Pharmaceutical industry: 8 companies boosted exports in 2022

The pharmaceutical industry is engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of products such as active ingredients, drugs, antibiotics, vitamins and biological drugs. Colombia produces and exports them. In 2022, Colombia exported 52,282 tons of pharmaceutical products, generating profits worth USD $418,026,567, according to DANE figures.

Eight companies that played an important role in the exports of the pharmaceutical industry last year stand out. Below, we tell you which ones they are:

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Eighth place: Genfar, more than 55 years on the market

In eighth place is Genfar, which in 2022 exported 1,389 tons of pharmaceutical products with a total value of USD $17,373,433, according to DANE.

Genfar S.A. is a Colombian company founded on August 18, 1967. It is part of the Sanofi Group, has a presence in 14 countries in Latin America and specializes in the development and production of medicines and products for human use and animal health, over-the-counter and prescription.

Seventh Place: BSN Medical, at the forefront of orthopedic products

In the seventh place of exporters in the pharmaceutical industry we find BSN Medical Ltda, which in 2022 reached exports of 1,378 tons, generating profits of USD $20,548,211 (DANE).

BSN Medical, based in Yumbo (Valle del Cauca), was established in March 2001 and is engaged in the production, distribution, purchase, sale, import, and export of orthopedic products, such as plasters, bandages, and bandages for human use.

The company employs 130 people in the plant and approximately 40 in commercial and administrative roles.

Sixth place: Laboratorios La Santé, more than 150 commercial products

In sixth place is Laboratorios La Santé, which in 2022 exported 468 tons, with a value of USD $23,450,485, according to DANE figures. La Santé is part of the CARVAL economic group and was established in Bogotá in 1989.

The company manufactures chemical, pharmaceutical, natural, cosmetic and food products for both human and veterinary use.

It operates in 13 countries and focuses on research, development and marketing of generic and brand-name drugs. This pharmaceutical industry company has more than “150 commercial products and more than 25 international bioequivalence and equivalence studies”, according to its own data.

Fifth place: Vitalis, with sales to 20 countries

In fifth place is Vitalis, which in 2022 exported 589 tons of pharmaceutical products, earning it USD $24,067,301 (DANE).

Vitalis S.A.C.I. is a Colombian company headquartered in Sopó (Cundinamarca), with experience in the manufacture and marketing of sterile medicines.

Founded in February 2000, the company employed 919 people in 2023 and has a presence in 20 countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It produces 1 out of every 4 injectables marketed in Colombia and has 7 manufacturing plants in Colombia, Mexico and Chile.

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Fourth place: C.I. Procaps, dedicated to the wholesale trade of medicines

In fourth place among exporting companies in the pharmaceutical industry is C.I. Procaps S.A., which in 2022 exported 692 tons, earning profits of USD $28,406,987, according to DANE.

The company, founded in January 1999 and headquartered in Barranquilla, operates in the wholesale trade sector of medicines and related products.

Third place: Baxter Laboratories

In third place is Laboratorios Baxter S.A., which in 2022 exported 40,585 tons, generating revenues of USD $31,227,011, according to DANE figures.

Laboratorios Baxter S.A. is the Colombian subsidiary of the multinational pharmaceutical company Baxter International Inc. dedicated to the development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medicinal chemicals, as well as the provision of medical services.

Second place: Tecnoquímicas, almost 90 years in the Colombian pharmaceutical industry

In second place for exports in the pharmaceutical industry is Tecnoquímicas, which in 2022 reported exports of 2,454 tons of pharmaceutical products, with earnings of USD $34,654,658 (DANE).

Tecnoquímicas is a Colombian manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, multivitamin supplements, hygiene and home care products.

Founded in 1934, it has operations in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.

First place: Procaps, the pharmaceutical industry’s leading exporter

In first place is PROCAPS S.A., which in 2022 exported 958 tons of pharmaceutical products, with earnings of USD $46,954,999, according to DANE figures.

PROCAPS S.A. is a company from Barranquilla founded in 1977, which manufactures processed foods, dietary supplements, capsules and other similar products.

This pharmaceutical company is present in 13 countries and has 8 manufacturing plants in the Americas. In addition, it is one of the largest manufacturers of Soft Gelatin Capsules (CGB) in emerging markets and offers a broad portfolio of products and services that improve the quality of life of people with diabetes and other diseases.

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