What Pierre Fabre does

Pierre Fabre S.A. is a privately held French pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics group founded in 1961 in Castres, France, and still controlled by the founder's family through a dedicated holding structure. The company operates a dual business model spanning prescription pharmaceuticals (oncology, rare diseases, dermatology) and consumer dermo-cosmetics, with €3.2 billion in 2025 revenue growing +4.6% like-for-like, of which 71% is generated outside France across 130 countries and 43 locations. Approximately 10,000 employees support the group, with €250 million invested annually in R&D — split between €187M for pharmaceuticals (13.5% of pharma sales) and €63M for dermo-cosmetics (3.6% of segment sales).

The pharmaceutical portfolio centers on precision oncology (Braftovi/encorafenib for BRAF V600E-mutant colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, with EU first-line mCRC approval received in June 2026), rare-disease therapies (HEMANGEOL for proliferating infantile hemangioma, an FDA-approved orphan drug now licensed to Eton Pharmaceuticals for US commercialization from May 2026; tabelecleucel for EBV+ post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, with the BLA recently transferred to Pierre Fabre following an FDA Complete Response Letter), and pipeline assets including the c-MET-targeting monoclonal antibody VERT-002 acquired via Vertical Bio AG in September 2023. Manufacturing is largely captive — nearly 90% of products are made in France — backed by 1,720 pharmaceutical and 1,149 dermo-cosmetic patents or applications.

The dermo-cosmetics division, the world's #2 by sales, operates a portfolio of pharmacy-distributed brands — Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray, Klorane, A-Derma, René Furterer, Elgydium, Naturactive, and Glytone — sold through pharmacy and parapharmacy channels across 130 countries, supplemented by direct-to-consumer e-commerce at 21.3% of segment sales. A CDMO business via the Jubilant Biosys/JASMIN partnership provides third-party antibody-drug conjugate and biologics manufacturing. The group also operates a Skin Research Center with ~70 collaborators running 700+ clinical studies per year, and runs AI-augmented drug discovery (with Iktos) and AI-augmented clinical trials (with BotDesign). The company is not publicly listed, has no disclosed external institutional shareholders, and pursues long-term founder-led governance with a stated target of 80% international revenue by 2030.

Name

Pierre Fabre

Legal name

Pierre Fabre S.A.

Website

https://pierre-fabre.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Pierre Fabre is a privately held French group operating dual pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics businesses. It serves cancer, dermatology, rare-disease, and everyday-ailment patients through prescription drugs, and skin, hair, and oral-care consumers through brands like Eau Thermale Avène, across 130 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dermo-Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermatology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAL), Dermatology & Aesthetics Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAK), Specialty Care Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAB), Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

Keywords

• Dermo-cosmetic products
• Prescription pharmaceuticals
• Oncology therapeutics
• Rare disease treatments
• Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Castres-gironde

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Products: Prescription drugs and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals including oncology drugs (Braftovi, Mektovi), rare disease treatments (Hemangeol, tabelecleucel), and everyday ailment treatments. Revenue stream includes both prescription and OTC product sales through pharmacies and hospitals globally.
2. Dermo-Cosmetics: Dermo-cosmetic products including Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray, Klorane, A-Derma, René Furterer, Elgydium, and Naturactive brands. Products sold through pharmacies, e-commerce (21.3% of sales), and retail channels globally.
3. Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO): Contract manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotech companies including antibody drug conjugates and biologics manufacturing capabilities, as demonstrated by partnership with Jubilant Biosys.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Pierre Fabre manufactures and sells two complementary portfolios: (1) prescription pharmaceuticals including targeted oncology therapies (Braftovi/encorafenib for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer) and rare disease treatments (HEMANGEOL for infantile hemangioma, tabelecleucel for EBV+ post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease); and (2) dermo-cosmetic products under brands such as Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray, Klorane, A-Derma, René Furterer, Naturactive, and Pierre Fabre Oral Care, formulated to pharmaceutical-grade standards for skin, hair, and oral care. Products are distributed globally across 130 countries through pharmacies, e-commerce, hospitals, and via Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO) services to third-party pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

Product overview

Pierre Fabre is a French pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics group operating a dual business model with prescription pharmaceuticals and consumer dermo-cosmetics. The pharmaceutical portfolio includes oncology drugs (Braftovi for colorectal and lung cancer), rare disease treatments (HEMANGEOL for infantile hemangioma, tabelecleucel for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease), and pipeline assets (VERT-002 monoclonal antibody acquired from Vertical Bio). The dermo-cosmetics division encompasses major international brands including Eau Thermale Avène (sensitive skin), Ducray (skin/hair care), Klorane (botanical products), A-Derma (fragile skin), René Furterer (hair care), Naturactive (natural products), and Pierre Fabre Oral Care, serving skin, hair, and oral health needs across pharmacy and consumer channels. The company also operates Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO) services and clinical research services through its Skin Research Center. With €3.2 billion revenue in 2025 and operations in 130 countries, Pierre Fabre invests €250 million annually in R&D split between pharmaceuticals (€187M) and dermo-cosmetics (€63M).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Eau Thermale Avène: Leading pharmacy brand for sensitive skin care products
• Ducray
• Klorane
• A-Derma
• René Furterer
• Elgydium
• Glytone
• Naturactive
• Pierre Fabre Oncology Innovation
• Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals
• Pierre Fabre Medical Care

Products and services

• Eau Thermale Avène Flagship dermo-cosmetic brand for sensitive skin care including the Cleanance Comedomed+ acne treatment line and Cicalfate+ restorative protective cream; sold through pharmacies, dermatologists, and brand-direct e-commerce.
• Ducray Dermo-cosmetic brand specializing in skin care (acne, rosacea) and hair care (alopecia, dandruff) products sold through pharmacies and e-commerce.
• Klorane Botanical-based dermo-cosmetic brand for skin and hair care, with plant-inspired formulations, sold through pharmacies and e-commerce.
• A-Derma Dermo-cosmetic brand dedicated to caring for and protecting fragile skin types, including atopic dermatitis and eczema-prone skin, using Rhealba® oat-based formulations.
• René Furterer Hair care brand offering essential hair care products and treatments for scalp and hair health, including solutions for hair loss and damage.
• Naturactive Brand offering products of natural origin for health and well-being, including aromatherapy, phytotherapy, and homeopathic remedies.
• Pierre Fabre Oral Care (Elgydium) Oral care and dental health brand offering toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental products distributed through pharmacies.
• Glytone Dermo-cosmetic brand for professional skin care, primarily distributed in the U.S. market via dermatologists and authorized retailers.
• Braftovi (encorafenib) Targeted oncology kinase inhibitor approved in combination with cetuximab and FOLFOX as first-line treatment for adults with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, and in combination with binimetinib for non-small cell lung cancer; rights acquired from Pfizer.
• HEMANGEOL (propranolol hydrochloride) FDA-approved oral solution for the treatment of proliferating infantile hemangioma requiring systemic therapy; the only FDA-approved treatment for this indication, with approximately 5,000–10,000 infants treated annually in the U.S. U.S. commercialization rights licensed to Eton Pharmaceuticals effective May 1, 2026.
• DEXERYL Medical device and emollient cream for skin care, indicated for dry skin and supportive dermatological care, distributed in the U.S. market.
• TOLAK Prescription dermatology product (fluorouracil cream) for actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma, distributed in the U.S. market.
• Même Cosmetics Dermo-cosmetic brand specializing in skincare products for cancer patients, acquired by Pierre Fabre in April 2023 from co-founders and Eutopia investment fund.
• Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO) Pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing services for third-party clients, including biologics and antibody drug conjugate manufacturing capabilities demonstrated through the Jubilant Biosys / JASMIN partnership.
• Clinical Trials Information Services Patient-facing clinical trial information portal and Skin Research Center services conducting 700+ clinical studies annually across dermatology and dermo-cosmetics research, including biophysics, sensory analysis, and consumer perception testing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 51% reduction in risk of death compared to chemotherapy for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with Braftovi + cetuximab + FOLFOX (Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• BotDesigncoreTechnology or Integration · 11 March 2026Partnership with Toulouse-based HealthTech company BotDesign to conduct AI-powered comparative clinical study for dermo-cosmetics. AI used for data augmentation expanding patient scope from 100 to 600 participants to evaluate Avène Cleanance Comedomed+ for acne-prone skin maintenance following isotretinoin treatment. Positions Avène as first brand to use AI in dermo-cosmetics clinical studies.
• Eton PharmaceuticalsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 March 2026Eton Pharmaceuticals licensed U.S. commercialization rights to HEMANGEOL (propranolol hydrochloride) oral solution from Pierre Fabre Medicament Sas. Eton took over U.S. commercialization on May 1, 2026, expanding patient access to the only FDA-approved treatment for proliferating infantile hemangioma.
• IktoscoreTechnology or Integration · 9 January 2026AI-driven drug discovery collaboration focused on identifying and developing novel small-molecule drug candidates in oncology. Iktos provides its generative AI and automated chemistry platform while Pierre Fabre contributes oncology research and preclinical development expertise for an undisclosed oncology target. Includes upfront and milestone payments.
• Atara BiotherapeuticsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 January 2026Partnership with Atara Biotherapeutics for tabelecleucel (tab-cel) BLA for EBV+ post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals assumed the BLA after FDA Complete Response Letter and requested Type A meeting with FDA to find path forward. Companies seeking accelerated approval for this ultra-rare disease treatment.
• Breast Cancer AllianceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Annual October Breast Cancer Awareness Month partnership through Eau Thermale Avène brand. For every Avène purchase on aveneusa.com during October, the company donates Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream to breast cancer patients through BCA hospital and patient programs.
• Jubilant BiosyscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Jubilant Biosys acquired 80% equity in JASMIN, an affiliate of Pierre Fabre SA, to expand antibody drug conjugate and biologics capabilities across Europe. Strategic investment in CDMO expansion for advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Stada Arzneimittel: Stada is a European pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare company with a growing dermatology and dermo-cosmetics portfolio (e.g., Eubos, Ladival). Comparable as a European-focused player with both pharma and consumer health offerings.

Direct peers

• Galderma: Galderma is the largest pure-play dermo-cosmetics company globally, with brands like Cetaphil, Differin, and Epiduo. It is the most direct peer to Pierre Fabre's dermo-cosmetics division (Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray) and competes head-to-head in prescription and consumer dermatology.
• LEO Pharma: LEO Pharma is a Danish specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology and rare diseases. Direct peer to Pierre Fabre's Medical Care division with overlapping focus on prescription dermatology and rare skin conditions.
• Almirall: Almirall is a Spanish pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, including both medical dermatology and dermo-cosmetics. Strong overlap with Pierre Fabre's dermatology focus, particularly in European markets.
• Beiersdorf: Beiersdorf (Eucerin, Aquaphor, Hansaplast) operates a comparable dermo-cosmetics and medical skincare portfolio sold primarily through pharmacy channels. Direct overlap with Pierre Fabre's sensitive skin and dermo-cosmetic offerings in Europe and global markets.
• NAOS (Bioderma): NAOS, owner of Bioderma, Institut Esthederm, and Etat Pur, is a French-based independent dermo-cosmetics player with a similar business model to Pierre Fabre's dermo-cosmetics division. Competes in pharmacy channels and shares the "pharmaceutical-grade skincare" positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Bayer (Consumer Health): Bayer operates a Consumer Health division with dermatology and skincare brands (Bepanthen, Canesten) plus a pharmaceutical business. Comparable dual pharmaceutical + consumer health model with significant dermatology overlap.
• Pfizer (Oncology): Pfizer originally developed Braftovi (encorafenib) and divested European rights to Pierre Fabre. As a major oncology player, Pfizer is a broad incumbent reference for Pierre Fabre's pharmaceutical division, particularly in the BRAF/MEK inhibitor space.
• L'Oréal (Active Cosmetics Division): L'Oréal's Active Cosmetics division (La Roche-Posay, Vichy, CeraVe, SkinCeuticals) is the global leader in dermo-cosmetics and Pierre Fabre's primary competitor. L'Oréal's scale, marketing, and global distribution make it the dominant incumbent Pierre Fabre competes against in the same pharmacy channel.
• Sanofi (Consumer Healthcare): Sanofi is a French pharmaceutical major with a Consumer Healthcare division (including dermatology brands). Comparable as a large French pharmaceutical and consumer health company with overlap in dermatology and pharmacy distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pierrefabrebg
• Facebookfacebook.com/pierre.fabre.9655
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pierre-fabre
• Instagraminstagram.com/pierre.fabre.group

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A3 records

Investments3 records

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

Frequently asked questions about Pierre Fabre