The company has remained an independent, family-owned business that is steadfast to its patient-centric philosophy. "When my father - Dr Guido Di Napoli - founded TRB Chemedica, it was with the primary objective of providing first-in-class products with good safety profiles and excellent tolerability," Di Napoli says. "To constantly improve our offerings, we listen to suggestions and requests from patients and top opinion leaders, as well as key innovation leaders."

TRB Chemedica has developed particular specialisation in ophthalmic and rheumatologic products based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a viscoelastic biopolymer. The company has become an established name in the area of ophthalmology through its VISMED line, which consists of preservative-free, hypotonic HA lubricant eye drops and rinsing solutions for treating dry eye symptoms. TRB Chemedica also markets viscoelastic solutions for use in ocular surgery and a ground-breaking eye drop formula with omega-3 under the REMOGEN OMEGA brand.

In rheumatology, TRB Chemedica is known for its OSTENIL range of products, which provides long-term relief from osteoarthritis and improves joint functions. It also sells Diacerein, the first and only oral interleukin-1 inhibitor for the effective management of osteoarthritis. 

GM-1 is the company's sole pharmaceutical preparation being developed for the treatment of neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease and neuropathic traumas such as spinal cord injury, among others.

TRB Chemedica continues to develop new products internally and through strategic collaborations with various university centres of excellence around the world. It currently has over 15 drugs under development, including some ligament repair products. "We plan to have our own dedicated research and development unit," Di Napoli says. "This will allow us to allocate resources in a focused and efficient way, and thereby expedite the innovation process." 

TRB Chemedica markets a range of ethical pharmaceuticals and medical devices in more than 65 countries worldwide. Delivering perfectly adapted therapeutic solutions meeting local market needs, the company ranks among the top five in most countries where it operates. TRB Chemedica relies on a network of 16 subsidiaries in Europe, Latin America and Asia, and a representative office in Russia. In territories such as China, the company is represented by a number of licensees and distributors.

While having a larger presence in Southeast Asia, TRB Chemedica sees the most growth potential in China, with market expansion stirred by greater patient access and demand for health care coupled with favourable government policies. To complement its existing unit in Hong Kong, the company has unveiled plans to establish a subsidiary on the mainland. "It's vital for us to have a direct presence there," Di Napoli says. "Key to this venture is finding the right partner to help us navigate through the complexities of setting up an operation on the mainland."