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Ethypharm - About us - History
Ethypharm History

Ethypharm, a story of growth

Our History

Over the years, Ethypharm has leveraged its expertise to become a leading mid-sized global pharmaceutical company. Today, we manufacture and provide essential medicines, focusing on Hospital Injectables, central nervous system disorders (severe pain and addiction), and internal medicine.

Hirtory 2nd picture

Pioneering Drug Delivery Solutions (1977 - 2000)

Founded in 1977, Ethypharm quickly became a European leader in drug delivery and oral modified-release formulations, developing technologies such as extended-release micro-granules and orodispersible tablets. These innovations have enhanced how active ingredients are administered and absorbed.

During this period, Ethypharm relied exclusively on commercial partnerships, initially in France before expanding across Europe, North America, and China.

Advancing Complex Generics (2000 - 2015)

With the rise of generic medicines in the early 2000s, Ethypharm applied its expertise to develop complex generics requiring advanced formulation and bioequivalence solutions. Products such as omeprazole, buprenorphine, fenofibrate, and esomeprazole were key milestones.

By 2010, as opportunities in complex generics declined, Ethypharm strengthened its focus on pain management and addiction treatment, building on its existing expertise in these therapeutic areas.

The Group also established a solid presence in China, further expanding its international reach.

Becoming a European Specialty Pharma (Since 2015)

2015 marked a turning point for Ethypharm, as it transitioned from a partnership-based model to direct commercialization. The Group began selling its morphine portfolio directly in France and the UK and relocated the manufacturing of its leading product in China.

Ethypharm rapidly expanded its presence across Europe’s largest pharmaceutical markets:

  • 2016: Launch of an affiliate in Germany
  • 2017: Acquisition of Martindale Pharma, a UK-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on opioid dependency, critical care, and sterile injectables. This also strengthened Ethypharm’s footprint in the Middle East and Africa.
  • 2021: Establishment of an affiliate in Italy and acquisition of Altan Pharma, enhancing the Group’s position in the Iberian Peninsula, strengthening exports, and expanding its portfolio of hospital injectable medicines.

Today, 81% of Ethypharm’s revenue comes from pharmaceutical sales, with 66% generated through direct sales in our affiliates and 15% from distribution. The remaining 19% comes from our CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) activities, through partnerships with other pharmaceutical companies.

With a strong industrial and commercial foundation, Ethypharm continues to grow, staying close to patients and healthcare professionals worldwide.