Consumer HealthCare

Our heritage

Ipsen Consumer HealthCare is the historical activity of Ipsen: a long-standing expertise in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders developed over more than 45 years, and a global footprint in 80 countries.

Our brands related in 4 main therapeutic areas (GI, cognitive disorders, pain, cough and cold.) have strong medical and commercial value, allowing for sustainable and shared growth with our partners.

We believe every day matters

At Ipsen Consumer HealthCare, we are committed to taking care of patients and consumers around the world, by providing comfort and relief when they need it most. We work with our partners and healthcare professionals to deliver a broad range of healthcare solutions that help people get the most out of every day.

Our vision

We pursue a three-fold ambition: establishing a growing, autonomous and sustainable consumer healthcare business.

Over the years, we have developed a portfolio of well-known brands that we continue to consolidate. These strong foundations have led us to strengthen our position in key European markets (France, Italy), and capture market growth in emerging markets such as Russia, China and Algeria.
In addition to leveraging our key brands (Smecta^®, Forlax^® & Tanakan^®), we are extending our capabilities to include new solutions like medical devices and food supplements.

About us

Consumer HealthCare at a glance

Our diversity of expertise allows us to go further and adapt faster in order to deliver superior value to patients and shareholders

20 key brands

4 disease areas

276.8 M€ sales

80 countries

1500 employees

“The whole team is fully committed to bring people across the world care and comfort in their daily lives with health care solutions they can trust.”

Benoît Hennion, Executive Vice President, Consumer HealthCare

Our history

Ipsen’s history shows how entrepreneurship, ambition and tenacity have transformed the small-town French pharmacy created in 1929, into a global leader in specialty care. With this same mindset, we are transforming our heritage in primary care into a successful Consumer HealthCare business with a global outlook.

Ipsen’s long-standing expertise in consumer HealthCare spans the value chain, from active ingredient, to finished product, to the patient, with special expertise, in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Over the decades, we have developed an expertise in clay-based products as well as Gingko Biloba natural extracts. This expertise has led to the launch of brands such as Smecta^® for diarrhea, Forlax^® for constipation, Fortrans^® and Eziclen^®/Izinova^® colon-cleansing solutions, Tanakan^® for cognitive disorders.

The 5 most recent illustrations of our transformation

2015

We have revitalized this activity by enriching our capabilities, reinforcing our portfolio and expanding our geographical footprint.

New formulations and new partnerships have been developed to better serve the needs of patients around the world.

2016

We signed an agreement with the Swedish firm Probi for the commercialization of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V^®).

2017

We acquired (from Sanofi and Boehringer ingelheim) five consumer healthcare products in some European territories. This transaction further accelerated the development of our Consumer HealthCare business and our conversion into an OTx (combined prescription and over-the-counter) business model.

2018

We acquired 100% of the Italian company Akkadeas Pharma, whose diversified portfolio includes probiotics, medical devices and food supplements. In addition to providing a springboard for Ipsen’s future development in Italy, Akkadeas has become our Italian distributor for Smecta^® (distributed under the brand name Diosmectal^® in Italy).

2019

We acquired (from Novascon) Floractin^®, a range of probiotics in Poland.

Floractin^® brand was launched in 2013 and includes Food supplements (FS) and Food specialties for medical purposes (FSMP) under different galenic: drops, powder and capsules produced and commercialized in Poland. Building on well-known strains such as Rhamnosus GG and Boulardii and recommended by the Polish Pediatrician association. Floractin^® range targets babies, children and adults offering probiotic and rehydration solutions recommended by scientific societies (WGO, ESPGHAN, FISPGHAN) in acute gastroenteritis in addition to ORS treatment.

Our history

Because every day matters to each of us, Ipsen Consumer Healthcare constantly innovates for the benefit of both patients and consumers, offering a large portfolio of drugs, medical devices and food supplements solutions that are scientifically proven and recognized by healthcare professionals.

Today, almost 75% of Ipsen Consumer HealthCare revenues are realized in gastroenterology.

GI disorders

SMECTA^® (DIOSMECTITE)

Smecta^® is an oral formulation of pharmaceutical clay indicated in the treatment of acute diarrhea in both adults and children above 2 years old in association with ORS, and the symptomatic treatment of digestive pain and chronic diarrhea in adults. The active substance in Smecta^® is diosmectite, a natural clay processed and purified for therapeutic use.
Smecta^® is available in different flavors: orange-vanilla, vanilla, strawberry, to fit with all the family’s tastes.

Launched in 1975, Smecta^® is our flagship brand representing 39% of 2019 CHC revenues. As of 31 December 2019, Smecta^® and other products in its range (flavors, OTC) are available in more than 80 countries, with 73% of its sales generated in China, France, and Russia. Smecta^® is produced in Dreux (France), except for the Chinese market (Production in Tianjin).

FORLAX^® (MACROGOL 4000)

Forlax^® is an oral osmotic laxative indicated for the symptomatic treatment of constipation in both adults and children above 6 months of age. Its active substance is Macrogol 4000, a linear polymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of high molecular weight.

It is available in orange-grapefruit flavor.

Launched in 1995, Forlax^® is the 2nd brand in CHC portfolio, with 13% of CHC revenues in 2019.

As of 31 December 2019, Forlax^® was granted marketing authorizations in about 60 countries.

Produced in Dreux (FRANCE).

FORTRANS^® (Macrogol 4000 and salts combinations (Anhydrous sodium sulfate, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride))

Fortrans^® is indicated for colon lavage in the preparation of patients prior to endoscopic or radiological investigations, colon surgery in adults.

Its active substance is Macrogol 4000 and salts combinations (Anhydrous sodium sulfate, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride)), a linear polymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of high molecular weight with electrolytes.
Fortrans^® and other 4 liter macrogol plus electrolyte formulations have long been recommended by international scientific societies such as ASGE and ESGE as the gold standard for bowel preparation.
Launched in 1987 in France, Fortrans^® is available as of 31 December 2019 in 52 countries. Russia and Poland are the two largest markets, which represent 32% of sales.

Produced in Dreux (FRANCE)

EZICLEN^® IZINOVA^®

Eziclen^® is a low volume osmotic laxative, indicated in adults for bowel cleansing prior to any procedure requiring a clean bowel (e.g. bowel visualisation including endoscopy and radiology or surgical procedure).

Thanks to its low volume, fruit cocktail taste and convenient dosing cup, Eziclen’s efficacy and safety are supported by patient acceptance and ease of use.

In 2009, Ipsen acquired from Braintree-Sebela the exclusive manufacturing, marketing and distribution rights of the proprietary formulation BLI-800 for the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), some Asian countries (including China and Malaysia) and some North African and South American countries.

As of 31 December 2019, Eziclen^® is being marketed by Ipsen or its local partners in 16 countries.

Produced in Dreux (France)

ETIASA^® (MESALAZINE)

Etiasa^® (mesalazine) is indicated in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Ulcerative Colitis), for the treatment of mildly to moderately active condition and maintenance of remission.

In 2015, Ipsen renewed its exclusive agreement with Ethypharm to promote and distribute Etiasa^® in China.

BUSCOPAN^®

Buscopan^®is a solution that works after 15 minutes and indicated in abdominal cramps within gastrointestinal tract, Irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstruation, pain in the biliary ducts and renal colic. Licensed in in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia.

SUPPOSITORIA GLYCERINI

Local action laxative; licensed in Czech Republic

MEDICAL DEVICES

SMECTAGO^®

Launched in 2015, smectaGo^® is used in the short-term treatment of acute diarrhea (children above 8 years old), and for chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain (adults).
As of 31 December 2019, smectaGo^®is available in 19 countries. It comes in a ready-to-drink liquid stick, with caramel-coca flavor.

Produced in Dreux (FRANCE).

SMECTAGAS^®

Launched in 2018, smectaGas^® proposes an exclusive dual action against gas and bloating that favors a fast gas elimination and helps to restore a healthy gut microbiota.
smectaGas^® is presented in a vanilla powder stick, ready-to-use for an easy and convenient use.

As of 31 December 2019, smectaGas^® is available in 6 European countries: France, Czech Republic, Lithuiania, Latvia, Romania and Poland.

SmectaGas is a license developed in exclusive partnership with Kytozyme.

FORLAXGO^® (MACROGOL 4000)

Launched in 2018, ForlaxGo^® is a medical device for the symptomatic treatment of occasional constipation in adults and children from 8 years of age. The main component of ForlaxGo^® is Macrogol 4000, the osmotic laxative present in Forlax^®.

As of 31 December 2019, ForlaxGo^® is available in 8 countries. For oral administration, supplied in a single dose sachet, with raspberry flavour.

Produced in Italy (Biofarma)

PROBIOTICS

SMEBIOCTA COMFORT^®

The first food supplement launched by Ipsen. In April 2017, Ipsen signed a license and supply agreement with Probi for the commercialization of its strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V^®). Smebiocta Comfort^® is a scientifically selected microbiotic strain that interacts with the microbiota to help the management of intestinal discomfort.

As of 31 December 2019, Smebiocta Comfort^® is available in 9 countries:
France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Algeria, Russia and Vietnam.

SMEBIOCTA PROTECT^®

Launched in 2019, Smebiocta Protect^® is a food supplement with an exclusive high dose combination of a yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) and a microbiotic strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and vitamin C. Can be taken during antibiotherapy, by both adults and children from 3 years old.

Modern formulation with an easy intake, Tropical flavor.

As of 31 December2019, Smebiocta Protect^® is available in France, Italy and Czech Republic.

Other Therapeutic Areas

TANAKAN^® (EGB761®)

Tanakan^® contains natural substances with antioxidant and neuro-protective properties.

Tanakan® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive disorders in the adults. The active substance in Tanakan^® – EGb 761^® – is a standardized extract from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba cultivated, extracted and purified under rigorous conditions.

As of 31 December 2019, Tanakan^® was approved in 57 countries, mainly in Europe, Russia, and Asia. In 2019, 27% of Tanakan^® sales were generated in Russia, where the product is offered as a self-medication OTC product.

PRONTALGINE^®

Prontalgine^® is an association of paracetamol, codeine and caffeine and is delivered only on prescription. It is indicated in patients older than 18 years of age for the treatment of acute moderate pain which cannot be relieved by other analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (alone).

PAXELADINE^®

Non antihistamine, non-opiate cough medication used in the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough.

PRONTADOL^®

PRONTADOL^® composed of 500 mg of paractetamol and 50 mg of caffeine is a OTC medication indicated in adults and children (from 15 years old), in case of fever and pain

Our expertise

Partening

We develop and deliver healthcare solutions that will be needed today and tomorrow across the world. Ipsen’s international footprint, the strong medical and commercial value of our healthcare solutions, and a proven manufacturing excellence are the basis of our successful commercial and scientific partnerships.

Geographical Footprint

The quality and efficacy of our leading brands is trusted in 80 countries across the world.
Ipsen Consumer HealthCare Division today offers a global presence, balanced between Europe and key emerging markets such as China, Russia and Algeria.
Ipsen CHC has a direct presence in 13 countries across the world.

Commercial and scientific partnerships

Ipsen has a proven track-record on entering into successful long-term agreements including acquisitions, in-licensing, out-licensing and other co-marketing and co-promotion projects across the world.

Our expertise

Manufacturing excellence

Expertise and competencies

Our internal industrial affairs team embed state-of-the-art facilities and high quality standards with outstanding competencies in clays, macrogol, sachets and liquid sticks as well as product development skills to fulfill a robust and successful innovation pipeline.

Our industrial team has also developed an expertise in managing successful technical transfers, collaborating with external manufacturers and contract manufacturing for external customers (CMO).

Production sites:

Ipsen CHC regularly invests in its industrial sites to keep them at the forefront of technology and efficiency, meeting strict quality and safety criteria.

70% of our world production comes from France, with 2 manufacturing sites:

Dreux (Eure-et-Loire): development and production

All manufacture, packaging and storage of Ipsen Consumer HealtCare’s oral medicines (sachets, tablets, capsules, liquid forms, sticks) is carried out at the Dreux site.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Vaucluse): The Global Production and Advanced Research Centre for Natural Therapeutic Clay. 2/3rd of production is dedicated to European and Chinese markets.

Our industrial site in China (Tianjin) is dedicated to the Chinese market.

Sustainability:

Those 3 sites continuously work to improve their social and environmental impacts across the value chain: they are certified ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (safety and health) and target the Certification 50001 (energy savings) for 2021.

They are also Good Manufacturing Practioners (GMPs).

Industrial partnerships:

Ipsen also owns, together with Schwabe, one joint-venture in Cork (Irland) and one in Riazzino (Switzerland) dedicated to the production of natural plantation extracts (Ginkgo Biloba).

Our employees

Our 1500 colleagues worldwide are united by their confidence in our business, and their desire to improve people’s quality of life every day.

By joining Ipsen Consumer HealthCare you will:

Work for a global company with a strong reputation and a start-up mindset. Agility, entrepreneurship and trust are central to our way of doing business.
Contribute to bringing care and comfort into the daily life of thousands of patients and families across the world, while keeping innovation and quality at the heart of everything you do.
Benefit from a collaborative and open-minded culture, which offers a wealth of opportunities to talented and ambitious people.

Our employees

Careers

Ipsen offers exciting opportunities that will challenge your abilities, expand your skills and reward your contribution in a positive atmosphere of personal and professional development.

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