Mahfouzcare and Protein Sciences Announce Licensing of Influenza Vaccines for the MENA Region

Saudi Arabia — Mahfouzcare, the medical division of Al Sawari Holding, has entered into a strategic agreement with U.S.-based Protein Sciences to become the exclusive distributor of the company’s Flublok® (seasonal) and Panblok® (pandemic) influenza vaccines across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The agreement also includes potential future vaccines developed by Protein Sciences.

Representing approximately 6% of the global population, the MENA region is a key market for innovative healthcare solutions. This partnership significantly expands the international reach of Flublok and reinforces Mahfouzcare’s commitment to introducing advanced medical technologies to the region.

About Mahfouzcare

Based in Saudi Arabia, Mahfouzcare operates across the healthcare value chain — encompassing pharmaceutical distribution, local manufacturing, healthcare centers, retail pharmacies, and co-marketing services. Through carefully selected global partnerships, Mahfouzcare identifies unmet healthcare needs and delivers innovative, efficient, and accessible solutions tailored to the region.

Driven by a strong strategy and a global network, Mahfouzcare’s mission is to enhance well-being and contribute to the long-term development of the MENA healthcare landscape.

About Protein Sciences

Protein Sciences is a leading biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of innovative vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. Committed to advancing public health, the company developed Flublok®, the world’s first recombinant protein-based influenza vaccine.

About Flublok®

Approved by the U.S. FDA in 2013, Flublok® is a revolutionary, 100% egg-free flu vaccine produced using recombinant DNA and cell culture technology. This method eliminates the use of live influenza viruses, eggs, antibiotics, and preservatives such as thimerosal, making Flublok a highly purified, safe, and effective alternative to traditional flu vaccines.

Key Features:

• Contains 3x more antigen than standard flu vaccines (3x45mcg hemagglutinin protein)

• Free from egg proteins, latex, gelatin, and preservatives

• Demonstrated stronger immune responses, particularly to A strains, in clinical trials

• Approved for adults 18 years and older

About Panblok®

Panblok® is Protein Sciences’ pandemic influenza vaccine, developed using the same advanced recombinant technology platform as Flublok. It is designed for rapid response to global pandemic outbreaks and is positioned as a critical solution for public health preparedness.

Safety Information for Flublok®

Flublok is approved for individuals 18 years and older to prevent seasonal influenza. The most commonly reported side effect is injection site pain, with occasional symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or muscle aches. Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome or severe allergies to any vaccine component should consult a healthcare provider prior to vaccination. As with all vaccines, Flublok may not protect all recipients.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of accessible, modern influenza prevention across the MENA region and reflects Mahfouzcare’s unwavering commitment to bringing life-saving innovations to the forefront of regional healthcare.