Renacon Pharma Limited (RPL) is the brainchild of Dr. Salman Shakoh, who pioneered the development of physiological (natural) forms of Bicarbonate Hemodialysis solutions for end-stage kidney failure patients in South Asia in the late 1990s through extensive R&D. Previously, Bicarbonate formulations were imported at nearly four times the cost, accessible only to the top 1% of patients. These locally developed formulations, adhering to international standards, replaced the old toxic Acetate formulation, which had caused significant suffering and fatalities. This innovation transformed patient quality of life at a reduced cost compared to the older, toxic solution. From the beginning, RPL has led the hemodialysis market in Pakistan through its innovative products, despite other competitors.
The RPL facility on Ferozepur Road, Lahore, was licensed in 1998 by the Ministry of Health and is now operating beyond its capacity with multiple warehouses. A new state-of-the-art plant with several times the current capacity is nearly complete at FIEDMC in Faisalabad, with relocation pending a panel inspection by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The total land area is 10 acres, reserved for future expansion into nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, APIs, etc. The current covered area is 81,000 sq. ft., while the main building has an additional 20,000 sq. ft. second floor, which can be utilized for future expansion.
Since 2007, RPL has obtained international certifications through SGS, including CE 1639, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and GMP, with no other competitor holding a CE certificate. Renacon Pharma is featured in reports by top global market intelligence companies, providing comparisons across key parameters. RPL’s website is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and French for global marketing reach. In FY24, RPL produced 1.37 million dialysis sessions compared to 1.07 million in FY23, marking a 28% increase. Gross profit in FY24 was Rs. 471.2 million compared to Rs. 223 million in FY23, a 111% increase. Net profit was Rs. 169.74 million compared to Rs. 66.9 million in FY23, a 153% increase. This exceptional performance was the result of a significant change in sales strategy early in 2023, which delivered strong results in FY24. Several new, competent, and experienced technical personnel have been employed for the new FIEDMC plant.
Currently, RPL is prioritizing exports, with a presence at healthcare exhibitions such as Arab Health and Africa Health. Active communication is ongoing with importers in 10 countries, with exports made to Botswana, the Philippines, Kenya, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka over the past 14 months. Confirmed orders worth USD 324,235 are currently in the pipeline. New countries being added for export include Greece, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uruguay, South Africa, and the Philippines, with regulatory processes underway. The new plant will significantly boost exports following visits by potential importers.
Innovation is the key to growth. In addition to previous disinfectants, R&D efforts have developed a new disinfectant. Specialized nutraceuticals for kidney failure patients have also been formulated, along with unique hemodialysis solutions and a solution delivery system (CDS) for dialysis centers through ongoing R&D. Efforts are underway to produce dialyzers, blood tubing, and raw materials in the future. RPL has introduced pet cans for hemodialysis solutions—the first in Pakistan—to reduce costs by up to 30% compared to plastic cans, a move that competitors are now following. RPL provides training sessions on dialysis treatment, product quality, and economics to local and international doctors, dialysis staff, and importers/sales staff, led regularly by Dr. Salman Shakoh in person or online.
All employees are paid strictly according to government regulations, with additional incentives on production and sales. Additional support in cash and kind is provided to workers as needed. However, the biggest challenges are malpractice, tax evasion, cash payments, and non-adherence to government regulations regarding salaries and worker benefits by competitors, which significantly reduces their production costs. Despite these challenges, Renacon Pharma remains the market leader in Pakistan due to its quality and diverse formulations and products. Dialyzer and blood tubing lines are imported and manufactured on an OEM basis under the Renacon Pharma brand.
Renacon Pharma is on a growth path driven by quality, innovation, and global reach.