Almirall S.A. is a Spanish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Barcelona, specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for dermatological conditions, with a primary focus on skinhealth.[1][2] Founded in 1944 by Antonio Gallardo Carrera, the company has evolved from a local laboratory into a global player dedicated to transforming patients' lives through science-driven solutions for diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.[3][4]Over its eight decades of operation, Almirall has marked several key milestones, including the establishment of its research and development (R&D) department in 1960, becoming the first Spanish firm with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved manufacturing facility in 2000, and going public on the stock exchange in 2007.[3] The company expanded internationally through acquisitions such as Germany's Hermal in 2007 and has since launched groundbreaking therapies, including the first fumaric acid ester treatment for psoriasis in 2017 and a second biologic for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in 2023.[3] Today, Almirall operates in over 100 countries with 14 affiliates across Europe and the United States, employing approximately 2,026 people—54% of whom are women as of 2024—and investing €124.2 million (12.6% of net sales) annually in R&D to address unmet needs in medical dermatology.[1][4] In the first nine months of 2025, the company reported net sales growth of 12.8%.[5]Guided by a purpose to improve lives through innovative medicines, Almirall emphasizes diligence, respect, and integrity in its partnerships with healthcare professionals and patient communities, while adhering to ethical codes like the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) guidelines.[4] In 2024, the company reported net sales of €985.7 million, reflecting its commitment to sustainable growth and high-quality solutions that enhance patient quality of life.[6]
History
Founding and early years
Almirall was founded in 1944 in Barcelona, Spain, by Antonio Gallardo Carrera, a pharmacist born in 1908, with the support of fellow pharmacist Víctor Almirall i Riu.[7][3] The company began industrial and commercial operations the following year, initially focusing on pharmaceutical production amid post-war Spain's economic challenges.[3][8] Under Gallardo's leadership, Almirall established itself as an early entrant in the Spanish pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing quality manufacturing and local innovation.[9]The company's first major milestone came in 1949 with the launch of its inaugural product: a rectal suppository treatment for constipation, the first of its kind on the Spanish market.[3] This bisacodyl-based formulation proved highly effective and became a cornerstone of Almirall's early success, remaining commercially available for over 40 years and generating sustained revenue.[3] By the late 1950s, Almirall had expanded its product lineup to include basic therapeutics, solidifying its domestic presence before venturing into more specialized research.In 1960, Almirall initiated its own research and development (R&D) activities, marking a pivotal shift toward in-house innovation.[3] That year, the company expanded its laboratory facilities in Barcelona and formally established a dedicated research department, enabling systematic product development.[3] This investment laid the groundwork for future growth, with a notable focus on pediatric treatments emerging in 1969, when Almirall developed and introduced Spain's first ampicillin suspension—a key antibiotic formulation tailored for children.[3] By 1972, the R&D efforts intensified with an ambitious project targeting gastrointestinal disorders and anti-inflammatory drugs, reflecting the company's evolving expertise in therapeutic areas.[3]The foundational era drew to a close in 1988 with the death of Antonio Gallardo Carrera at age 80, after decades of steering Almirall's trajectory.[3][10] Leadership then transitioned to his sons, Antonio Gallardo Ballart and Jorge Gallardo Ballart, who assumed control and continued building on the company's Spanish roots.[3][11] This generational handover ensured continuity while positioning Almirall for broader diversification in subsequent decades.[12]
Expansion and internationalization
In the 1980s, Almirall experienced significant growth driven by the launch of almagate, an innovative antacid product that became a key revenue driver and supported the company's expansion efforts.[3] This success laid the groundwork for further R&D investments, culminating in the 1990 global launch of an advanced antihistamine developed over a decade of research, which facilitated Almirall's initial push into European markets beyond Spain.[3]The early 1990s marked Almirall's entry into internationalization with the opening of its first affiliate in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1993, followed by the relocation of headquarters to a modern 13,000 m² facility in Barcelona in 1994 to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary.[3] By 1997, a pivotal merger with Prodesfarma created Almirall Prodesfarma, with Jorge Gallardo assuming the roles of Chairman and CEO, strengthening the company's strategic positioning.[3] In 1998, Gallardo's election as Chairman of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) further elevated Almirall's international profile and advocacy in the sector.[3]The turn of the millennium saw accelerated global outreach, as Almirall became the first Spanish pharmaceutical company in 2000 to secure FDA approval for a migraine treatment facility, enabling U.S. market access.[3] This was complemented by the establishment of subsidiaries in Paris, France, in 2001 and Milan, Italy, in 2002, expanding direct operations across key European countries.[3] Infrastructure investments continued with the 2006 opening of a state-of-the-art 22,000 m² R&D center in Barcelona, enhancing innovation capabilities for international products.[3]Almirall's growth trajectory peaked in 2007 with its initial public offering (IPO) on the Spanish Stock Exchange, which provided capital for further expansion, alongside the acquisition of Hermal, a leading European skincare business that bolstered its dermatological portfolio and international footprint.[3]
Shift to medical dermatology
In the early 2010s, Almirall began a strategic pivot toward medical dermatology, divesting non-core assets to concentrate resources on skindisease treatments. A pivotal move occurred in 2014 when Almirall transferred its entire respiratory portfolio, including the recently launched Eklira Genuair and other late-stage assets, to AstraZeneca for an upfront payment of $875 million plus potential milestones totaling up to $2.1 billion; this transaction, completed in November 2014, enabled Almirall to refocus exclusively on dermatology by eliminating its respiratory operations and reallocating capital to dermatological innovation.[13][14]This refocusing was supported by targeted acquisitions to build dermatological capabilities. In 2013, Almirall acquired U.S.-based Aqua Pharmaceuticals, a specialty dermatology firm with $127 million in projected annual sales, for $305 million upfront plus up to $75 million in earn-outs, marking its entry into the American topical dermatology market. In 2015, the company further expanded by purchasing the Italian Poli Group Holding for an enterprise value of €365 million, integrating established dermatology products and enhancing its European footprint in skin care therapeutics.[15] By 2018, Almirall strengthened its U.S. portfolio through the $550 million acquisition of five mature skincare brands from Allergan, including Aczone for acne and Tazorac for psoriasis, along with the investigational Seysara.Regulatory milestones underscored Almirall's growing dermatology expertise. In 2017, the European Medicines Agency approved Skilarence (dimethyl fumarate), a fumaric acid ester formulation, for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults, providing an oral option for patients unresponsive to topical therapies.[3] The following year, in December 2018, Almirall received European approval for tildrakizumab (branded as Ebdura), its first biologic targeting IL-23 for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, expanding its immunology-based offerings.[3] In 2021, the treatment for actinic keratosis—tirbanibulin (Klisyri)—gained approvals from the U.S. FDA in December 2020, the European Commission in June 2021, and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency shortly thereafter, establishing a short-course topical solution for non-hyperkeratotic lesions. These approvals highlighted Almirall's shift toward innovative, patient-friendly dermatological solutions.Financial and collaborative initiatives further propelled the strategy. In 2019, Almirall secured a €120 million loan from the European Investment Bank to fund research into skin diseases over 2019–2022, supporting pipeline advancement in medical dermatology.[16] Concurrently, the company in-licensed the European rights to lebrikizumab from Dermira (later acquired by Eli Lilly) through an initial $30 million option agreement in February 2019, exercised in June for an additional $50 million plus milestones, targeting moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.[17]Leadership and sustainability efforts aligned with this dermatology focus in 2022. In May, Jorge Gallardo Ballart retired as president and board member after over four decades, passing the role to his son, Carlos Gallardo, who was appointed chairman and later interim CEO in November amid a CEO transition.[18] That year, Almirall introduced its ESG strategy, structured around 15 working areas in four strategic lines—governance, environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic value—to integrate sustainability into its dermatology operations.[19]Subsequent developments reinforced Almirall's commitment. In November 2023, the European Commission approved lebrikizumab (Ebglyss), Almirall's second biologic, for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older, with launch in Germany occurring in early 2024.[20]
Business activities
Core operations
Almirall's core operations center on medical dermatology, where the company develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary and licensed pharmaceuticals targeting skin conditions such as psoriasis and actinic keratosis.[21] This exclusive therapeutic focus enables Almirall to address unmet patient needs through innovative treatments, including topical therapies and biologics, while leveraging integrated supply chain capabilities to ensure product quality and availability.[22]Manufacturing operations are primarily conducted at FDA-inspected facilities in Spain, including a dermatology-dedicated pharmaceutical center in Barcelona that serves as the hub for production of biologics and topical treatments.[23][24] These sites emphasize compliance with international regulatory standards, supporting the company's ability to supply markets efficiently while maintaining high standards for sterile and non-sterile formulations.[25]Almirall's commercialization strategy involves direct sales through affiliates in Europe and the United States, complemented by strategic partnerships for distribution in over 100 countries worldwide.[5][26] In Europe, the company drives growth via targeted marketing and successful product launches, such as biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, while U.S. operations focus on key dermatology assets like Klisyri for actinic keratosis.[27] Global partnerships, including licensing agreements with firms like MC2 Therapeutics for European rights to Wynzora cream, expand market reach without diluting core expertise.[28]Following the 2014 divestiture of its respiratory portfolio to AstraZeneca, Almirall shifted exclusively to dermatology, streamlining operations to concentrate resources on skindisease therapeutics and eliminating diversified areas like gastrointestinal treatments.[29] This strategic pivot has reinforced operational efficiency, enabling sustained double-digit growth in dermatology sales as of 2025.[21]Sustainability is integrated into core operations through the Act4Impact 2030 strategy, which embeds ESG commitments across manufacturing and commercialization, including emissions reductions and renewable energy use.[30] Almirall's efforts earned recognition as one of Europe's Climate Leaders 2025 by the Financial Times, for achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions intensity.[31][32]
Research and development
Almirall allocates 12.6% of its net sales to research and development, amounting to approximately €125 million annually based on 2024 figures of €985.7 million in net sales.[33][34] This investment supports a dedicated team of 260 scientists, representing 15% of the company's workforce, across three cutting-edge R&D centers in Spain, Germany, and the United States.[35]The company's primary R&D facility is a 22,000 m² center in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, opened in 2006, which serves as the hub for drug discovery and development, including laboratories equipped for biologics, topicals, and biomarker research.[3] This center emphasizes innovation in medical dermatology, with capabilities for early-stage discovery through Phase 3 clinical trials focused on skin diseases.[36]Almirall's strategic priorities center on patient-centric innovation in dermatology, particularly addressing unmet needs in inflammatory skin conditions through collaborations with academic and biotech partners. A key example is the 2024 partnership with the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) to identify biomarkers and molecular pathways for novel atopic dermatitis treatments, combining Almirall's expertise in disease modeling with CRG's genomic research.[37] This approach underscores a commitment to holistic advancements in skin health, integrating biologics, topical therapies, and precision medicine.[35]Almirall's R&D efforts trace back to 1960, when the company initiated its research activities, evolving from early antibiotic developments to a specialized focus on dermatological solutions over more than 50 years.[38] The Barcelona center's establishment in 2006 marked a significant expansion, enabling in-house progression of compounds from discovery to clinical validation for skin disorders.[3]In 2025, Almirall presented 44 scientific abstracts at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, highlighting progress in real-world evidence and patient-centered research to advance holistic care in medical dermatology.[39]
Global presence
Headquarters and research centres
Almirall's headquarters is situated in Barcelona, Spain, at Ronda General Mitre 151, in a 13,000 m² facility that was expanded in 1994 to serve as the central hub for global administration, operations, and strategic decision-making.[3][4]The company's primary research and development center is located in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, near Barcelona, spanning 22,000 m² and inaugurated in 2006 as the largest pharmaceutical laboratory in Spain. This state-of-the-art facility houses advanced laboratories and production areas focused on dermatology research, enabling innovative drug discovery and development.[3]Almirall maintains key manufacturing plants in Spain, including a primary production site in Sant Andreu de la Barca, Barcelona, which expanded in 1997, and a chemical plant near Sant Celoni; these facilities hold FDA compliance for producing pharmaceuticals destined for international markets, with no major production centers outside Europe.[3][24]The Barcelona headquarters and research centers form the core of Almirall's operations, fostering a diverse environment that supports the company's international affiliates through centralized expertise and resources, with the global workforce representing 40 nationalities.[38]
Subsidiaries and affiliates
Almirall operates through a network of 27 fully consolidated subsidiaries, all 100% owned, primarily in Europe and the United States as of December 2024, enabling direct presence in over 20 countries and product distribution in more than 100 countries globally. These entities support regional commercialization, particularly in medical dermatology, with a focus on skincare and biologics.[40][38]Among the key subsidiaries, Almirall LLC in the United States—formerly Aqua Pharmaceuticals, acquired in 2013 for $305 million upfront plus potential earn-outs—plays a central role in dermatology commercialization. This acquisition provided Almirall with established U.S. infrastructure for topical treatments, including sales of Wynzora (for psoriasis) and Klisyri (for actinic keratosis).[41][42][43]In Europe, the 2015 acquisition of Poli Group for €365 million further strengthened skincare operations, integrating entities such as Poli Group Holding S.R.L. and Polichem S.R.L. in Italy to advance formulation technologies and clinical-stage dermatology assets. Almirall's European footprint includes established affiliates dating back to the 1990s and early 2000s, such as Almirall - Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda. in Portugal (established 1993), Almirall S.A.S. in France (2001), Almirall S.p.A. in Italy (2002), and Almirall Hermal GmbH in Germany (2003). The German subsidiary has been instrumental in biologics launches, including Ilumetri for psoriasis, contributing to regional growth.[44][15][45][3][5]Recent expansions emphasize strategic partnerships over new subsidiary formations, such as the February 2024 licensing deal with Novo Nordisk for exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibody NN-8828 in dermatology, involving upfront, milestone, and royalty payments. These initiatives, coordinated from the Barcelona headquarters, extend Almirall's reach into immune-inflammatory skin conditions without additional structural investments.[46][47]
Products
Dermatology portfolio
Almirall's dermatology portfolio centers on treatments for common skin conditions such as psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and atopic dermatitis, featuring both topical and biologic therapies. The company's flagship products include innovative formulations designed for efficacy and patient convenience, with a strong emphasis on the European and U.S. markets. Sales performance in 2025 reflects robust growth, driven by expanding access and reimbursement in key regions.Wynzora® is a fixed-dose foam formulation combining calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate, indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. It received U.S. FDA approval in July 2020 and was launched in the United States shortly thereafter. In Europe, Almirall secured commercialization rights and regulatory approval through a decentralized procedure completed in 2021, with launches beginning in select markets in 2022. The product offers a waterless, non-staining option that enhances adherence for scalp and body application. In the first nine months of 2025, Wynzora® generated net sales of €25.4 million, marking a 32.4% year-over-year increase, supported by continued penetration in mature markets.[5]Klisyri® (tirbanibulin) ointment is approved for the topical treatment of non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis on the face or scalp, providing a short five-day treatment course that targets microtubule dynamics to induce cell death in abnormal keratinocytes. The U.S. FDA granted approval in December 2020, followed by European Commission authorization in July 2021, enabling broad commercialization across the EU. Almirall expanded the U.S. label in 2024 to cover areas up to 100 cm².[48] The product's simplicity and tolerability have driven adoption among dermatologists. For the first nine months of 2025, Klisyri® achieved net sales of €20.1 million, reflecting 22.6% year-over-year growth, bolstered by guideline recommendations and market expansion.[5]Ilumetri® (tildrakizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody biologic that selectively inhibits interleukin-23 (IL-23p19), indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults eligible for systemic therapy. It received European Commission approval in September 2018, with launches across Europe commencing thereafter; a 200 mg dose option was introduced to optimize efficacy. Long-term data from the phase IV POSITIVE study, presented at the 2025 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, underscore its sustained safety and effectiveness over two years.[49] In the second quarter of 2025 alone, Ilumetri® recorded net sales of €58 million, contributing to total nine-month sales of €170.9 million, a 12.1% year-over-year rise.[5]Ebglyss® (lebrikizumab) is an interleukin-13 (IL-13)-targeting biologic approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg, who are candidates for systemic therapy. The European Commission granted marketing authorization in November 2023, with Almirall initiating the commercial launch in Germany in early 2024 and expanding to additional European countries throughout the year, achieving reimbursement in 14 markets by mid-2025. Its high-affinity binding to IL-13 inhibits downstream signaling to reduce inflammation and itch. Ebglyss® delivered net sales of €75.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, representing more than a threefold year-over-year increase, positioning it as Almirall's second-largest product.[5]Complementing these are other established offerings, including Monovo® (mometasone furoate 0.1% cream or emulsion), a potent topical corticosteroid indicated for the symptomatic relief of inflammatory and pruritic skin conditions such as psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis) and atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged 2 years and older. Launched by Almirall in 2013, it provides rapid anti-inflammatory action with once-daily application. Additionally, in 2018, Almirall acquired a portfolio of five U.S. medical dermatology products from Allergan for $550 million upfront, including Aczone® (dapsone) gel for acnevulgaris, Tazorac® (tazarotene) cream for acne and psoriasis, Azelex® (azelaic acid) cream for rosacea, Cordran Tape® (fludroxycortide) for dermatoses, and Seysara® (sarecycline) tablets for acne, enhancing Almirall's topical acne and inflammatory skin disease offerings with mature brands generating $70 million in sales in the first half of 2018 alone.
Pipeline and innovation
Almirall's research and development pipeline emphasizes innovation in medical dermatology to address unmet needs in skin diseases, with a focus on unlocking mid-term therapeutic potential through targeted biologics and novel mechanisms.[50] The company's late-stage efforts prioritize immune-mediated conditions, building on strategic licensing and internal advancements to expand treatment options beyond current standards.[51] As of November 2025, recent progress includes the initiation of a Phase II study for LAD191 and plans for three additional Phase II proof-of-concept studies in the next 9-12 months.[5]Key candidates in the pipeline include LAD191, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting IL-1RAP for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Phase 1 data presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in September 2025 demonstrated that LAD191 was well tolerated in HS patients, with a half-life of 17 days, no detectable anti-drug antibodies, and early improvements in lesion counts, supporting its potential as a novel therapy for this chronic inflammatory condition; a Phase II study has since been initiated.[51][52][5] Another significant asset is the anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibody NN-8828, licensed exclusively from Novo Nordisk in February 2024 for global development in dermatology. This first-in-class agent inhibits IL-21 signaling to address immune-inflammatory skin diseases, with Almirall holding rights to advance it through clinical stages; a Phase II proof-of-concept study is planned.[53][47][5]Almirall's innovation strategy centers on a multifaceted approach integrating biologics, topical formulations, and biomarker discovery to enhance precision in dermatological treatments. This includes collaborations such as the February 2024 partnership with the Centre for Genomic Regulation to identify biomarkers for new disease models, alongside AI-driven drug discovery initiatives with Absci targeting novel skin disease therapies; the Absci collaboration was expanded in August 2025 to include a second target.[54][55] At EADV 2025, the company presented two-year real-world data on Ilumetri (tildrakizumab), highlighting sustained efficacy in psoriasis that informs ongoing pipeline refinements.[56]Broader pipeline efforts underscore Almirall's commitment to holistic patient care, with 44 abstracts accepted at EADV 2025 covering advancements across atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and HS, emphasizing integrated scientific progress in dermatology.[57] These contributions reflect the company's focus on evidence-based innovations to improve outcomes in chronic skin conditions.[58]
Financial performance
Revenue and growth
Almirall's revenue growth has evolved significantly since its initial public offering in 2007, when the company reported turnover of €792.5 million, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year driven by international expansion.[59] Following a strategic pivot to dermatology in 2014, which involved divesting its respiratory business to AstraZeneca, Almirall experienced an acceleration in growth, with dermatology sales surging 88.9% that year and comprising 37% of total sales excluding certain assets.[60] This shift laid the foundation for sustained expansion, particularly in Europe, as the company focused on specialized therapeutics.Between 2020 and 2024, Almirall demonstrated consistent net sales growth, rising from €807.4 million in 2020 to €985.7 million in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.1% amid a strategic emphasis on its core dermatology portfolio.[61] The 2024 full-year net sales of €985.7 million represented a 10.2% year-over-year increase, primarily fueled by robust performance in European markets.[33]In 2025, Almirall continued this trajectory, achieving net sales of €560.5 million in the first half, a 12.7% year-over-year rise, and €820.7 million for the first nine months, up 12.8% year-over-year.[62][5] This growth was propelled by strong European dermatology sales and increasing uptake of biologics such as Ebglyss (tildrakizumab) and topical treatments like Wynzora, which contributed significantly to the dermatology segment's expansion.[5] For the full year 2025, the company has guided net sales growth of 10% to 13%, positioning it for continued double-digit expansion.[5]
Key metrics and stock information
Almirall employed approximately 1,900 people globally as of 2023, with the workforce expanding to 2,026 by the end of 2024 and remaining stable into 2025.[63][6]In the first half of 2025, Almirall reported EBITDA of €121.8 million, reflecting a 16.6% year-over-year increase driven by sales growth and operational efficiencies. The company has maintained its full-year 2025 EBITDA guidance at €220–240 million, supported by ongoing commercial execution.Almirall's gross margin for the nine months ended September 2025 stood at 64.9%, benefiting from a favorable product mix in its dermatology portfolio and cost management.The company's shares trade on the Madrid Stock Exchange under the ticker ALM. Following the announcement of nine-month 2025 results on November 10, 2025, Almirall's stock surged over 10%, reaching approximately €12.70 intraday and becoming one of the top performers on the exchange.[64]As of June 2025, Almirall's trailing 12-month revenue was $1.14 billion, with an enterprise value of $2.64 billion.[65] In its 2025 financial reports, Almirall noted improved net financial income of €2.2 million in the first half, compared to a €1.8 million expense in the prior year, alongside minor exchange rate impacts of €1.1 million in differences.[66][67]