What Rafa Laboratories Ltd. does

Rafa Laboratories Ltd. is a privately held Israeli pharmaceutical company founded in 1937 and headquartered in Jerusalem. With 101–250 employees, the company manufactures and distributes originator drugs, generics, prescription medications, OTC products, and therapeutic products through a GMP-compliant facility certified to EMA standards and holds ISO 27001 certification. Its portfolio spans multiple therapeutic categories, including Hedrin (lice treatment), Monurol (UTI), Tesalin (plant-based allergy medicine), Cimidona (menopause), Prefemin (PMS), Kelocote (scar treatment), and Betadine, and it markets the Axiban medical cannabis product via a manufacturing partnership with Panaxia.

The company serves the Israeli healthcare market with products reaching all healthcare institutions — hospitals, pharmacies, and the four national health funds — and supplements domestic distribution with international in-licensing and out-licensing partnerships with FAES FARMA, FALK, HELSINN, ONY Biotech, Sinclair, T&R, United Therapeutics, Zambon, Zeller, and Epitomee. In December 2021, Rafa became the first Israeli pharma to implement medical cannabis home delivery through a partnership with Maccabi Health Services. In August 2022, the company acquired a strategic stake in ExCEEd Orphan, extending its footprint into rare-disease therapeutics across Central and Eastern Europe.

Rafa's business model combines multi-channel pharmaceutical distribution within Israel, export and licensing partnerships abroad, and selective product innovation, including 10+ product launches between 2015 and 2025. Leadership transitioned to Ido Leshem as CEO in January 2024, signaling continuity of strategy with incremental expansion into adjacent categories such as rare diseases and medical cannabis.

Name

Rafa Laboratories Ltd.

Legal name

מעבדות רפא בע"מ (Rafa Laboratories Ltd.)

Website

https://www.rafa.co.il

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Rafa Laboratories is a privately held Israeli pharmaceutical company founded in 1937, manufacturing originator drugs, generics, prescription meds, and OTC products through a GMP/EMA-certified facility and serving hospitals, pharmacies, and health funds across Israel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Jerusalem

HQ country

Israel

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Product Sales: Rafa Laboratories generates revenue through the sale of originator drugs, generic drugs, prescription medications, OTC products, and therapeutic products. The company markets a wide range of medicines and therapeutic preparations that help thousands of infants, children, adults, and elderly in Israel daily. Products are distributed through pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare institutions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Rafa Laboratories is an Israeli pharmaceutical company that manufactures, markets, and distributes a broad portfolio of originator drugs, generic medicines, prescription pharmaceuticals, OTC products, and medical cannabis products. The company operates a GMP-compliant manufacturing facility in Jerusalem compliant with European EMA regulations and distributes products across all Israeli healthcare institutions, pharmacies, and online channels. Its portfolio spans anti-infectives, respiratory/allergy, gastroenterology, pain management, dermatology, women's health, pediatrics, weight management, and medical cannabis therapeutic areas.

Product overview

Rafa Laboratories Ltd. (מעבדות רפא בע"מ) is an Israeli pharmaceutical company founded in 1937, specializing in the marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of originator medicines, generic drugs, prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and therapeutic products. The company's product portfolio is organized into therapeutic categories spanning: anti-infectives (Coliracin, Itranol, Flucanol, Pen-Rafa VK, Monurol, Betadine); respiratory/allergy (Tesalin for allergic rhinitis); gastroenterology; pain management (Kalgaron lozenges, Nervo3 gel for neuropathic pain); dermatology and wound care (Betadine spray, Kelocote scar gel); women's health (Cimidona for menopause, Prefemin for PMS, Folex 400 for iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy); medical cannabis (Axiban sublingual drops in 5 THC/CBD concentrations, IMC Medical Grade); pediatric health (Hedrin lice treatment line with gel, spray, mousse, and protect spray); and weight management (Epitomee Capsule). Rafa also operates a GMP-compliant manufacturing facility in Jerusalem and distributes its products across all healthcare institutions and pharmacies in Israel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hedrin (הדרין): Product line for head lice treatment including gel, spray, and mousse variants.
• Axiban (אקסיבן)
• Tesalin (טסלין)
• Monurol (מונורול)
• Kelocote (קלו-קוט)
• Prefemin (פרפמין)
• Cimidona (סימידונה)
• Kalgaron (קלגרון)
• Betadine (בטאדין)
• Nervo3 (נרבו 3)
• Epitomee (אפיטומי)

Products and services

• Coliracin (קולירצין) Antibiotic for treating infections caused by bacteria sensitive to colistin. Supplied as powder for infusion concentrate, containing 1,000,000 units of colistimethate sodium per vial. For healthcare institutions.
• Itranol (איטרנול) Antifungal medication in capsule form (itraconazole 100 mg) for treating fungal infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus, vagina, skin, and nails, and systemic mycosis. For healthcare institutions and patients.
• Flucanol (פלוקנול) Antifungal medication in capsules (fluconazole 50/100/150/200 mg) for treating a broad range of fungal infections including cryptococcal meningitis, candidiasis, oral/vaginal thrush, skin fungal infections, and for prevention of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Pen-Rafa VK 500 (פן-רפא וי-ק 500) Penicillin-based antibiotic in capsules (penicillin V as potassium 500 mg) for treating infections caused by penicillin-sensitive bacteria. For healthcare institutions and patients.
• Betadine Topical Spray (בטאדין תרסיס לשימוש חיצוני) Topical powder spray antiseptic (povidone iodine 2.5%) for skin disinfection, treatment and prevention of infections from burns, cuts, and surgical wounds. Non-stinging, creates a dry layer. OTC product for consumers.
• Monurol (מונורול) Antibiotic powder (fosfomycin trometamol 3 g) for treating acute uncomplicated cystitis in women and adolescent girls, and for preventive antibiotic treatment prior to transrectal prostate biopsy in adult men. Prescription drug for healthcare institutions and patients.
• Kalgaron (קלגרון) Sore throat lozenges (cetylpyridinium chloride 1.25 mg and lidocaine hydrochloride 1 mg) for relief of severe sore throat and oral/pharyngeal infections. Available in strawberry, mint, and orange flavors. For adults and children from age 6. OTC consumer product.
• Cimidona 6.5 mg (סימידונה 6.5 מ"ג) Tablet containing 6.5 mg of black cohosh (Cimicifuga) dry extract for relief of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, irritability, and depressive mood. OTC product for consumers.
• Cimidona Forte 13 mg (סימידונה פורטה 13 מ"ג) Tablet containing 13 mg of black cohosh (Cimicifuga) dry extract for relief of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, irritability, and depressive mood. Prescription drug for healthcare institutions and patients.
• Prefemin (פרפמין) Tablet containing 20 mg of Agnus Castus (Agni Casti) dry extract for treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women over 18. Hormone-free; relieves both emotional and physical PMS symptoms including mood changes, irritability, headaches, and breast congestion. OTC product for consumers.
• Folex 400 (פולקס 400) Tablets containing ferrous fumarate 100 mg and folic acid 400 mcg for prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia and maintenance of folic acid levels, especially during pregnancy. OTC product for consumers.
• Tesalin (טסלין) Tablet containing 8 mg of petasins extracted from Petasites hybridus leaves for treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms and associated eye, nose, and throat symptoms. Free of steroids and antihistamines, non-sedating, suitable from age 12. OTC product for consumers.
• Axiban (אקסיבן) Medical cannabis product in full extract form with precise, standardized THC and CBD concentrations. Available as sublingual drops in 5 concentration combinations (T15/C3, T10/C10, T3/C15, T1/C20, T22/C4), each bottle containing 10 grams total. Requires a medical cannabis license. Manufactured under IMC Medical Grade standards. For licensed medical cannabis patients.
• Epitomee Capsule (קפסולת אפיטומי) Capsule for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m²), used in combination with a balanced diet and physical exercise. Works via a mechanical mechanism (no active pharmaceutical ingredient). OTC consumer product.
• Hedrin Product Line (הדרין) Complete line of OTC products for the treatment and prevention of head lice. Includes: Hedrin ONCE Gel (15-minute single-treatment for short to medium hair), Hedrin ONCE Spray (for long/curly hair), Hedrin & Go Mousse (no immediate shampooing required), Hedrin Protect Spray (lice prevention, clinically proven), and Hedrin Wash Shampoo. All based on a physical mode of action without chemical pesticides, approved from age 6 months. For consumers and parents.
• Kelocote Product Line (קלו-קוט) Silicone gel-based scar treatment product line. Includes: Kelocote Gel Tube (for all scar types except depressed scars), Kelocote Gel Spray (for widespread or touch-sensitive scars), and Kelocote UV Gel (with sun protection). Softens, flattens, and reduces redness of raised scars; relieves itch, pain, and discomfort. Clinically proven; recommended by physicians and pharmacists. For consumers and healthcare institutions.
• Nervo3 Gel (נרבו 3 ג'ל) Topical gel for treatment of neuropathic symptoms (damage to the peripheral nervous system) of inflammatory, metabolic, or infectious origin. Contains a stabilized ozone formulation in oleic acid with alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E acetate, capsicum extract, and essential amino acids. Clinically proven; available without prescription. For consumers and healthcare institutions.

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ExCEEd OrphancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2022Rafa Laboratories is acquiring a significant stake in ExCEEd Orphan to improve its capabilities and expand its portfolio in medicines for rare diseases in CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) and Israel. The collaboration aims to bring new orphan drugs to these markets, driven by increasing demand and growth in the global orphan drug market. The partnership reflects Rafa's strategy to become an international player in this niche sector.
• PanaxiacoreTechnology or IntegrationPanaxia is the manufacturer producing medical cannabis products for Rafa. Panaxia received Ministry of Health license to manufacture medical cannabis pharmaceutical products under GMP conditions and manufactures and sells medical cannabis products in various countries including the USA.
• EpitomeeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEpitomee capsule for weight management distributed by Rafa in Israel. Medical device/cosmetic product for adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m²) in combination with diet and physical activity.
• FAES FARMAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• FALKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• HELSINNminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• ONY BiotechminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBiotechnology company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• SinclairminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• T&RminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• United TherapeuticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company focused on pulmonary hypertension whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• ZambonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• ZellerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational pharmaceutical company whose products are distributed by Rafa in the Israeli market.
• Maccabi Healthcare ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRafa and Maccabi Yozmot and Management signed an agreement for supply of quality medical cannabis products from Rafa to Maccabi Healthcare members. The products are delivered directly to Maccabi members' homes, making Rafa the first Israeli pharmaceutical company to implement the medical cannabis reform.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: Israel's largest pharmaceutical company and the world's leading generic drug manufacturer. Directly comparable to Rafa as a domestic Israeli pharma with branded generics, OTC, and specialty portfolios, though operating at much larger global scale.
• Taro Pharmaceutical Industries: Israel-based generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with a focus on branded generics, OTC, and prescription products. Direct competitor in the Israeli generic pharma space with overlapping therapeutic categories such as dermatology and anti-infectives.
• Dexcel Pharma: Israeli specialty pharmaceutical company developing and marketing branded generic and innovative medicines. Comparable mid-sized peer with a similar Israel-centric go-to-market model and therapeutic breadth.
• Panaxia Pharmaceutical Industries: Israeli pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis manufacturer that produces Axiban for Rafa under GMP. Comparable in the cannabis-pharma intersection with overlapping manufacturing standards (IMC Medical Grade, GMP).
• Helsinn Healthcare: Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on cancer supportive care and rare diseases. Already partners with Rafa for Israeli distribution; comparable as a mid-size specialty pharma expanding through regional partnerships.
• FAES Farma: Spanish pharmaceutical company with branded generics, OTC, and specialty products. Distributes through Rafa in Israel and shares a comparable mid-cap specialty pharma profile with international partnership-driven growth.
• Zambon: Italian multinational pharmaceutical company with focus on respiratory, pain, and women's health. Comparable to Rafa's therapeutic portfolio breadth and partnership-based international expansion model.

Regional players

• Trima (Teva Israel legacy brands): Israeli pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer focused on generic and branded generic products distributed across Israeli pharmacies. Comparable in therapeutic scope and channel strategy to Rafa's portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Perrigo Company: Global leader in consumer self-care products and generic pharmaceuticals with strong OTC and store-brand portfolios. Comparable to Rafa's OTC and consumer health segments (e.g., Hedrin, Kalgaron, Betadine, Tesalin).
• United Therapeutics: U.S. biotechnology company specializing in pulmonary hypertension products distributed by Rafa in Israel. Comparable therapeutic-area overlap in respiratory and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Rafapharmaceutical
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rafa-labartories

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Rafa Laboratories Ltd.