Fidia Farmaceutici strengthens its presence in ophthalmology through two national strategic operations
For the company 2024 started with the acquisition of Sanifarma’s entire portfolio of eye health products (mainly disposable contact lenses, liquids and eye drops) and with an agreement for distribution of the Novartis proprietary medicinal products for the treatment of glaucoma.
Fidia Farmaceutici began 2024 with the completion of two operations that have enabled it to consolidate its leadership in the Italian market for eye health products.
The first operation concerns the acquisition of 100% of the ophthalmic business of Sanifarma, a leading Italian company in the ocular health sector in pharmacies, that is also active in large-scale distribution and online channels, and which, in 2023, recorded a market share on the national territory equal to approximately 70% for the sale of disposable contact lenses (8 million units sold) and 35% for lens solutions (Iqvia data).
The investment includes market-leading brands such as Contacta® and Correct® which today boast a wide range of products, including daily contact lenses lines for myopia and maintenance solutions, a line of natural eye drops and a broad selection of eyeglasses (for presbyopia, sunglasses and for protection from bright screens). In addition, a line of supplements for psychological-physical well-being has been added, as well as Respingo, a line of citronella repellents and anti-jellyfish products.
The firm Curtis Mallet Prevost assisted Fidia Farmaceutici in legal matters, while the firm Spada & Partners, and the financial advisor Ethica Group with the M&A Advisory team, assisted in tax and financial aspects.
Sanifarma was assisted by Clearwater International (M&A Advisor) and, for financial and tax aspects, by the law firm FDG&A Professionisti Riuniti.
The second operation concerns a new commercial agreement with the multinational Novartis, a leader in the development of innovative medicinal products, for distribution of six ophthalmic proprietary medicinal products for the treatment of glaucoma, starting in March 2024.
The sales concession, in addition to representing an enrichment of Fidia’s national list of medicinal products for main eye disorders, consolidates the partnership with Novartis in the ophthalmic area which, in 2019, saw the finalisation of the agreement for the marketing of reference products for localised treatment of inflammation and eye infections.
“This further strengthening of our ophthalmic product list allows us to aspire to higher-than-forecast turnover growth in 2024. With the entry of a brand like Contacta we will be entering the market of disposable contact lenses and liquids with a leading position, while simultaneously strengthening our presence in the pharmacy channel already covered with numerous references in other therapeutic areas – stated Carlo Pizzocaro, President and CEO of Fidia Farmaceutici – Furthermore, the possibility of representing Novartis within the Italian market with six of the main pharmaceutical products in the glaucoma area, which is the second cause of blindness in the world, fills us with pride and drives us to set increasingly challenging goals for ourselves.”