CEO Insights Magazine

Throughout his dynamic career, Levan has held significant leadership roles in both startup environ­ments and established corporations. He began his journey at GlaxoSmithKline and later continued at Abdi Ibrahim Pharmaceuticals. As the CEO of GM PHARMA, he is driven by a deep-seated commit­ment to innovation and improving public health. Levan ensures that the products developed by GM PHARMA are not only effective but also accessible to those in need.

Levan's vision for GM PHARMA is ambitious. He leads the company towards becoming an Inter­national Pharma Powerhouse, successfully transi­tioning from regional excellence to worldwide dis­tinction. His dedication to innovation and growth positions GM PHARMA as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape, reinforcing Georgia’s reputation as a center for business development and healthcare advancement. Under his leadership, GM PHARMA is poised to thrive and contribute signifi­cantly to the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

Let’s dive in to know more from this one-on-one interaction.

Describe GM PHARMA as an organization and its market position.

GM PHARMA is a leading pharmaceutical compa­ny based in Georgia and the South Caucasus, rec­ognized for its commitment to quality and innova­tion. Since 2017, it has maintained its status as the market leader in Georgia and ranks among the top five pharmaceutical companies in Uzbekistan. The company specializes in both generic and branded in-licensing pharmaceuticals, offering a wide range of therapy solutions.

GM PHARMA's market position is bolstered by robust R&D initiatives and strategic partnerships, enabling the continuous expansion of its product offerings. The focus on producing first generic ver­sions of globally recognized blockbuster drugs en­hances competition and affordability while address­ing critical healthcare needs.

With over 600 professionals, GM PHARMA treats more than 12 million patients annually across Georgia and international markets. The company exports over 100 products and has representative of­fices in seven countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. GM PHARMA is also in the process of obtaining EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, expected to be finalized in 2026, which will further solidify its commitment to quality and facilitate access to the European market.

As the CEO, what factors do you consider when formulating effective corporate growth strategies for the company?

In crafting corporate growth strategies, I take into account market trends, consumer needs, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements in the pharmaceutical sector. It’s vital to align our strat­egies with our long-term vision while remaining flexible to adapt to immediate market dynamics. A top priority is investing in R&D to enhance our drug pipeline and identify new market opportuni­ties. Our approach includes launching first generic products in the markets where we operate, aligning the introduction of generics with innovator drugs. Additionally, employee engagement and team capa­bilities are crucial; fostering a culture of innovation empowers my team to actively contribute to our growth.

How do you cultivate a learning culture within your team to keep them updated on the latest practices, regulatory frameworks, and market changes in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

I promote continuous professional development by offering training opportunities and fostering a col­laborative environment where team members can share insights and learn from one another's experi­ences. This includes regular workshops that focus on the pharmaceutical landscape and practical ap­plications of modern technologies in R&D and pro­duction. Such an environment ensures our teams are well-prepared to adapt to changes and innovate effectively. By emphasizing mentorship and collab­oration, I create an open atmosphere where employ­ees feel encouraged to pursue growth and share their knowledge.

What best industry practices have you implemented in your team to ensure quality is upheld throughout the manufacturing process and to provide a diverse range of therapy solutions and effective modern medicines?

We adhere to stringent quality management stan­dards, including GMP/GDP and ISO protocols. By establishing clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conducting regular audits by GxP consult­ing firms from the EU and UK, and fostering a cul­ture of quality accountability, we empower every team member to play a vital role in maintaining product quality. By implementing best practices, we ensure that responsibilities closely align with cur­rent medical practices, which is particularly crucial for maintaining the competitive quality of our first generic products. Quality assurance is inherently a shared responsibility at GM PHARMA, and I pro­mote an environment where team members are en­couraged to proactively identify issues and propose improvements. This approach cultivates a culture of accountability around maintaining high-quality standards at every level of manufacturing.

What skills do you seek in new candidates?

I seek candidates who exhibit a blend of strong tech­nical expertise, particularly an analytical mindset, along with essential soft skills, especially in com­munication and teamwork. A proactive attitude and adaptability to change are vital in the constantly evolving pharmaceutical landscape. Additionally, I value creativity and problem-solving abilities, as these traits greatly enhance innovation within our organization. Lastly, ensuring a cultural fit and alignment with our core values is crucial for new hires to succeed in our environment.

What is the future direction you envision for the company?

Looking ahead, I see GM PHARMA becoming a key player in the international pharmaceutical arena, broadening our market presence beyond Georgia and the CIS to include the EU, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Our commitment will remain on research and innovation, allowing us to introduce new therapies and enhance our existing product lines. GM PHARMA has already developed a comprehensive R&D and Product Development Strategy, with over 15 ongoing R&D projects and plans for an additional 30+ new projects in 2025. My goal is to position GM PHARMA as a benchmark for quality and efficiency, establish ourselves as a trust­ed global pharmaceutical partner, and advocate for sustainable practices within our operations.

Levan Varduashvili, CEO, GM Pharma

Levan Varduashvili Began His Academic Journey At Tbilisi State Medical University, Graduating With Distinction As A Medical Doctor Of General Practice. Driven By The Desire To Enhance His Medical Expertise With Business Acumen, He Pursued An International Executive Mba At The Grenoble Graduate School Of Business, A Leading Institution In The European Union. He Received His Mba Degree With Distinction, Demonstrating His Commitment To Excellence In Both Medicine And Business. This Educational Foundation Has Equipped Him With A Unique Perspective That Combines Clinical Knowledge With Strategic Business Leadership, Allowing Him To Navigate And Lead Effectively In The Complex Pharmaceutical Industry.