The journey began in 1993 with the founding of IBSA Farmaceutici Italia, followed by strategic expansion through acquisitions: AMSA in 1996, Gelfipharma in 2001 (now the IBSA Lodi 1 site), and Bouty Healthcare in 2010 (now the IBSA Cassina de’ Pecchi site).
The acquisition of Gelfipharma in 2001 represented a real challenge: the facility was in poor condition. But Licenziati was undeterred and initiated a deep, progressive restructuring, building a new production unit and installing high-tech lines to develop innovative solutions for drug delivery, medical devices and food supplements.
The Lodi 1 site specialises in finished products based on hyaluronic acid and houses an advanced sterile plant for pre-filled syringes. Today, it serves all Group markets with:
- injectables (aseptic and terminally sterilised), in traditional vials and pre-filled syringes;
- topical formulations (creams, gels, solutions), including with BoV (Bag-on-Valve) technology;
- softgel capsules.
The production lines are technologically advanced and sustainable. Investments in modernisation have led to high efficiency standards, making the site a certified centre of excellence by major international regulators, including the FDA.
In 2009, Licenziati decided to merge the subsidiary AMSA.
In 2010, IBSA Farmaceutici Italia officially began medical-scientific promotion, with its first 50 pharmaceutical reps.
That same year, IBSA acquired Bouty Healthcare, founded in 1994 and based in Cassina de’ Pecchi, near Milan. Bouty brought to IBSA two decades of expertise in producing:
- medicated patches for topical and transdermal use;
- patches with natural active ingredients for cosmetic applications and medical devices;
- orosoluble/orodispersible film (ODF).
Precisely these orodispersible films represent one of the site’s most advanced technologies.
In 2017, production of sildenafil in orodispersible film began, followed in 2019 by food supplements in the same formulation.
IBSA thus distinguishes itself as one of the few European players active in both pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
In 2019, IBSA Farmaceutici Italia and Bouty Healthcare officially merged, consolidating the Group’s presence in the country.
Today, IBSA Italy comprises:
- the antares headquarters in Lodi;
- the two production sites of Lodi (ex Gelfipharma) and Cassina de’ Pecchi (ex Bouty),
- three research and development laboratories;
- a representative office in Rome.
Over 25 years of activity, Licenziati has made significant industrial investments: IBSA Italy remains the subsidiary where the Group invests the most, enhancing production capacity and commercial networks, generating employment and innovation.
The product portfolio is broad and diverse: it spans ten therapeutic areas and includes prescription drugs, medical devices, over-the-counter medicines, and food supplements.