Patients: Increased effectiveness of both the prevention and treatment of diseases. Biopharma drugs are particularly effective with late-stage, difficult to treat, chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hepatitis C, and immunological disorders. Biologics are better than existing chemical alternatives because they have higher efficacy outcomes and are more specific in targeting and hence, have fewer side effects. 

The Project responds to the gap through investing in a Company with capacity to bring biosimilars to developing countries where there is a low penetration of biologicals due to the high cost of innovative products and lack of interest of biosimilars producers to go to these markets.

Competitiveness: Major multinational pharma companies, which were once considered traditional pharma companies, are now shifting into biotech on an unprecedented scale. However, most low- and middle-income countries lack access to biopharma products, and at the same time, face increasingly higher drug costs. Introduction of biosimilars has helped reduce drug costs (ranging from 30% to 75%) and increase access to treatment in several countries in Europe and EMs. Stein is planning to be one of the first companies to introduce biosimilars upon patent expiration in a number of therapeutic areas over the life of project, with a price discount to the innovator in the range of 50-60%.

IFC Own Account Equity: IFC's longer-investment horizon vis-à-vis other type of investors such as PEFs will enable Stein to properly execute its long-term plan.

Knowledge, innovation and capacity building: As Stein aims to continue expanding throughout LAC, IFC can help the Company sharing knowledge on potential partners in new markets given IFC's healthcare expertise in EMs, global network, and its local presence in many markets. In addition, IFC will bring international best practices in Corporate Governance based on IFC's experience working with family-owned companies in different markets. IFC's CG Advisory will help the Company to achieve a higher level of sophistication in corporate governance which is critical for the continuity of the business in the long run and for the achievement of Stein's medium to long term goals (e.g., internationalization, access to international markets).

Standard Setting: IFC will help the Company establish appropriate environmental, social and governance standards.