Our history

Antonio Gallardo Carrera, the founder of Almirall, established the laboratory in 1943 but the business started operations in 1944. Working alongside him in the early phases of the company is the pharmacist Víctor Almirall i Riu.

Almirall launches the first rectal suppository treatment to appear on the Spanish market. Its effectiveness ensures that it remains on the market for over forty years. When its withdrawal from the market was announced, a famous opera singer ordered a special reserve shipment of 100 boxes!

Almirall starts its own research and development activities. The following year, the laboratory is expanded, and the research department is established.  

Almirall’s laboratory centre shifts the focus of its activities, from the production of antiparasitic and antiseptic drugs to paediatric treatments. A key milestone is the development of a pediatric medicine, the first ampicillin in suspension form.

In the early 1970s, Almirall launches an ambitious research project to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Studies are also carried out in the anti-inflammatory drugs sector on molecules with a phenylpropionic structure.

Launch of the almagate antacid. The public embraces it for its efficacy in relieving heartburn and other related symptoms. The launch represents a significant boost for the further development of the company.

The death of the founder Antonio Gallardo Carrera, aged 79, represents the end of an era for the company. His sons Antonio and Jorge Gallardo Ballart take over the organization’s leadership to continue their father’s legacy and further build Almirall.

An innovative antihistamine treatment is launched globally after a decade of R&D work. The drug enables Almirall to successfully expand its operations across Europe.

Almirall's first branch opens in Lisbon, Portugal.

On the 50th anniversary, the company moves its headquarters to an expansive new building in Barcelona with a surface area of 13,000 m2.

Almirall Prodesfarma is born from the merger of Almirall with the Prodesfarma Group. Jorge Gallardo is named Chairman and CEO of the new joint company. The company's site at Cardener Street becomes the new centre for R&D, while the expanded and renovated pharmaceutical facilities at Sant Andreu de la Barca in Barcelona are officially inaugurated.

Jorge Gallardo becomes Chairman of EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) showing Almirall’s growing role within the international pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, he is the President of Farmaindustria between 1993 and 1995.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a treatment for migraine which led to Almirall becoming the first Spanish R&D pharmaceutical company with an FDA-approved manufacturing facility.

One step further in expanding Almirall’s international presence in Europe is the opening of the first subsidiary in Paris, France.

The next step in the geographic expansion of the company is the opening of the Italian subsidiary in Milan, Italy.

Almirall opens its new R&D centre in Barcelona, with the company creating the largest pharmaceutical laboratory operating in Spain, with a surface area of 22,000 m2.

On 20 June 2007, Almirall goes public with a listing on the Spanish stock market. The company strengthens its operations in the field of medical dermatology with the acquisition of Hermal, the prescription dermatology business of Reckitt Benckiser. This acquisition substantially increases Almirall’s presence in Germany, adding new products to the dermatology portfolio, and gives access to new markets.

Almirall expands its medical dermatology business after reaching an agreement to acquire Aqua Pharmaceuticals, a US-based specialty dermatology company.

Almirall transfers to AstraZeneca the development and commercialization rights of the company's entire respiratory franchise portfolio.

Almirall acquires Poli Group, an Italian company specializing in dermatology which further boosted the company’s leadership in the dermatology field.

In June, the European Commission approves a new Fumaric Acid Ester systemic treatment developed in-house to treat psoriasis. In December of the same year, a collaboration agreement with Athenex to develop a treatment for actinic keratosis and other skin conditions, both in Europe and the USA, is announced.

The European Commission's approval of the first biologic to target moderate-to-severe psoriasis increases the company’s presence across the EU. Also, the company reaches an agreement with Allergan to acquire 5 products from their skincare business, including a new generation of antibiotic treatments specifically for acne.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) grants Almirall a €120 million loan to fund research into medical solutions for serious skin diseases. On the same day, the in-licensing of Dermira (later acquired by Lilly) for a biologic for atopic dermatitis is announced. In addition, the American Skin Association (ASA) recognizes Almirall with the Distinguished Corporate Leadership Award.

Global commercialization rights secured for innovative topical treatment for actinic keratosis following approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Commission, and UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

In May, Jorge Gallardo hands the presidency to his son Carlos Gallardo who is appointed interim CEO of Almirall. The company’s ESG1 strategy is developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the company’s long-term vision to contribute to patients, the medical community, and society.

Among other milestones, the European approval of the new biological treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is a turning point for Almirall. A week after its approval, it is now available in Germany, demonstrating Almirall’s dedication to the patient. This is the company's second biological treatment.

Obtained two exclusive licence agreements for the development of two assets: a new candidate targeting immune-inflammatory dermatological diseases, and another asset for rare dermatological conditions.

Almirall entered into a sustained, double-digit growth era and ranked among the world’s 500 most sustainable companies, as compiled by Time and Statista. Almirall also expanded key partnerships with Simcere, Absci, and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), and strengthened our presence in China.