Our journey / 80 years of innovation
Science, research and innovation are what drives us
It’s time to celebrate what we have achieved over eight decades and further build our story by looking towards the future.
The heart of Almirall / our people
“It has been an honor to contribute to the transformation of Almirall and experience it firsthand over three decades.”
Estrella García Álvarez, Executive Director, Global Clinical Operations
“This company has helped me a lot to go far beyond objectives and results allowing me to think more about personal growth, and the growth of our colleagues.”
Xavier Llaurado, current VP, Regulatory Affairs & Patient Safety
“I am filled with immense pride and joy for the moments I’ve been a part of this extraordinary journey of dedication to Medical Dermatology. Let’s honor our past and the future we are building together!”
Mercedes Diz, Chief Marketing Officer
“It gives me gratification to witness that what Almirall is doing helps people who suffer. We were not only about tackling diseases, but also improving quality of life.”
Pere Berga, R&D Director 1975 - 2012
Eight decades of history
1944
Our founding year
Antonio Gallardo Carrera, the founder of Almirall, established the laboratory in 1943 but the business started operations in 1944. Working alongside him in the early phases of the company is the pharmacist Víctor Almirall i Riu.
1949
1st market success
Almirall lauches the first rectal suppository treatment to appear on the Spanish market. Its effectiveness ensures that it remains on the market for over forty years. When its withdrawal from the market was announced, a famous opera singer ordered a special reserve shipment of 100 boxes!
1960
R&D
Almirall starts its own research and development activities. The following year, the laboratory is expanded, and the research department is established.
1969
Almirall strengthens its position
Almirall’s laboratory center shifts the focus of its activities, from the production of antiparasitic and antiseptic drugs to pediatric treatments. A key milestone is the development of a pediatric medicine, the first ampicillin in suspension form.
1972
An ambitious research project
In the early 1970s, Almirall launches an ambitious research project to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Studies are also carried out in the anti-inflammatory drugs sector on molecules with a phenylpropionic structure.
1984
Launch of the flagship product
Launch of the almagate antacid. The public embraces it for its efficacy in relieving heartburn and other related symptoms. The launch represents a significant boost for the further development of the company.
1988
Antonio and Jorge Gallardo Ballart continue the legacy
The death of the founder Antonio Gallardo Carrera, aged 79, represents the end of an era for the company. His sons Antonio and Jorge Gallardo Ballart take over the organization’s leadership to continue their father’s legacy and further build Almirall.
1990
Birth of the innovative antihistamine
An innovative antihistamine treatment is launched globally after a decade of R&D work. The drug enables Almirall to successfully expand its operations across Europe.
1993
Opening of the first affiliate
Almirall's first branch opens in Lisbon, Portugal.
1994
50th anniversary of Almirall opening a new building as the heart of the company
On the 50th anniversary, the company moves their headquarters to an expansive new building in Barcelona with a surface area of 13,000 m2.
1997
Joining forces - Almirall and Prodesfarma
Almirall Prodesfarma is born from the merger of Almirall with the Prodesfarma Group. Jorge Gallardo is named Chairman and CEO of the new joint company. The company's site at Cardener Street becomes the new centre for R&D, while the expanded and renovated pharmaceutical facilities at Sant Andreu de la Barca in Barcelona are officially inaugurated.
1998
EFPIA presidency
Jorge Gallardo becomes the Chairman of EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) showing Almirall’s growing role within the international pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, he is the President of Farmaindustria between 1993-1995.
2000
Almirall, first Spanish company to get FDA approval
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a treatment for the migraine which led to Almirall becoming the first Spanish R&D pharmaceutical company with an FDA approved manufacturing facility
2001
Expansion in Europe: France
One step further in expanding Almirall’s international presence in Europe is the opening of the first subsidiary in Paris, France.
2002
Expansion in Europe: Italy
The next step in the geographic expansion of the company is the opening of the Italian subsidiary in Milan, Italy.
2006
New R&D centre
Almirall opens its new R&D center in Barcelona, with the company creating the largest pharmaceutical laboratory operating in Spain, with a surface area of 22,000 m2.
2007
Almirall goes public and acquires Hermal
On June 20, 2007, Almirall goes public with a listing on the Spanish stock market. The company strengthens its operations in the field of medical dermatology with the acquisition of Hermal, the prescription dermatology business of Reckitt Benckiser. This acquisition substantially increases Almirall’s presence in Germany, adding new products to the dermatology portfolio, and gives access to new markets.
2013
Almirall acquires Aqua Pharma-ceuticals
Almirall expands its medical dermatology business after reaching an agreement to acquire Aqua Pharmaceuticals, a US-based specialty dermatology company.
2014
Transfer of the respiratory business
Almirall transfers to AstraZeneca the development and commercialization rights of the company's entire respiratory franchise portfolio.
2015
Acquisition Poli Group
Almirall acquires Poli Group, an Italian company specializing in dermatology which further boosted the company’s leadership in the dermatology field.
2017
New Fumaric Acid Ester treatment is approved by the European Commission
In June, the European Commission approves a new Fumaric Acid Ester systemic treatment developed in-house to treat psoriasis. In December of the same year, a collaboration agreement with Athenex to develop a treatment for actinic keratosis and other skin conditions, both in Europe and the USA, is announced.
2018
Global strategy in dermatology and first biologic
The European Commission's approval of the first biologic to target moderate-to-severe psoriasis increases the company’s presence across the EU. Also, the company reaches an agreement with Allergan to acquire 5 products from their skincare business, including a new generation of antibiotic treatments specifically for acne.
2019
Global licenses and recognitions
The European Investment Bank (EIB) grants Almirall a €120 million loan to fund research into medical solutions for serious skin diseases. On the same day, the in-licensing of Dermira (later acquired by Lilly) for a biologic for atopic dermatitis is announced. In addition, the American Skin Association (ASA) recognizes Almirall with the Distinguished Corporate Leadership Award.
2021
New product for actinic keratosis
Global commercialization rights secure for innovative topical treatment for actinic keratosis following approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Commission, and UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
2022
New presidency
In May Jorge Gallardo hands the presidency to his son Carlos Gallardo who is appointed interim CEO of Almirall.
The company’s ESG1 strategy is developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the company’s long-term vision to contribute to patients, the medical community, and society.
2023
Confirming leadership in Europe in Medical Dermatology
Among other milestones, the European approval of the new biological treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is a turning point for Almirall. A week after its approval, it is now available in Germany, demonstrating Almirall’s dedication to the patient. This is the com-pany’s second biological treatment.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Let's celebrate 80 years impacting people together