A factory in Kikuyu has produced the first commercial ARVs made in Kenya, conforming to the stringent standards set by the World Health Organisation.

Universal Corporation produced the three million tablets of ARVS this week.

Firm CEO Perviz Dhanani said the factory received the final certification from the WHO to begin commercial production in November last year.

“We have the capacity to produce one million tablets a day. The WHO certification means we can receive orders from governments and global agencies such as Unicef and Global Fund.

Universal becomes the first drugs company in Kenya to commercially produce ARVs.

It was bought by Bangalore-based Pharma Strides Shasun, who acquired 51 per cent majority stake for Sh1.1 billion in 2016.

Universal produces 100 different pharmaceutical products sold in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone.

Source: The Star