Covis Pharma
Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that markets established branded therapeutics across respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, and gastroenterology franchises in 50+ countries. As of March 2025 it operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Azurity Pharmaceuticals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersZug, Switzerland
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Covis Pharma does
Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2011 that markets established branded therapeutics in 50+ countries for patients with life-threatening and chronic conditions across respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, and gastroenterology franchises. Its commercial portfolio includes Alvesco and Omnaris (ciclesonide inhaled/intranasal corticosteroids), Tudorza and Duaklir (aclidinium LAMA monotherapy and LAMA/LABA combination delivered via breath-actuated multi-dose dry-powder inhalers), Feraheme (intravenous ferumoxytol for iron deficiency anemia), and legacy cardiovascular and GI brands (Altoprev, Lanoxin, Sular, Prilosec), most of which were acquired over multiple carve-outs from GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Sunovion. The company runs a capital-light operating model, relying on 10+ contract manufacturers (Catalent, Patheon/Thermo Fisher, PCI Pharma) and a network of authorized distributors (Cardinal Health, Chiesi, Menarini, Zentiva, DKSH) to reach markets, supported by direct field sales forces in the United States and major European countries. Revenue is generated through unit-pricing sales of branded and authorized-generic products distributed via wholesale and pharmacy channels, with patient-assistance programs supporting access. The company has also developed ciraparantag, an investigational small-molecule anticoagulant reversal agent, in partnership with Norgine, and demonstrated late-stage clinical development capability through a 1,060-patient Phase 3 COPD trial across multiple Asian markets. In March 2025 Covis became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Azurity Pharmaceuticals, combining 800+ employees and ten dosage forms spanning nine therapeutic areas.
Covis Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Covis Pharma
- Legal name
- Covis Group S.à r.l.
- Website
- https://covispharma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that markets established branded therapeutics across respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, and gastroenterology franchises in 50+ countries. As of March 2025 it operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Azurity Pharmaceuticals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Covis Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Pharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Primary Care & General Medicine Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAA)
Keywords
Where Covis Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zug
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
Covis Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Pharmaceutical Product Sales: Covis Pharma generates revenue through the sale of branded pharmaceutical products across therapeutic areas including respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, allergy, and gastroenterology. Products are sold directly in major markets and through authorized distributors in 50+ countries. The company also distributes authorized generic versions of select products through partners like Prasco Laboratories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release) WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Alvesco (ciclesonide) WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Duaklir PRESSAIR WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Feraheme (ferumoxytol) WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lanoxin (digoxin) Injection WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Omnaris (ciclesonide) Nasal Spray WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Prilosec (omeprazole magnesium) WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sular (nisoldipine) WAC pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tudorza PRESSAIR WAC pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Covis Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that markets a portfolio of branded prescription medicines for respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, gastroenterology, and allergic conditions across more than 50 countries. The company sources products via 10+ contract manufacturing partners and sells them through direct commercial operations in the United States and through authorized distributors (Chiesi, Menarini, Zentiva, Cardinal Health, Novartis, etc.) internationally.
Product overview
Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that markets therapeutic solutions in 50+ countries for patients with life-threatening conditions and chronic illnesses. The company operates established therapeutic franchises in respiratory, hospital, and specialty care through its portfolio of branded pharmaceutical products. The core product portfolio includes: respiratory treatments (Alvesco, Duaklir, Tudorza for COPD/asthma, and Omnaris for allergic rhinitis); hematology (Feraheme for iron deficiency anemia); cardiovascular (Altoprev statin, Lanoxin cardiac glycoside, Sular calcium channel blocker); and gastroenterology (Prilosec PPI). The company also distributes authorized generics through partners like Prasco Laboratories. Additionally, Covis has development-stage pipeline candidate ciraparantag, an investigational anticoagulant reversal agent being developed in partnership with Norgine. The portfolio was built through strategic acquisitions including rights from AstraZeneca (Alvesco, Omnaris, Zetonna, Eklira/Duaklir) and the acquisition of AMAG Pharmaceuticals (Makena, Feraheme).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Alvesco (ciclesonide) Inhaled glucocorticoid inhalation aerosol for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents; small particle size (1-2 micrometers) targets large and small airways.
- Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate) Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) combination for maintenance treatment of COPD, delivered via breath-actuated multi-dose dry powder inhaler (Pressair in US, Genuair elsewhere).
- Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide) Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) for maintenance bronchodilator treatment of COPD, delivered via breath-actuated multi-dose dry powder inhaler (Pressair in US, Genuair elsewhere).
- Feraheme (ferumoxytol) Intravenous iron replacement therapy (510 mg dose) for iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with intolerance to oral iron or with chronic kidney disease.
- Omnaris (ciclesonide nasal spray) Nasal spray corticosteroid for treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release) Extended-release statin tablet for cardiovascular risk reduction and lipid management.
- Lanoxin (digoxin) Cardiac glycoside for treatment of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
- Sular (nisoldipine) Extended-release calcium channel blocker tablet for treatment of hypertension.
- Prilosec (omeprazole magnesium)
Companies that use Covis Pharma
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Covis Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Covis Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- AstraZenecacoreCovis acquired global rights to respiratory medicines Alvesco, Omnaris, and Zetonna from AstraZeneca in 2018, and acquired Eklira/Tudorza and Duaklir in 2022 for $270 million. AstraZeneca continues as an ongoing partner for product supply and development.
- CatalentcoreContract manufacturing organization providing pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging services for Covis products.
- PatheoncoreContract manufacturing organization (part of Thermo Fisher) providing pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services.
- AlmirallcoreLicensor for Tudorza and Duaklir products; original developer of aclidinium bromide and aclidinium/formoterol combination respiratory therapies.
- PCI PharmacoreContract packaging organization providing specialized pharmaceutical packaging solutions.
- Bausch HealthsupportingOperating partner for product distribution and supply chain operations.
- TevasupportingOperating partner for manufacturing and product supply.
- NovartiscoreExclusive Promotion and Distribution Agreement for Seebri Breezhaler and Ultibro Breezhaler in Canada. Covis appointed as exclusive partner to promote and distribute these products in Canada.
- ChiesisupportingAuthorized Distributor of Record for Asia-Pacific region.
- MenarinisupportingAuthorized Distributor of Record for Europe region.
- ZentivasupportingAuthorized Distributor of Record for Europe region.
- Cardinal HealthsupportingAuthorized Distributor of Record for United States.
- Prasco LaboratoriessupportingAuthorized generic distributor for Covis brands including Nisoldipine products.
- NorginecoreCo-development partner for ciraparantag, an investigational anticoagulant reversal agent. Norgine co-developed and is collaborating on the ongoing clinical development program for ciraparantag.
- Acorda TherapeuticssupportingBusiness development partner for product licensing and acquisition opportunities.
- GSKsupportingBusiness development partner for product licensing opportunities.
- SanofisupportingBusiness development partner for product licensing opportunities.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Covis Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Perrigo Company: Consumer-focused specialty pharmaceutical company with significant branded and OTC presence including respiratory categories; comparable model of acquiring mature branded assets and operating global commercial/distribution infrastructure.
- Horizon Therapeutics (now Amgen): Specialty pharmaceutical company focused on rare and inflammatory diseases, recently acquired by Amgen; comparable specialty-pharma acquisition strategy and PE-backed growth model prior to strategic exit.
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: Global specialty and generics pharmaceutical company with US specialty presence and complex dosage form expertise; comparable global commercial scale, mix of branded specialty and generics, and historical M&A-led portfolio expansion.
Direct peers
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Specialty pharmaceutical company marketing branded therapies in CNS and oncology; similar model of building through acquisitions of niche marketed assets with global commercial reach and high-margin specialty positioning.
- Endo International: Specialty and generics pharmaceutical company with branded franchises in pain, urology, and endocrinology; comparable business model of acquired specialty assets, complex legal/regulatory history, and PE-era restructuring.
- Chiesi Farmaceutici: Privately-held global specialty pharmaceutical company with a major respiratory franchise; directly comparable respiratory focus, and also operates as Covis's Asia-Pacific distributor, making it a hybrid peer/distribution partner.
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals: Specialty and generics pharmaceutical company with branded franchises in neurology, endocrinology, and hospital products; comparable combination of branded specialty and authorized-generic distribution model.
- Almirall: European dermatology and respiratory specialty pharmaceutical company; directly comparable respiratory franchise (licensor of Tudorza/Duaklir to Covis) with similar European HQ and focus on inhaled therapies for skin and respiratory conditions.
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals: Specialty pharmaceutical company focused on branded and specialty generics across respiratory, immunology, and hospital products; comparable specialty-pharma model with PE-era ownership, branded legacy portfolio, and similar exposure to legacy-asset regulatory risk.
- Bausch Health (formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals): Specialty pharmaceutical company with diversified branded portfolio across neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and eye health; similar PE-driven acquisition strategy, specialty-pharma positioning, and global commercial footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Covis Pharma compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Covis Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Covis Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Covis Pharma subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Covis Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Covis Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Covis Pharma
What does Covis Pharma do?
Covis Pharma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that markets a portfolio of branded prescription medicines for respiratory, hematology, cardiovascular, gastroenterology, and allergic conditions across more than 50 countries. The company sources products via 10+ contract manufacturing partners and sells them through direct commercial operations in the United States and through authorized distributors (Chiesi, Menarini, Zentiva, Cardinal Health, Novartis, etc.) internationally.
Is Covis Pharma a public or private company?
Covis Pharma is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned.
When was Covis Pharma founded?
Covis Pharma was founded in 2011. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Covis Pharma based?
Covis Pharma is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Covis Pharma make money?
One revenue line is on record: pharmaceutical Product Sales.
Who are Covis Pharma's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Perrigo Company, Horizon Therapeutics (now Amgen) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. Direct peers are Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Endo International, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Almirall, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Bausch Health (formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals).
Does Covis Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Covis Pharma.
What industry is Covis Pharma in?
Covis Pharma's product category is Specialty Pharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIAAAA, Primary Care & General Medicine Pharmaceuticals. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.