Every healthcare system faces the same question: how do you deliver better care with limited resources? In Egypt, that question is becoming urgent. Hospitals need reliable equipment. Patients need access to critical care. The government wants to reduce dependence on imports and build local capacity. It’s a challenge that requires experience, not just ambition.
Ashraf Sadek has spent forty years figuring out how healthcare actually works. He’s been a pharmacist, a business leader, and now CEO of Stio Life Science. He’s worked across Egypt, the Gulf, Africa, and Europe, learning what succeeds and what fails in real conditions.
At SLS, he’s focused on hospital and critical care, where the stakes are highest. His approach is practical: use proven technology, maintain high standards, and build systems that last. It’s not about grand visions. It’s about solving problems that matter.
Let’s explore how Sadek is contributing to drive Egypt’s pharmaceutical independence with science, strategy and national purpose!
A Humble Beginning and a Clear Purpose
Sadek began his professional journey in 1986. “My journey started on 1986 as a fresh graduate, worked as a pharmacist in a public pharmacy, before joining Schering AG as a medical representative in Egypt.” During those early years, he realized the importance of medical awareness and the power of research and development in improving lives. He understood that pharmacists could play a vital role in their community’s growth and prosperity.
In 1989, Sadek joined Warner Lambert/Park Davis to launch Lopid in the Saudi market, one of the fastest growing at that time. He describes it as a turning point, saying, “I liked the new concept that started a new era in dyslipidemia treatment modality that opened the door for a sequence of discoveries in this field up to the blockbuster Lipitor in 1998.”
From 1990 to 2000, he participated in the launch of several well-known products such as Lopid, Dilzem, Accuitel, Accuzide, Neurontin, and Lipitor. When Pfizer acquired Warner Lambert/Park Davis, Sadek was serving as a Field Sales Manager, ready for the next phase of his professional growth.
A Decade of Success at Pfizer
Joining Pfizer opened a new chapter for Sadek. “A new chapter started with Pfizer where I built a very strong institution team that take rank No 1 across all multinational companies from 2000 to 2010.” His leadership helped Pfizer’s institutional team achieve top rankings for ten consecutive years. This success extended to the private sector as well, demonstrating his skill in driving growth and maintaining excellence.
Sadek’s time at Pfizer was also a period of personal development. The company provided world-class training programs in partnership with Oxford, INSEAD, and the American Management Association. He took courses in hospital selling, team management, negotiation, change management, and Six Sigma. This combination of education and experience shaped his strategic mindset and developed his talent for leading diverse teams.
From National to Regional Leadership
In 2010, Sadek moved to Pfizer’s regional headquarters in Dubai as Senior Regional Director for Pfizer Established Products in Africa and the Middle East. The position gave him responsibility for more than 400 products in 52 countries, generating 600 million dollars in revenue by 2013. Managing such a vast portfolio deepened his understanding of global markets and strengthened his leadership across multiple cultures.
After twenty-five years of international experience, Sadek decided it was time to return home. In 2015, he came back to Egypt with a clear mission: to contribute directly to the advancement of the local pharmaceutical industry. His years abroad had given him the tools and perspective to make a meaningful impact on Egypt’s growing healthcare landscape.
An Entrepreneurial Vision
In 2017, Sadek and a group of colleagues established a company focused on food supplements and cosmo-pharmaceutical preparations. At that time, the field was still new in Egypt, but his foresight and commitment to innovation helped the company thrive.
By 2021, he had taken on another important role, serving as Chairman and CEO of El Nasr Pharma, one of Egypt’s major governmental pharmaceutical and API producers. This position allowed him to combine leadership with a sense of public service.
Soon after, Sadek was chosen by Counselor Dr. Amr Abdel Razek ‘the Founder and Chairman of SLS’ to lead Stio Life Science, a new Egyptian company dedicated to hospital business and high-tech critical care products. “What inspired me to join SLS was to bring state of art products to critical care patients, that means saving lives.” His words reflect not only his passion for science but also his commitment to human health and dignity.
A Vision Rooted in National Goals
Sadek’s leadership at SLS is deeply connected to Egypt’s national priorities. “The vision of Stio Life Science is providing high tech products and science to Egypt, Africa and Middle East, science is our life.” The company’s mission focuses on localizing the pharmaceutical industry, a goal that supports the country’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Through his work, Sadek is helping reduce Egypt’s dependence on imported medical products. This not only strengthens the local economy but also ensures faster access to essential medicines for Egyptian patients.
A Leadership Style Built on Experience
Sadek’s leadership has evolved through decades of experience. “Experience across 40 years, expanded roles from medical rep to sales manager to business unit director to senior regional director for Africa and Middle East, working in different sectors either private or institution/tender markets and playing an instrumental role in many cultures have shaped my leadership style to be supportive, knowledgeable, and lead by example.”
He believes in guiding his teams through understanding and mentorship. For him, a successful leader listens, supports, and sets a clear vision. His management philosophy combines professionalism with humanity, creating an environment where people are motivated to perform at their best.
SLS and the Power of Localization
Under Sadek’s direction, SLS aims to be a cornerstone of Egypt’s effort to localize pharmaceutical production. “SLS will be one of the pillars in the technology transfer and localization of pharmaceutical industry in Egypt.” The company’s work helps reduce reliance on imported medicines, saving the country significant foreign currency while building national capability.
SLS focuses on producing critical care and hospital products, ensuring that patients can rely on locally made, high-quality medicines that meet international standards.
Research and Development for a Healthier Nation
SLS’s research and development activities concentrate on hospital and ICU products. The company’s portfolio includes operation room products in BAG form, anesthesia lines, respiratory stimulants, analgesics, sedatives, electrolytes, antihypertensives, and a variety of emergency medicines. Among the latter are Atropine, Dexamethasone, Heparin, Adrenaline, and Erythropoietin in PFS form. Most of these products were previously imported, but SLS is determined to produce them locally, ensuring better accessibility and affordability for Egyptian patients.
Technology at the Heart of Progress
“SLS Stio Life Science is leveraging technology through high tech production process with a state of art Plumat technology at EL Nasr Facility.” This advanced system produces sterilized medical bags with two nozzles instead of one, offering greater hygiene and safety for patients and healthcare workers and the PFS Technology at Wadi El Nil Benta Facility. The technology represents a leap forward for Egypt’s pharmaceutical production capabilities.
SLS also integrates modern digital tools into its operations. Using the ODOO system, one of the most advanced CRM platforms, the company is creating an interactive environment that may eventually allow patients to communicate directly through the system. “Being an active member in the healthcare programs in Egypt will allow SLS to provide world class services to both the medical community and the patients,” says Sadek.
Overcoming Obstacles with Determination
Launching a company like SLS required overcoming many challenges. Sadek explains that the most difficult areas were regulatory, production, and marketing. Some of the products had never been registered in Egypt before, which meant long and complex approval processes. Finding the right API suppliers, preparing master files, and waiting for regulatory clearance took years.
In production, maintaining and training teams to use the Plumat and PFS Machines was expensive and time consuming. Yet Sadek and his team stayed focused, determined to make it work. Recruiting the right sales and marketing professionals was another major challenge. “Finding and hiring the right people was not an easy task.” The company needed a team capable of marketing high-tech hospital products in a market long dominated by imported brands.
Despite the obstacles, the company’s persistence paid off. “It was not an easy task and we still facing challenges every day, however we have no doubt that we will be there strong, efficient and persistent.”
Values That Define Success
Sadek’s philosophy is guided by integrity. “In Stio we believe that only values and ethics should be our backbone baked up with science and technology.” The company follows strict GMP and GSP standards to ensure every process is ethical and sustainable.
“Our strategy ensures sustainability and ethical practice from selecting products, hiring people, to all the processes that control and govern our business,” Sadek explains. For him, ethical leadership is not a slogan; it is the foundation of long-term success. “We are there to build, grow and continue.”
Creating a Culture of Innovation and Openness
SLS has built a culture where creativity and collaboration are part of everyday work. “In SLS we foster a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration using different approaches.” The Open Door Policy allows employees to communicate freely with leadership. The Innovation Box encourages every team member to contribute ideas year-round. “It is a 365-day competition between all employees to provide solutions, suggestions and ideas that help SLS to be a better place to work.”
In addition, cross-functional task forces are formed whenever new projects or challenges arise. These teams bring together people from different departments, promoting cooperation and shared responsibility.
Supporting Egypt’s Growing Healthcare Ecosystem
Sadek has witnessed Egypt’s healthcare environment evolve over many years. “Egypt ecosystem had went through many challenges during the last two decades, however in the last two years a notable progress had been made.” He sees a growing commitment among government bodies to strengthen and modernize the healthcare system.
“In SLS we are insisting to be part of this process by applying the highest standards in our offices and plants,” he says. The company’s practices reflect international benchmarks, helping build trust in Egyptian-made pharmaceutical products.
Building Global Partnerships
Sadek’s international background has helped SLS form valuable global partnerships. “During the last few years we have built some successful partnerships with some German, Italian, Canadian and Indian companies.” These relationships have improved technology sharing, production quality, and market access.
Looking ahead, SLS aims to export its products to Africa and the Middle East, strengthening Egypt’s presence in regional markets. The company is now building connections with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve this goal.
Patients at the Center of Every Decision
Sadek believes that patients are the reason for everything SLS does. “Patient is in the core of our purpose.” The company’s approach ensures that patient needs guide every plan and decision. “We put the patient in the heart of any plan.”
SLS maintains close contact with patients through social media platforms, hotlines, and awareness programs. “We developed many tools to keep our patients connected via social media and direct hotline.” The company also invites patients to participate in awareness activities, helping to build trust and education within the community.
Advice for Future Leaders
Sadek’s advice to the next generation of healthcare entrepreneurs is direct and thoughtful. “Think big, build strong business case, deep analysis, extensively study the plan and analyze every single element.” He encourages young leaders to stay prepared for all scenarios. “Be ready with plan A, B and C.”
He believes that lasting success comes from combining technology with the right people. “Look after the most recent technology that will live longer, and provide value. Only the right people should be in the bus. Build a culture, not just a company.”
A Passion that Never Fades
Sadek’s passion for healthcare continues to grow. “Patients, new remedies and health technology/innovation are the drivers behind SLS passion and inspiration toward a healthier future in Egypt, Africa and Middle East.” These words summarize his life’s mission.
From his early days as a community pharmacist to his global leadership roles and now as a national figure in Egypt’s healthcare transformation, his journey reflects dedication and vision. His work shows that progress is not only about business success but also about creating value for society.
Through Stio Life Science, with the support of Counselor Dr Amr Abdel Razek, Sadek is trying to shape a future where Egypt stands tall in medical innovation and self-reliance. His leadership combines experience, purpose, and heart, reminding us that the real goal of healthcare is to save lives and make them better.
