Taro
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a multinational generic pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications across Canada. A wholly-owned Sun Pharma subsidiary since June 2024, it specializes in topical formulations, dermatology, and oncology generics from Brampton, Ontario.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersBrampton, Canada
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Taro does
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a multinational generic pharmaceutical company founded in 1950 in Israel and now headquartered operationally in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It develops, manufactures, and markets affordable generic prescription and over-the-counter medications across therapeutic areas including dermatology, oncology, cardiovascular, and central nervous system, alongside consumer healthcare lines. The company maintains three state-of-the-art facilities in Brampton that serve as a centre of excellence for creams, ointments, and gels, supplemented by in-house chemical synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from raw materials, enabling control of both API and finished dosage form for key molecules such as Warfarin.
The product portfolio spans generic Rx (e.g., Taro-Palbociclib, Taro-Apixaban, Taro-Sunitinib, Taro-Tofacitinib), established OTC brands (CLOTRIMADERM, CORTODERM, HYDERM, NYADERM, POLYDERM), the consumer Bee Rx natural skincare line, and the Proactiv brand held through its Alchemee subsidiary acquired from Galderma in March 2022. Taro operates a sales-led go-to-market targeting pharmacists and physicians, supplemented by distribution through pharmaceutical wholesalers and direct supply to franchise, corporate, banner, and independent pharmacies across Canada. It also serves as the exclusive Canadian distributor for Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and Sun Pharma generics.
On June 24, 2024, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. completed the privatization of Taro, delisting its NYSE shares and converting it into a wholly-owned private subsidiary, providing long-term capital and access to Sun Pharma's global specialty-generics pipeline. The Canadian operating entity, Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., is incorporated in Ontario and supports roughly 600 employees, with R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, and distribution functions co-located in Brampton.
Taro firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Taro
- Legal name
- Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Website
- https://taro.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a multinational generic pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications across Canada. A wholly-owned Sun Pharma subsidiary since June 2024, it specializes in topical formulations, dermatology, and oncology generics from Brampton, Ontario.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Taro industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Generic Pharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Topical & Dermatology Generics (HLAIABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments (HLAIADAE), Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF), Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)
Keywords
Where Taro is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brampton
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Taro business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Generic Prescription Pharmaceuticals: Taro generates revenue primarily through the development, manufacturing and sale of generic prescription medications. Products include generics for branded drugs such as Ibrance (palbociclib), Xeljanz (tofacitinib), Eliquis (apixaban), and many others covering cardiovascular, oncology, dermatology, and other therapeutic areas.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: Sale of OTC pharmaceutical products including topical antibiotics (CLOTRIMADERM, TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC), antifungals (NYADERM), corticosteroids (CORTODERM, HYDERM), minoxidil hair loss treatments, and other consumer healthcare products through pharmacies.
- Distribution Services: Taro serves as the exclusive Canadian distributor for Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and distributes Sun Pharma generics in Canada, providing revenue from distribution and logistics services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Generic pharmaceuticals priced significantly below branded alternatives under Canada's reference pricing system |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Taro product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Taro develops, manufactures, and markets affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications, specializing in generic pharmaceuticals across therapeutic categories including dermatology (topical corticosteroids, antifungals, antibiotics), oncology (Palbociclib, Sunitinib, Bortezomib), cardiovascular (Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Warfarin), and CNS treatments. The company also offers OTC products such as minoxidil foam for hair regrowth, clotrimazole creams, antibiotic ointments, and natural skincare lines (Bee Rx). In-house API manufacturing and state-of-the-art topical production facilities in Brampton, Ontario serve as a centre of excellence for creams, ointments, and gels.
Product overview
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a multinational, science-based pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications. The company operates through two main product lines: Taro (generic prescription products) and TaroPharma (branded prescription and OTC products). Taro Canada specializes in generic medications across therapeutic categories including dermatology (topical corticosteroids, antifungals, antibiotics), oncology (Palbociclib, Sunitinib, Bortezomib), cardiovascular (Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Warfarin), and other specialty areas. The company also offers OTC products such as minoxidil foam for hair regrowth, clotrimazole creams, and antibiotic ointments. In 2023, Taro launched Bee Rx™ Natural Skincare, a line of natural cosmetic skincare products using bee venom and Kanuka honey. Taro is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharma and operates world-class production facilities in Brampton, Ontario, with a focus on topical products including creams, ointments, and gels.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Proactiv: Over-the-counter dermatology acne care brand acquired with Alchemee, America's #1 acne routine for over 25 years
- TaroPharma
- Bee Rx
Products and services
- Taro Generic Prescription Pharmaceuticals Generic prescription medications including oral, topical, and injectable formulations across therapeutic categories such as dermatology, oncology, cardiovascular, and CNS. Sold to pharmacies, wholesalers, and healthcare professionals in Canada.
- TaroPharma Branded Pharmaceuticals Branded prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products promoted directly to healthcare professionals and consumers in the U.S. and Canada.
- Proactiv Acne Care Line America's #1 acne routine brand with over 25 years of history and millions of users. Acquired by Taro as part of the Alchemee acquisition in March 2022.
- Bee Rx Natural Skincare Line Natural, clean-label cosmetic skincare products using 100% naturally-derived bee venom and Kanuka honey from New Zealand, including Anti-Aging Facial Serum, Lip Plumping Serum, and Anti-Aging Eye Lift Serum. Sold in Canada.
- Men's Minoxidil Foam 5% Topical foam for men's hair regrowth treatment, equivalent to Men's Rogaine® Foam 5%. OTC product available in Canada.
- Women's Minoxidil Foam 5% Topical foam for women's hair regrowth treatment, equivalent to Women's Rogaine® Foam 5%. OTC product available in Canada.
- CLOTRIMADERM Antifungal Cream Topical antifungal cream containing clotrimazole 1% for fungal infections. OTC product available in Canada through pharmacies.
- Sun Pharma Distributed Products (Canada) Specialty pharma and generic products from parent company Sun Pharma (formerly Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.), distributed exclusively in Canada by Taro.
Quantifiable outcome
- Generic drugs cost significantly less than branded equivalents under Canada's reference pricing system
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Taro
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Taro technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Taro partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.
- Pollinator Partnership CanadaminorBee Rx brand, launched in Canada through Taro, is a proud partner of Pollinator Partnership Canada - a registered charity dedicated to protection and promotion of pollinators. Together they share the goal of protecting bee ecosystems through conversation, education and research, aligning with Bee Rx brand mission around sustainability and bee health education.
- Alchemee (formerly The Proactiv Company)flagshipTaro completed acquisition of Alchemee from Galderma in March 2022. The acquisition includes Alchemee's business and assets worldwide, including the Proactiv brand - America's #1 acne routine with over 25 years of history and millions of users. Alchemee brings omni-channel marketing capabilities and expertise in OTC dermatology.
- Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.coreTaro serves as the exclusive Canadian distributor of Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a Sun Pharma company. Effective June 1, 2018, Ranbaxy selected Taro as exclusive Canadian distributor for Specialty Pharma and Generics. Products transition from RAN- prefix to TARO- prefix while maintaining same DINs, UPCs, and formulations.
- GaldermacoreAlchemee, formerly The Proactiv Company (TPC), was acquired from Galderma. Galderma sold Alchemee and its assets including the Proactiv brand to Taro as part of the strategic transaction completed in March 2022.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Taro competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Galderma: Pure-play dermatology pharmaceutical and skincare company. Previously owned Alchemee (Proactiv), which Taro acquired in 2022, and competes with Taro's topical dermatology franchise on branded prescription and OTC products.
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals: Generic and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer with a Canadian commercial presence, particularly in injectable and specialty generics. Overlaps with Taro's oncology and cardiovascular generic launches.
- Aurobindo Pharma: Indian-headquartered global generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with active Canadian and U.S. generic operations. Competes with Taro in cardiovascular, CNS, and oncology generics with similar vertical API integration.
- Lupin Pharmaceuticals: Global generic pharmaceutical company with strong dermatology and specialty portfolios in the U.S. and Canada. Comparable focus on complex generics and topical formulations, and a peer through Sun Pharma's competitive set.
- Apotex Inc. Canada's largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, producing prescription generics, OTC products, and topical formulations across similar therapeutic categories. Directly competes with Taro in Canadian pharmacy channels and on topical dermatology products.
- Pharmascience Inc. Privately held Canadian generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with strong positions in prescription generics, OTC, and dermatology/topical products. Comparable scale and product mix to Taro Canada, competing head-to-head in franchise and independent pharmacy channels.
Broad incumbents
- Bausch Health Companies: Diversified specialty pharmaceutical company with significant dermatology, generics, and consumer health businesses. Competes with Taro in dermatology generics and consumer skincare (e.g., acne treatment lines).
- Sandoz International GmbH: Global leader in generic pharmaceuticals (Novartis spin-off) with a broad portfolio covering dermatology, oncology, and specialty generics. Overlaps with Taro across multiple therapeutic categories but at a much larger global scale.
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: One of the world's largest generic drug manufacturers with extensive dermatology, CNS, and oncology portfolios. Competes with Taro in Canadian and U.S. markets on a broad generic product set.
- Mylan (now Viatris): Global generic and specialty pharmaceutical company (formed via Mylan-Upjohn merger) with extensive dermatology and OTC franchises. Competes with Taro across cardiovascular, oncology, and dermatology generic categories.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Taro social profiles
Digital presenceTaro financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Taro leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Taro subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Taro funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Taro 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 Taro
What does Taro do?
Taro develops, manufactures, and markets affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications, specializing in generic pharmaceuticals across therapeutic categories including dermatology (topical corticosteroids, antifungals, antibiotics), oncology (Palbociclib, Sunitinib, Bortezomib), cardiovascular (Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Warfarin), and CNS treatments. The company also offers OTC products such as minoxidil foam for hair regrowth, clotrimazole creams, antibiotic ointments, and natural skincare lines (Bee Rx). In-house API manufacturing and state-of-the-art topical production facilities in Brampton, Ontario serve as a centre of excellence for creams, ointments, and gels.
Is Taro a public or private company?
Taro is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Taro founded?
Taro was founded in 1950. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Taro based?
Taro is headquartered in Brampton, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Taro make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Generic Prescription Pharmaceuticals are the primary driver. The others are over-the-Counter (OTC) Products and distribution Services.
Who are Taro's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Galderma, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Apotex Inc. and Pharmascience Inc.. Broad incumbents are Bausch Health Companies, Sandoz International GmbH, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Mylan (now Viatris).
Does Taro have an API?
No public API is recorded for Taro.
What industry is Taro in?
Taro's product category is Generic Pharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIABAE, Topical & Dermatology Generics, with a secondary code of HLAIADAE, Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments. Its NAICS code is 3254 and its SIC code is 5122.