Zuellig Pharma to distribute STADA products in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Healthcare solutions firm Zuellig Pharma has been appointed as the exclusive distribution partner of pharmaceutical supplier STADA Philippines Inc. effective Jan. 1.

In a statement yesterday, Zuellig Pharma said it became the sole partner for distributing STADA’s portfolio in the Philippines, effective January 1.

Zuellig Pharma said it would leverage on its heritage and reach as a local market leader across over 6,000 pharmacies, supermarkets, hospitals, and clinics.

“This partnership will play a pivotal role in expanding access to STADA’s flagship brands in the over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer brand categories, as well to prescription medicines, particularly in ophthalmology, with more than 70 stock-keeping units (SKUs) being distributed as a start,” Zuellig Pharma said.

Zuellig Pharma said the partnership is expected to broaden the distribution and promotion of established consumer healthcare brands such as the FERN-C Vitamin C range and the Oilatum skincare line.

The partnership will also support ophthalmic brands including Hyabak eye drops and make available to the market essential generic medicines in categories such as antibiotics and cardiovascular therapies within STADA’s portfolio, Zuellig said.

“We are excited to partner with STADA to make quality medicines across all segments of healthcare more accessible for Filipinos across the country,” Zuellig Pharma managing director for the Philippines Janette Jakosalem said.

“As a leading healthcare solutions company, we are confident that our longstanding presence in the Philippines and our strong in-market capabilities will enable us to continue to meet the needs of the population,” she added.

STADA head of emerging markets Stéphane Jacqmin emphasized the importance of the Philippine market in the company’s regional growth plans.

“The Philippines is a key strategic market within STADA’s ambitious growth plans in Southeast Asia. This partnership with Zuellig Pharma will substantially drive the growth of our portfolio in the Philippines and will enable greater access for our products in the market,” Jacqmin said.

“STADA is a trusted partner in the pharmaceutical industry, with a legacy spanning more than 125 years. We are confident that Zuellig Pharma’s extensive network and its proven track record in pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services will be pivotal in helping us enhance our reach and capabilities within the Philippines. This alliance will elevate our business to the next level and enable us to deliver on our growth ambition as a key player in the market,” said Paolo Valenzuela, STADA Philippine general manager.

Founded by German pharmacists over 125 years ago, STADA has grown to become a leading supplier of medicines and healthcare products in Europe, as well as a fast-growing player in emerging markets such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.

Through strong local brands, STADA has become Europe’s fourth-largest consumer healthcare company by sales, including as market leader in Germany. With almost 20 production sites, predominantly in Europe, STADA is also Europe’s fourth-largest provider of prescription generic medicines and a pioneer in biosimilars, with a growing specialty portfolio in therapeutic areas such as dermatology, nephrology, ophthalmology, rheumatology, and Parkinson’s disease.