What Qualipharm does

Qualipharm is a Guatemalan pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1971, headquartered in Guatemala City with its production plant in San José Pinula. The company produces its own branded pharmaceutical products across 17 therapeutic lines — including antibiotics, cardiometabolic, anti-inflammatory, pediatric, maternal, gastrointestinal, neuroscience, dental, women's health, antifungal, ophthalmological, dermatological, antimigraine, vitamins, and OTC categories — plus contract manufacturing (maquila) services for other Central American laboratories. Its technology stack centers on automated Italian production equipment installed since 2012, HEPA-filtered sterile environments with 99.99% air filtration efficiency, third-generation water treatment systems, an in-house printing press for packaging quality control (since 1997), and full traceability systems tracking products from production to point of sale (since 1998). Qualipharm has obtained four consecutive Informe 32 GMP certifications (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) with 100% compliance across Critical, Major, and Minor criteria under WHO-aligned Central American Technical Regulations.

The company's business model combines branded-generic pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract manufacturing for regional laboratories, and direct distribution through pharmacy chains, government healthcare programs, and field-based medical representatives (visitadores médicos) across Guatemala and the broader Central American and Caribbean region. It also operates an online store (tienda en línea) for direct-to-consumer sales. Customers include the Government of Guatemala and Instituto Guatemalteco del Seguro Social (IGSS) — the original buyer since 1971 — alongside private pharmacy networks, healthcare professionals, and regional pharmaceutical laboratories. Distribution channels span medical representative field sales, pharmacy retail, government supply contracts, Central American/Caribbean regional distribution, and e-commerce. A long-standing strategic alliance with ACIC (Canada), established in 1994, supplies premium active pharmaceutical ingredients and technology transfer that has supported products such as Zidovudin (AZT). In 1995, the company was acquired by a group of investors with transnational interests, initiating its regional expansion.

Name

Qualipharm

Legal name

Qualipharm

Website

https://qualipharm.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Qualipharm is a Guatemalan pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1971 that produces branded generics across 17 therapeutic lines and provides contract manufacturing for Central American laboratories, distributing through medical representatives, pharmacy networks, government healthcare programs, and an online store.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Primary Care & General Medicine Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Infectious Disease & Antimicrobials Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAG), Pulmonology & Allergy Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAF), Generic Hospital & Institutional Products (HLAIABAL), Hand Sanitizers & Antibacterial Personal Care (CRADANAI), Cold, Flu, Cough & Allergy Remedies (Decongestants, Antihistamines, Cough Syrups, Lozenges) (CRADAMAD)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Contract manufacturing services
• Generic pharmaceuticals
• Glucometer medical devices
• Pharmaceutical product distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Guatemala City

HQ country

Guatemala

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Proprietary pharmaceutical products: Manufacturing and commercialization of own pharmaceutical product lines across multiple therapeutic categories including respiratory, antibiotics, cardiometabolic, anti-inflammatory, pediatric, maternal, gastrointestinal, neuroscience, dental, feminine health, antifungal, ophthalmological, dermatological, antimigraine, vitamins, and OTC products
2. Contract manufacturing (maquila): Contract manufacturing services for other pharmaceutical laboratories in the Central American region. Started international maquila in 2000, manufacturing products for laboratories from other countries originating from Guatemala
3. Direct retail sales: Online store sales directly to consumers through the company's e-commerce platform

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Qualipharm manufactures and commercializes its own portfolio of pharmaceutical products across multiple therapeutic categories — including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, cardiometabolic, respiratory, pediatric, maternal, neurological, ophthalmological, dermatological, antifungal, and antimigraine medications, plus vitamins and OTC lines — at two dedicated GMP-certified plants in Guatemala. The company also provides contract manufacturing (maquila) services to other laboratories in Central America and the Caribbean, and sells glucometer medical devices.

Product overview

Qualipharm is a Guatemalan pharmaceutical company dedicated to the production of its own pharmaceutical products as well as contract manufacturing for other laboratories in the Central American region. The company operates two production facilities in San José Pinula — one for beta-lactam products (producing sterile solids, oral powders, etc.) and another for non-beta-lactam products (producing sterile liquids, oral liquids, and semisolids) — and maintains WHO-aligned GMP compliance under the Central American Technical Regulation Informe 32. The product portfolio is organized across 17 therapeutic lines: Respiratoria (respiratory), Antibióticos (antibiotics), Cardiometabólica (cardiometabolic), Antiinflamatorios (anti-inflammatory), Pediátrica (pediatric), Materna (maternal), Gástrica (gastrointestinal), Neurociencias (neurosciences), Odontológica (dental), FemmMujer (women's health), Antimicótica (antifungal), Oftalmológica (ophthalmological), Dermatológica (dermatological), Antimigrañosos (antimigraine), plus a Vitamins line, an OTC line, and an Other Trusted Brands line. Individual branded products include BACTID (antiseptic topical OTC gel/spray), Dexametasona (injectable and tablet corticosteroid), Dexamicina (ophthalmic drops and ointment), Qualistatina (nystatin oral gel and suspension), Ketospor (ketoconazole cream and solution), Dermazol (triple-action topical cream), Bactemicina K (vaginal ovules and cream combining clindamycin and ketoconazole), Septigel (clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide acne gel), CalciD (calcium supplement), Hydrogel (urea-based moisturizer), Dermafast (miconazole oral suspension), Escanso/Quetiapina (quetiapine antipsychotic), Flufenazina (antipsychotic injection), Latonin (melatonin), Pregax (pregabalin), Biperideno (biperiden), Lamotrigina (lamotrigine), Trazodona (trazodone antidepressant), Citapram (escitalopram), and Naudrato (dimenhidrinate suppository). The company also offers two glucometer models (Glucómetro Modelo Mini and Glucómetro Modelo Neu) and operates an online store. Qualipharm has over 50 years of industry experience with continuous product innovation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bactid: OTC antiseptic gel and spray products
• FemmMujer
• Línea Respiratoria
• Línea Antibióticos
• Línea Cardiometabólica
• Línea Antiinflamatorios
• Línea Pediátrica
• Línea Materna
• Línea Neurociencias
• Línea Antimigrañosos

Products and services

• Contract manufacturing (maquila) services Contract pharmaceutical manufacturing services offered to other laboratories in the Central American region, leveraging Qualipharm's Informe 32 GMP-certified facilities, automated Italian production equipment, two dedicated plants (beta-lactam and non-beta-lactam), and enterprise production capacity installed since 1996.
• Glucómetro Modelo Mini Personal glucometer device for self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, sold by Qualipharm.
• Glucómetro Modelo Neu Personal glucometer device for self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, sold by Qualipharm.
• BACTID (gel and spray) OTC topical antiseptic antibiotic gel and spray products marketed under the BACTID brand, used for skin disinfection.
• Otras marcas de confianza (distributed brands) Portfolio of trusted third-party brand pharmaceutical products distributed by Qualipharm.
• Dexametasona inyectable Injectable solution containing dexamethasone sodium phosphate 4mg/2mL, a glucocorticoid indicated for adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory conditions, and immunosuppressive therapy.
• Dexametasona tabletas Tablets containing dexamethasone 0.5mg, a glucocorticoid indicated for adrenal insufficiency and inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
• Lanolat Nipple care topical product containing 100% pure lanolin, used to protect delicate or dry nipples during breastfeeding (applied every 4 hours).
• Cofedrin Chewable tablet containing acetaminophen 200mg and chlorpheniramine maleate 1mg, indicated for relief of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, pain, fever, sneezing, and ocular pruritus associated with colds and flu; available in age formulations 4–8 years and 9–17 years.
• Dexa Triviplex Combination injectable product containing neurotropic B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) and dexamethasone, indicated as adjunctive treatment for painful conditions of the nervous system including neuritis, neuralgia, and rheumatic pain.
• Rizatrip Dispersible tablet containing rizatriptan benzoate 10mg, indicated for acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, administered orally.
• Dexamicina colirio Eye drop formulation containing dexamethasone 1mg/mL and neomycin 3.5mg/mL, indicated for inflammatory ocular conditions.
• Dexamicina ungüento Ophthalmic and dermatological ointment containing dexamethasone 1mg/g and neomycin 10mg/g, indicated for inflammatory ocular and skin conditions.
• Oftacetamida Eye drop solution containing sulfacetamide 100mg/mL, indicated for bacterial infections of the eye including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.
• Cloramicina Eye drop solution containing chloramphenicol 5mg/mL, indicated for superficial eye infections caused by susceptible bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species.
• Qualistatina gel Topical gel containing nystatin 100,000 UI/g, indicated for fungal infections of the lips and tongue including angular cheilitis and oral candidiasis.
• Qualistatina suspensión Oral suspension containing nystatin 100,000 IU/mL, indicated for oral fungal infections including candidiasis.
• Ketospor crema Topical cream containing ketoconazole 20mg/g, indicated for topical treatment of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea versicolor, cutaneous candidiasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Ketospor solución Topical solution containing ketoconazole 20mg/mL, indicated for superficial fungal infections and onychomycosis.
• Dermazol crema Topical cream combining clotrimazole (antifungal), betamethasone dipropionate (anti-inflammatory corticosteroid), and gentamicin (antibiotic), indicated for inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, cutaneous candidiasis, and minor bacterial skin infections.
• Bactemicina K óvulos Vaginal suppository combining clindamycin phosphate 100mg and ketoconazole 400mg, indicated for mixed vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
• Bactemicina K crema vaginal Vaginal cream combining clindamycin 100mg and ketoconazole 400mg per 5g, indicated for mixed vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
• Septigel Topical acne treatment gel combining clindamycin phosphate 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5%, indicated for acne vulgaris in persons over 12 years of age.
• Bactemicina crema vaginal Vaginal cream containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to clindamycin 100mg per 5g, indicated for treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
• CalciD Chewable tablet containing calcium carbonate 500mg and vitamin D3 200 IU, indicated as a calcium supplement for states of increased calcium demand including growth, pregnancy, lactation, and for adults over 65 years.
• Hydrogel crema tópica Topical moisturizing cream containing urea 10%, indicated for treatment of dry skin by promoting skin hydration and water retention.
• Dermafast Oral suspension containing miconazole 100mg/5mL, indicated for oral candidiasis including angular cheilitis and oral fungal infections, with additional coverage against gram-positive bacteria.
• Escanso (Quetiapine) Film-coated tablet containing quetiapine fumarate equivalent to quetiapine 100mg or 300mg, an atypical antipsychotic indicated for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes, and recurrence prevention).
• Flufenazina Injectable solution containing fluphenazine decanoate 25mg/mL, a typical antipsychotic indicated for schizophrenia, paranoid psychosis, and maintenance therapy in chronic patients with adherence difficulties.
• Latonin Film-coated tablet containing melatonin 5mg, indicated for insomnia (onset and maintenance), jet lag, shift work, benzodiazepine withdrawal in elderly, migraine prophylaxis, and circadian rhythm disorders.
• Pregax Capsule containing pregabalin 150mg, indicated for peripheral and central neuropathic pain, epilepsy (adjunctive treatment of partial seizures), and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
• Carbonato de Litio Capsule containing lithium carbonate 300mg, an antimanic agent indicated for treatment and prevention of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
• Ácido Valproico Oral solution containing valproic acid 5mg/5mL, an anticonvulsant indicated for generalized and partial epilepsies, increasing GABA levels in the brain.
• Biperideno Film-coated tablet containing biperiden hydrochloride 2mg, an anticholinergic agent indicated for Parkinson's disease and prevention/correction of drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Lamotrigina Film-coated tablet containing lamotrigine 25mg or 100mg, an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer indicated for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, acting by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels.
• Quetiapina Film-coated tablet containing quetiapine fumarate equivalent to quetiapine 100mg or 300mg, an atypical antipsychotic indicated for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic and depressive phases).
• Trazodona Tablet containing trazodone hydrochloride 50mg or 100mg, a triazolopyridine-derived antidepressant indicated for depressive disorders, mixed anxiety-depression states, and commonly used as a sleep inducer.
• Citapram (Escitalopram) Film-coated tablet containing escitalopram oxalate equivalent to escitalopram 10mg or 20mg, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for major depressive disorder and certain anxiety disorders.
• Naudrato Suppository containing dimenhydrinate 50mg or 100mg, an antiemetic indicated for prevention and treatment of motion sickness symptoms (nausea, vomiting, vertigo) in children over 2 years.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% compliance in Critical, Major, and Minor criteria for all GMP certifications (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• ACIC (Active Chemical & Ingredients Corporation) CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1994Strategic partnership established in 1994 for supply of high-quality active ingredients and transfer of cutting-edge technology for new product development. This partnership enabled the launch of Zidovudin (AZT), an HIV treatment product, years later. ACIC provided access to premium active ingredients and technological expertise that strengthened Qualipharm's formulation capabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Laboratorios Stein: Costa Rican pharmaceutical laboratory with a broad branded generics portfolio distributed across Central America. Comparable in therapeutic breadth, GMP-driven positioning, and regional distribution model.
• Grupo Lamosa (Laboratorios Lamosa): Mexican pharmaceutical manufacturer producing branded generics and specialty products for the Latin American market. Comparable in therapeutic breadth and contract manufacturing capabilities.
• Unipharm: Guatemalan pharmaceutical manufacturer with a comparable branded generics portfolio across multiple therapeutic categories, serving pharmacies and institutional customers in Guatemala and Central America. Direct domestic competitor to Qualipharm with overlapping product positioning.
• Laboratorios Paill: Guatemalan pharmaceutical company offering branded generic and OTC products to pharmacies and healthcare institutions. Direct domestic competitor with similar distribution through pharmacy chains and government channels.

Regional players

• Farmanova Intermed: Central American pharmaceutical distributor and manufacturer serving Guatemala and neighboring markets. Comparable through overlapping regional distribution channels and branded generics focus.
• Pharma Investi: Chilean pharmaceutical company producing branded generics and specialty products for Latin American markets. Comparable in therapeutic diversity and branded generics go-to-market, though primarily serving South American markets.
• Laboratorios Bussié: Colombian pharmaceutical manufacturer with branded generics distributed across Latin America. Comparable in multi-therapeutic manufacturing and regional export strategy, though serving primarily Andean and Caribbean markets.

Broad incumbents

• Genomma Lab Internacional: Mexican multinational pharmaceutical company with a broad branded OTC and specialty portfolio sold across Latin America. Comparable in multi-category branded pharmaceutical strategy, though operating at significantly larger scale.
• Roemmers: Argentine pharmaceutical multinational with a strong branded generics and specialty portfolio across Latin America. Comparable therapeutic breadth and branded positioning, though materially larger and operating from South America.
• Megalabs: Latin American pharmaceutical group with branded generics across multiple therapeutic areas, operating in over 15 countries. Comparable in portfolio breadth and regional distribution model, though at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Qualipharm

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Qualipharm