Pharmaton

Overview

Pharmaton is a Swiss-origin dietary supplement brand pioneered in Lugano, Switzerland in the 1960s, specializing in multivitamin formulations with standardized Ginseng G115 extract. The brand is known globally for its energy and vitality products, targeting fatigue, exhaustion, and mental alertness.

Originally developed under Boehringer Ingelheim, Pharmaton was transferred to Sanofi in 2017 as part of a major asset swap and is now part of Opella.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1960s (Lugano, Switzerland)
• Manufacturing: Ginsana SA, Lugano-Bioggio, Switzerland
• Former Owner: Boehringer Ingelheim (until 2017)
• Parent Company: Opella (formerly Sanofi CHC)
• Ultimate Owner: CD&R (50%), Sanofi (48.2%), Bpifrance (1.8%)
• 2015 Sales: €140 million (primarily Emerging Markets)
• Specialty: Ginseng G115 standardized extract

Corporate History

Ownership Structure

CD&R (Private Equity) - 50% Controlling Stake
│   • Acquired April 2025
│
Sanofi S.A. - 48.2% Minority
│   • Retained stake
│
Bpifrance - 1.8%
│
└── Opella (€16B Enterprise Value)
    │   • Formerly Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
    │   • Acquired from Boehringer Ingelheim (2017)
    │
    └── VMS Brands
        ├── Pharmaton® ← THIS BRAND
        │   └── Swiss heritage since 1960s
        │
        ├── Qunol® (acquired 2023)
        ├── Cenovis® (acquired 2008)
        └── Magnesium B6®

Sanofi-Boehringer Ingelheim Asset Swap

Deal Overview (2016-2017)

Key Brands Transferred to Sanofi

Brand Portfolio

Core Product Lines

Ginseng G115 Technology

G115 is Pharmaton’s proprietary standardized ginseng extract:

• 40+ years of clinical research
• 25+ clinical studies validating efficacy
• Gold standard of ginseng extraction
• Licensed from Ginsana SA

Product Philosophy

Core Principles

1. Ginseng Heritage: 60+ years of ginseng expertise
2. Clinical Validation: Research-backed formulations
3. Swiss Quality: Manufactured in Switzerland
4. Energy Focus: Combat fatigue and exhaustion

Target Market

• Primary: Adults experiencing daily fatigue
• Secondary: Seniors seeking vitality support
• Geographic Focus: Emerging Markets (Latin America, Asia, Middle East)
• Channel: Pharmacies, international distribution

Market Position

Competitive Advantages

1. G115 Exclusivity: Proprietary ginseng extract
2. Swiss Manufacturing: Quality reputation
3. Clinical Evidence: 40+ years of research
4. Global Reach: Present in 50+ countries
5. Opella Resources: Part of global CHC platform

Geographic Presence

Related Companies

Sister Brands (Opella VMS)

Competitors

Data Sources

1. Opella Brand Portfolio
2. Boehringer Ingelheim - Pharmaton
3. Sanofi-BI Asset Swap Press Release
4. Bloomberg - Deal Coverage

Generated by DogTag System | Last verified: 2025-12-20