TRB Chemedica extends therapeutic legacy with stronger presence in China
- The family business is spearheading the use of gangliosides in treating neurological disorders such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain and spinal cord injury
Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports
From one pharmacist to another – Dr Guido Di Napoli has passed on to his son Alessandro the legacy of TRB Chemedica International. For almost half a century, the family business has grown to adapt its Swiss therapeutic innovations to suit the needs of more than 70 markets worldwide. Today, its new CEO upholds this commitment as he drives TRB Chemedica deeper into Asia. Besides a new wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, the company is coming up with fresh formulations that extend beyond its traditional portfolio, which covers rheumatology, ophthalmology and neurology.
“In our world where no mistakes are allowed, we have to be very strong on quality. It is easy to lose a reputation, but very difficult to build one,” says Alessandro Di Napoli, CEO. “This is why we are working very hard on developing the safest and most innovative products. It is a key element that our patients can clearly see, considering our market success, especially in Southeast Asia. We have been and will continue supporting them with excellent innovations – this is our promise.”
The biotechnology company has been developing and marketing active pharmaceutical ingredients, drugs and medical devices for ophthalmology, rheumatology and neurology. With the help of subsidiaries and partners worldwide, TRB Chemedica has pioneered the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in a variety of ophthalmic and rheumatic products. Its VISMED line of lubricant eye drops provides utmost patient safety and efficacy in treating dry eyes symptoms. Meanwhile, its VISIOL brand offers eye protection during cataract surgery, corneal transplant and intraocular lens implantation.
The company has also formulated OSTENIL and Diacerein for osteoarthritis. OSTENIL is a well-known HA intra-articular injection, while Diacerein is an interleukin inhibitor used also in osteoarthritis. TRB Chemedica is spearheading the use of gangliosides in treating neurological disorders – such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, spinal cord injury and Huntington’s disease – for which no medication has yet been developed.
“I must admit that neurology is a truly appealing field because the brain is the only organ in our body that has not yet been completely understood. We know most about the heart or liver, but the brain is still a mystery,” Alessandro Di Napoli says. “This is really exciting from a research standpoint, and we are working on a product that can have an outstanding effect not only on the neurons, but on astrocytes as well. These opportunities could open a lot of new possibilities.”
The company boasts of a dedicated research and development (R&D) facility in Vouvry, Switzerland. It features the latest equipment in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemical extraction, synthesis and galenic formulation, which is used in optimising drug preparations. The R&D centre has long been working with top European universities and welcomes similar collaborations with research institutes across Asia to explore new treatments and expedite the commercial application of groundbreaking therapies.
With support from the company’s global R&D network, Alessandro Di Napoli has invented the brain-enhancing drink Snapshot. The product uses amino acids, ginseng, lactate, spirulina and other natural ingredients to boost the mind without the stressful effects of energy drinks. TRB Chemedica has started marketing Snapshot in Europe and will be launching it soon in Asia through its wholly owned enterprise in China.
The company had early on established a presence in Asia with offices and subsidiaries in Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore, which serves as its hub for the region. With its enterprise in China, TRB Chemedica aims to support the needs of the country’s growing population.
“We want to deliver the same Swiss quality and innovativeness to markets overseas using local distributors and agents,” Alessandro Di Napoli says. “With regards to marketing, our potential partners must see our products with the eyes of our target customers. We adapt our offerings to our markets, not the other way around.”
