with Switzerland-based Sandoz AG, the world’s leading generic pharmaceutical company.
In the first phase, Sandoz Canada Inc is importing multiple pharmaceutical products manufactured at Nevian’s Tongi plant against purchase orders placed by Sandoz AG.
The agreement is expected to expand to additional markets across Europe, North America and South America under the Sandoz global network.
The development marks the first time Bangladesh has exported pharmaceutical products to highly regulated North American markets, including Canada, on behalf of a multinational pharmaceutical company.
A ceremony marking the export commencement was held on Wednesday at Nevian’s manufacturing plant in Tongi, with senior government officials, regulatory representatives and local public representatives in attendance.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain joined the programme virtually as chief guest.
According to him, the pharmaceutical sector is a key driver for diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket. Nevian’s partnership with Sandoz could serve as a model for expanding pharmaceutical exports into advanced markets.
Nevian Managing Director Musawath Shams Zahedee said the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to global quality standards following its transition.
According to him, when the company embarked on its journey as Nevian, it pledged to uphold the quality standards of Novartis in Bangladesh. The Canada export milestone fulfils that commitment. Nevian is now the first company in Bangladesh engaged in multi-country partnership-based contract manufacturing and export operations.
The company would continue producing, marketing and exporting Novartis medicines under licensed arrangements with the same brand names, formulations and quality standards following its transition.
Following the acquisition of Novartis Bangladesh Limited in 2025 by Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited, the company was renamed Nevian Life Science PLC.
Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and Sandoz Canada Supply Planning Specialist Sampson Lam also delivered virtual remarks, stating that regulatory cooperation and supply chain alignment were critical in enabling the export process.
Radiant Pharmaceuticals Chairman Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee said Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry foundation was strengthened through the 1976 Pharmacy Ordinance, which enabled self-sufficiency in medicines.
According to him, policy frameworks introduced in 1994 for sector development would be revisited and modernised to further strengthen public health protection and industry growth.
