ThermaCare is a global leader in non-medicinal, drug-free heat therapy solutions, primarily known for its patented air-activated heat wraps and patches. Founded in 1997, the brand specializes in long-lasting therapeutic heat that increases blood circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process.
Ownership and Global Operations
The ownership of the ThermaCare brand is currently split by region following a series of corporate acquisitions:
Global (Excluding North America):
Acquired by the Italian pharmaceutical company Angelini Pharma from GSK in 2021.
North America:
The rights for the North American market were acquired by Bridges Consumer Healthcare in November 2020.
Manufacturing:
The primary production facility for ThermaCare is located in Albany, Georgia (USA). This site is FDA registered and ISO 13485 certified, housing both manufacturing lines and Research & Development (R&D) laboratories.
Regional Distribution:
Angelini Pharma uses strategic partners for local markets, such as Navamedic, which handles exclusive distribution in the Nordic countries and the Netherlands.
Core Technology and Products
ThermaCare products are classified as Medical Device class IIa and utilize a proprietary chemical reaction to provide heat.
Mechanism of Action:
The wraps contain small disks filled with a mixture of iron powder, activated charcoal, sodium chloride, and water. Once exposed to oxygen upon opening, an exothermic reaction occurs, producing "real heat" that maintains a temperature of approximately 104°F (40°C).
Performance:
The wraps provide continuous deep-penetrating heat for 8 hours during use, with clinical results showing up to 16 hours of total pain relief after removal.
Targeted Applications:
Specific product variants are designed to fit different body areas:
- Lower Back & Hip
- Neck, Wrist & Shoulder
- Knee & Elbow
- Menstrual Pain
- Multi-purpose Muscle and Joint
- Historical Evolution
The brand has transitioned through several major pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies since its inception:
Development (1997):
Originally developed as a portable heat wrap that avoided the use of counter-irritants like menthol.
Market Launch (2001):
Officially introduced to the market by Procter & Gamble (P&G).
Expansion & Mergers:
Sold by P&G to Wyeth in 2008, which then merged with Pfizer in 2009.
GSK Joint Venture:
The brand eventually became part of a joint consumer healthcare venture between Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) before its final divestment to Angelini Pharma and Bridges Consumer Healthcare.
Quality and Safety
ThermaCare products are marketed as a "drug-free" alternative to oral pain medications, providing local relief without systemic side effects. However, the brand has faced quality challenges in the past, including a voluntary nationwide recall in 2018/2019 for specific lots of heat wraps due to potential leaking that could cause burns or skin irritation.
