Laboratorios SALVAT is an independent, private-capital pharmaceutical company founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 1955. The company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative pharmaceuticals, particularly in the fields of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) and ophthalmology (eye care). SALVAT also operates as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), providing end-to-end drug development services.
Core Therapeutic Areas and Products
SALVAT focuses on three primary therapeutic areas, supplemented by a presence in the local over-the-counter (OTC) market:
Otolaryngology:
Recognized as a leader in this field, SALVAT was the first company worldwide to develop and commercialize otic (ear) medications in single-dose vials. Key products include Otovel (marketed as Cetraxal in some regions), the first medicine fully developed by a Spanish company to receive FDA approval.
Ophthalmology:
A strategic growth area where SALVAT uses proprietary technologies like IMPACT-SVT® (a patented nanoemulsion) and Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) technology to develop sterile, preservative-free eye treatments.
Gastroenterology:
One of the company’s oldest focus areas, notable for developing Monolitum®, a leading treatment for gastric ulcers in Spain, based on proprietary orally dispersible tablet (ODT) technology.
Consumer Health:
Includes products like Cristalmina (antiseptic), Salvacolina (antidiarrheal), and Herpix® (herpes symptom relief).
Global Operations and Manufacturing
SALVAT maintains a presence in over 60 countries through its own marketing structures and strategic licensing partnerships.
Global Headquarters:
Located in Barcelona, Spain.
United States Operations:
Established in 2006, the company has a subsidiary, Salvat USA, based in Miami, Florida.
Manufacturing Facilities:
Barcelona & Madrid (Spain):
Includes the state-of-the-art Pharmaloop facility in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), which received FDA approval in 2024 for manufacturing sterile medicines.
Tamarac, Florida (USA):
An FDA-approved production line for sterile liquids using BFS technology.
Technology and Innovation
Innovation is a central pillar of the company, with approximately 40% of sales coming from international markets as of 2024.
Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS):
SALVAT uses advanced BFS technology to produce sterile single-dose vials, which improves patient compliance and ensures treatment sterility.
IMPACT-SVT®:
A patented technology used to formulate potent corticosteroids, such as clobetasol, into ocular nanoemulsions that improve drug penetration and patient comfort.
Research & Development:
The company recently invested over €20 million into developing new ophthalmic treatments and has completed Phase III trials for a pioneering ocular corticosteroid.
Corporate Strategy and Workforce
As a family-owned business, SALVAT emphasizes organic growth and ethics. The company employs between 200 and 500 people, with a recent expansion at its Pharmaloop plant creating over 150 highly skilled jobs for pharmacists, engineers, and technicians.