What Douglas Pharmaceuticals does

Douglas Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, family-owned pharmaceutical company headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, founded in 1967 by Sir Graeme Douglas and operating today with approximately 700 employees. It researches, develops, manufactures and distributes prescription medicines to more than 50 countries, with a commercialised portfolio of around 40 products across dermatology, oncology, central nervous system/psychiatry, immunology and endocrinology under registered brand names including Oratane (isotretinoin), Clopine (clozapine), Zematane (alitretinoin), Novatretin (acitretin), Azamun (azathioprine) and Estelle (ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate). Its manufacturing platform is anchored by GMP-certified facilities inspected by Medsafe and the US FDA, with proprietary specialisation in soft-gelatin capsules, oral liquids (including suspensions for patients with swallowing difficulties), tablets and topical formulations, supported by 505(j) and 505(b)(2) complex generic pipelines and a drug-repurposing portfolio (R-107, R-131-2, R-178, R-209, R-192, RET-0225) housed partly in Tasman Therapeutics and Tasman Biosciences.

The company monetises across four revenue streams: direct pharmaceutical product sales through hospitals, pharmacies and wholesale partners; contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life-science clients, with specialisation in high-potency small-molecule softgels and liquids; in-licensing and out-licensing of generic and branded generic dossiers across multiple therapeutic areas; and brand representation services providing regulatory filing, supply chain and sales support to international pharmaceutical companies seeking entry into Australia and New Zealand. Distribution is dual-track: direct field sales for ANZ markets through dedicated commercial teams and key account management, plus international export and licensing partnerships reaching more than 50 countries.

Douglas is led by a professional executive team under recently appointed CEO Sean Westbrook (February 2026), with the founding family retaining ownership and Jeff Douglas continuing as Executive Director. Recent strategic moves include a partnership with Daré Bioscience to advance R-131-2 into US Phase 2 trials, a tripartite partnership with Nurox Hydrothermal and Interwaste for pharmaceutical hazardous-waste processing, selection for the FDA's Quality Management Maturity pilot program, and the spin-out of R-107 into Tasman Therapeutics to attract external partners for global commercialisation. The company has secured six consecutive Toitū Carbon Reduce certifications, an EcoVadis Bronze sustainability rating, and recognition as New Zealand Manufacturer of the Year 2025 and #1 Inspiring Workplace in Australasia 2026.

Name

Douglas Pharmaceuticals

Legal name

Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Website

https://douglas.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Douglas Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned New Zealand pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1967, developing and commercialising prescription medicines across dermatology, oncology, CNS, immunology and endocrinology, plus offering CDMO, licensing and brand representation services to clients in more than 50 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Care Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermatology & Aesthetics Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAK), Contract Development & Manufacturing for Generics (CDMO/CMO) (HLAIABAI)

Keywords

• Prescription pharmaceuticals
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Contract manufacturing services
• Softgel capsule formulations
• Generic drug development

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical product sales: Manufacturing and commercialisation of prescription pharmaceuticals across therapeutic areas including dermatology, oncology, central nervous system, immunology, and endocrinology. Products sold to over 50 countries through distribution network.
2. Contract manufacturing and development (CDMO): End-to-end integrated drug development services collaborating with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life science companies. Specialises in formulating and commercially supplying innovative and generic high-potency small molecule softgels and liquids.
3. Licensing and out-licensing: Licensing generic and branded generic pharmaceuticals to partners in various regions, providing technical dossiers, regulatory dossiers, and manufacturing process data.
4. Brand representation services: End-to-end supply chain, regulatory compliance assistance, and strategic marketing and sales force support for international pharmaceutical companies entering Australian and New Zealand markets.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Douglas Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer that develops, formulates, manufactures, and commercialises prescription medicines across dermatology, oncology, central nervous system/psychiatry, immunology, and endocrinology, with over 40 products sold in more than 50 countries. Beyond its own branded generics, the company offers end-to-end contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services specialising in softgel capsules and oral liquids, alongside in-licensing, out-licensing, co-development, drug repurposing, and brand representation services for international pharmaceutical partners seeking access to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Product overview

Douglas Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and distributes prescription medicines to over 50 countries. The company operates a diversified portfolio including multiple core pharmaceutical products across therapeutic areas of dermatology (Acitretin, Alitretinoin, Isotretinoin), oncology (Bexarotene, Cyproterone Acetate), central nervous system/psychiatry (Clozapine, Clozapine Suspension), immunology (Azathioprine), and endocrinology (Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate). The company offers contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services through Douglas CDMO, providing end-to-end integrated drug development specializing in high-potency small molecule softgels and liquids. Douglas also maintains an active drug repurposing pipeline with products including R-107 (extended-release ketamine for treatment-resistant depression), R-131-2 (HPV cervical disease treatment partnered with Daré Bioscience), and R-178/R-209 (Thioguanine for inflammatory bowel disease). Partnership services include in-licensing, out-licensing, co-development, and brand representation for international pharmaceutical companies seeking market access in Australia and New Zealand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Douglas Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical manufacturing division of Douglas
• Douglas CDMO
• Healthcare by Douglas
• Tasman Therapeutics
• Novatretin
• Zematane
• Azamun
• Clopine
• Estelle
• Oratane

Products and services

• Isotretinoin (Oratane) Isotretinoin dermatology capsules supplied as Oratane in strengths of 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 40mg for the treatment of severe acne, distributed through hospital, pharmacy and wholesale channels in NZ and via international partners.
• Acitretin (Novatretin) Acitretin dermatology capsules marketed as Novatretin in 10mg, 17.5mg, 22.5mg, and 25mg strengths for psoriasis treatment, with technical and regulatory dossiers available for international out-licensing.
• Alitretinoin (Zematane) Alitretinoin softgel capsules marketed as Zematane in 10mg and 30mg strengths for the treatment of severe dermatitis, leveraging Douglas's proprietary softgel manufacturing capability.
• Azathioprine (Azamun) Azathioprine immunology tablets marketed as Azamun in 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg strengths, used as an immunosuppressant for immune disorder and transplant indications.
• Clozapine (Clopine) Tablets and Suspension Clozapine tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg) and 50mg/ml oral suspension marketed as Clopine for schizophrenia, with the suspension addressing patients with swallowing difficulties.
• Bexarotene Bexarotene 75mg oncology capsules for cancer treatment indications, commercialised within Douglas's specialty oncology portfolio.
• Cyproterone Acetate Cyproterone acetate 50mg and 100mg oncology tablets used in oncology and endocrine indications, commercialised as part of Douglas's specialty oncology portfolio.
• Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate (Estelle) Estelle combines 35mcg ethinylestradiol and 2mg cyproterone acetate in tablet form for endocrinology indications including hormonal therapy.
• R-107 Oral Extended-Release Ketamine Tablet R-107 is the first and only oral extended-release ketamine tablet for the treatment of Treatment Resistant Depression and other depressive disorders, developed by Douglas's drug repurposing program and housed in the Tasman Therapeutics special purpose vehicle seeking global commercialisation partners.
• R-131-2 Vaginal Insert R-131-2 is a novel softgel vaginal insert developed to treat HPV-related cervical diseases, partnered with Daré Bioscience for Phase 2 clinical trials in the US market, with Douglas seeking EU/ROW partners.
• R-178 and R-209 Thioguanine Dosage Forms R-178 and R-209 are novel thioguanine dosage forms being developed in parallel within Douglas's drug repurposing pipeline for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
• R-192 Ketamine Analogue for Major Depressive Disorder R-192 is a second-generation analogue of ketamine being developed within Douglas's drug repurposing pipeline for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
• RET-0225 for Retinal Conditions RET-0225 is a drug repurposing pipeline asset being developed by Douglas to target retinal conditions.
• 505(j) Complex Generic Pipeline Pre-formulation and formulation development pipeline specialising in specialty generic products, including softgel capsules with technical, clinical, or IP complexity, available for co-development partnerships.
• 505(b)(2) Alternative Formulation Pipeline Alternative formulation product development pipeline targeting unmet needs in paediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patient populations through oral liquid and other formulation opportunities, aimed at the US market under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.
• Brand Representation Services for ANZ Markets End-to-end brand representation services for international pharmaceutical companies entering Australia and New Zealand, including regulatory filing with Medsafe and TGA, compliance maintenance, technical dossier management, supply chain logistics, and strategic marketing and sales force support.
• In-licensing Services for NZ and ANZ In-licensing programme for novel compounds, innovative drug delivery systems, and established products across dermatology, oncology, CNS/psychiatry, gastroenterology, immunology, and endocrinology therapeutic areas, intended for commercialisation in New Zealand and Australia.
• Out-licensing of Generic Pharmaceuticals Out-licensing of more than 40 generic and branded generic pharmaceutical products with technical specifications, regulatory dossiers, and manufacturing process data for international partners, across dermatology, oncology, CNS/psychiatry, gastroenterology, immunology, and endocrinology.
• Co-development Partnership Services Co-development partnership opportunities leveraging Douglas's 505(j) and 505(b)(2) generic pipelines, GMP-certified manufacturing facilities, and a 50-country distribution network, providing pharma and biotech partners access to technical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial capabilities.
• Douglas CDMO Contract Development and Manufacturing End-to-end integrated contract development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life science clients, specialising in formulating and commercially supplying innovative and generic high-potency small molecule softgels and liquids across dermatology, oncology, endocrinology, and central nervous system.

Quantifiable outcome

• 31% reduction in total carbon emissions since 2019
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Nurox HydrothermalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2025Partnership to deploy Nurox's proprietary hydrothermal processing technology for hazardous waste management in New Zealand and globally. The technology uses only heat, water, and air to break down substances like PFAS, cytotoxic pharmaceuticals, and industrial residues into clean water, inert materials, and commercially valuable acetic acid. Douglas Pharmaceuticals has provided approval and backing from the medical sector.
• InterwastecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2025Joint partnership with Nurox Hydrothermal to deploy hydrothermal processing technology for hazardous waste management. Interwaste brings waste management expertise and infrastructure to the collaboration, aiming to reduce New Zealand's reliance on offshore incineration. First processing plant scheduled for commissioning in New Zealand in 2026.
• Daré BiosciencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouglas has partnered with Daré Bioscience to take R-131-2 development into Phase 2 clinical trials for the US market. R-131-2 is a novel soft gel vaginal insert being developed to treat HPV related cervical diseases. Douglas is actively seeking additional partners in the EU/ROW markets.
• Tasman TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerR-107 (first and only oral extended-release ketamine tablet for Treatment Resistant Depression) is in a special purpose vehicle, Tasman Therapeutics, which is actively seeking strategic partners and investors for global commercialisation.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AFT Pharmaceuticals: New Zealand/Australia-based specialty pharmaceutical company with a comparable mix of prescription, OTC, and out-licensed products distributed across Australasia and international markets — directly comparable to Douglas in geography, scale, and product breadth.
• Mayne Pharma: Australian specialty generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with branded generics, complex generics, and a CDMO franchise; overlaps with Douglas' specialty generics portfolio and softgel/oral solids manufacturing capabilities.
• Apotex: Canadian generic pharmaceutical manufacturer producing a broad range of generic and specialty products across therapeutic areas including CNS and dermatology — comparable in family-founded heritage (until recent transition), generics focus, and scale.
• STADA Arzneimittel: European specialty generics and consumer healthcare company with branded generics across multiple therapeutic areas — directly comparable in product mix, geographic distribution model, and mid-size private ownership structure.
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals: MENA-headquartered specialty generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with branded generics, injectables, and licensing arrangements across global markets — comparable in mid-tier scale, generics focus, and out-licensing business model.
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: India-based specialty and branded generics manufacturer with a portfolio spanning dermatology, oncology, CNS, and respiratory therapeutics — comparable in specialty generic positioning and emerging pipeline assets.

Broad incumbents

• Aspen Pharmacare: South Africa-headquartered specialty/generics pharma group with branded and generic portfolios across multiple therapeutic areas and global distribution — comparable in therapeutic breadth and international reach, but at significantly larger scale.
• Viatris: Global generics and specialty pharmaceutical major formed from Mylan/Pfizer Upjohn — directly comparable portfolio of branded generics and complex generics across dermatology, CNS, and other therapeutic areas covered by Douglas.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: World's largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with a deep specialty generics portfolio — broadly comparable to Douglas' off-patent/specialty generic franchise across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Catalent: Global CDMO with deep softgel and oral dose capabilities serving pharmaceutical and biotech innovators — comparable to Douglas CDMO's specialised softgel and oral liquid contract manufacturing offering, though at materially larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/sean-westbrook-1751933a

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Douglas Pharmaceuticals