Our History
The story of a dream come true
The history of Cantabria Labs is the story of a dream come true thanks to the effort, dedication and entrepreneurship of the people and family that make up this pharmaceutical company with a close spirit but an important international dimension.
1989
- Difur: first steps in dermatology
1994
- Acquisition and strategic reorientation of 100% of Industrial Farmacéutica Cantabria.
- Agreement for the distribution of Neostrata in Spain and development of its products adapted to some markets.
1995
- Discovery and patent of oral photoprotection in collaboration with Havard University.
- AM3® patented technology
1996
- Creation of Isolagen Europe, company specialised in high-tech autologous cell cultures.
2001
- The international division is born.
- Creation of the export department due to growing demand.
2002
- Divestment in generic products (UR) and release of resources to centre the activity on dermatology.
2003
- Incorporation of Difa Cooper, Italian laboratory established in 1959, and expansion of the vademecum with state-of-the-art ingredients, technologies and products.
2006
- Acquisition of the Brazilian dermatological company Melora do Brasil S.A.
- Divestment in the general pharmaceutical business and acquisition of new rights and patented technologies in dermatology such as RetinSphere and RTF1.
2007
- Acquisition of 95% shares of HDP, the Belgian dermal-cosmetic distribution company.
- Creation of Gourmetceuticals LLC, to enter the American market of ingredients and foodstuffs for human and veterinary consumption.
2008
- Agreement with Ferndale Labs: increase of activities in North America and consolidation of Heliocare® Oral.
- Introduction of Fernblock® in the American market.
2009
- Launch of the patent of a new molecule to contribute to stem cell regeneration.
- Consolidation in the Iberian peninsula with Cantabria Labs Portugal.
- Purchase of the dermatology portfolio of Sirton Medicare
2011
- Purchase of rights of new technology for alopecia, acne, hyperpigmentation and photoaging.
2012
- Implementation of the RIO product of Operative Excellence, based on the study and improvement of all the operating processes of the company.
- Purchase of the trichology portfolio from Fitológica.
- RetinSphere® patented technology.
2013
- Diversification of the offer of products and solutions with optimisation of the use of its own ingredients in special medical foodstuffs.
- Specialisation in products for clinical nutrition (oncology, radiotherapy and geriatrics) with Nutrición Médica.
2014
- Investment of Prokrea BCN, biotech company specialised in pharmaceutical products for fertility treatment.
- Participation in Cre100do, initiative by the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, for growth potential.
- Reincorporation of Inmunoferon® to the vademecum after eight years of exclusion.
2015
- Introduction in Spain of ZO Skin Health, medical cosmetics.
- Creation of Cantabria Labs Morocco and rollout of the development and expansion plan in the African market.
- Creation of a specialised sales network for the pharmacy channel.
2016
- Diversification to reach paediatrics (Inmunoferon) and otolaryngology.
- 20 year licensing agreement with Krymi Laboratori.
- Approval for the production of NSF nutraceutical supplements.
- Entry in Histocell, a specialist company in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
- Purchase of 60% of Avance Cosmetics and opening of a new retail channel.
2017
- Launch of Edafence® patented technology based on the plant Deschampsia antartica.
- Agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to sponsor and promote bio dermal innovation programmes.
- Start of works of the new innovation and eco-sustainable production centre in Cantabria.
- Birth of Cantabria Labs Mexico to increase presence in the American market.
- Creation of Cantabria Labs China, strategic market for growth in healthcare.
2018
- Alliance between Capsa Food and Cantabria Labs Nutrición Médica to launch clinical nutrition formulas.
- Agreement with Stangest to enter the pet care market. >> View more
- Award to Cantabria Labs for over 25 years working in dermatology presented by the AEDV.
- Adoption of a new corporate identity: Cantabria Labs. >> View more
- Appointment of Susana Rodríguez as new CEO of Cantabria Labs and Juan Matji as President of the Board of Directors. >> View more
2019
- Inauguration of the new innovation and eco sustainable production centre La Concha. >> View more
- Rafa Nadal and Heliocare, medical science and technology applied to skin protection. >> View more
- Cantabria Labs acquires ACM and enters the French market. >> View more
2020
- La Concha: 100 Best Ideas of Actualidad Económica Award.
- Cantabria Labs acquires the ELANCYL body care brand from Pierre Fabre. >> View more
- Cantabria Labs Starts Making Hand Sanitiser for Health Personnel >> View more
- Cantabria Labs collaborates in the Covid-19 research project of Alcalá University >> View more
Latest from Communication Area
In partnership with Real Madrid C.F., Cantabria Labs presents its new “Train Your Skin” campaign
In line with its goal to improve people’s health and quality of life, Cantabria Labs, in partnership with Real Madrid...
Cantabria Labs with Rafa Nadal, Sara Andrés and Real Madrid, together against melanoma
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Cantabria Labs, in collaboration with Real Madrid, presents "Train Your Skin", its campaign for skin healthcare
The Spanish pharmaceutical company Cantabria Labs, together with the Real Madrid Football Club, launches its #TrainYourSkin campaign, which aims to...