Sanochemia Pharmaceuticals

What Sanochemia Pharmaceuticals does

Sanochemia Pharmazeutika GmbH is an Austrian specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Neufeld an der Leitha, with 130+ years of pharmaceutical heritage at the site and 200+ employees. The company develops, produces, and distributes generic contrast agents for CT and MRI diagnostic imaging (including Iopamidol-based Scanlux/Unilux, Gadoteric Acid-based Cyclolux, and Amidotrizoic Acid-based Gastrolux), as well as a pipeline of gadolinium-free MRI agents based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle technology (USPIO/SPIO), notably Resotran for liver lesion detection and Ferumoxtran for lymph node metastases in prostate cancer, which completed Phase III trials and entered EU regulatory submission in 2025-2026.

The business operates three integrated segments: (1) Medical Imaging Products, including established generic contrast agents and emerging iron-oxide-based agents; (2) Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) synthesis, notably galantamine for Alzheimer's therapy and tolperisone hydrochloride muscle relaxant; and (3) Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO/GMP Services), offering full-service GMP-compliant manufacturing of liquids, injectables, and APIs to external pharmaceutical companies. The company holds over 200 worldwide product registrations, manufactures 4 million+ units annually, and distributes to 50+ countries with a 97% export ratio through local B2B partners and exclusive licensing arrangements.

Sanochemia was taken private in 2020 through a consortium takeover by EOSS Industries Holding (50%) and b.e imaging (50%), which subsequently acquired the remaining minority shares in 2023. Revenue is generated through product sales, CDMO service contracts, and licensing royalties. The go-to-market combines direct B2B sales (Key Account Managers, Business Development Managers) for CDMO and API clients with a global distribution network of local partners for finished products, supplemented by industry event participation (e.g., CPhI Worldwide) and digital channels for healthcare professional engagement.

Name

Sanochemia Pharmaceuticals

Legal name

SANOCHEMIA Pharmazeutika GmbH

Website

https://sanochemia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sanochemia is an Austrian specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer producing generic CT/MRI contrast agents, gadolinium-free iron-oxide nanoparticle imaging agents, APIs, and CDMO services for global B2B distribution across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diagnostic Imaging Pharmaceuticals (Contrast Agents)

NAICS

In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (42421)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Contrast Media Injectors & Radiology Accessories (HLAHABAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Clinical Trial Material (CTM) Manufacturing & Supply CDMO (HLAGABAK)

Keywords

• Contrast media manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing
• Active pharmaceutical ingredients
• Diagnostic imaging agents
• MRI contrast agents

Headquarters

HQ city

Neufeld

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Medical Imaging Products: Development, production and distribution of generic contrast agents for CT and MRI imaging. Products sold in vials of 10 to 500 milliliters, with pre-filled syringes planned. Manufacturing over 4 million units annually.
2. Contract Manufacturing Services (CDMO): Customized contract development and manufacturing as well as comprehensive GMP services. Full-service concept providing access to all development stages. Includes GMP Services for logistics and packaging of medical devices or pharmaceuticals.
3. API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Production: High-quality API synthesis completing the 'made in Austria' offering. Focus on specialty APIs including galantamine for Alzheimer's therapy and tolperisone hydrochloride muscle relaxant.
4. Licensing Royalties: Exclusive product licensing arrangements for contrast agents such as Resotran and Ferrotran, generating royalties through global distribution rights.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sanochemia develops, manufactures, and distributes generic contrast agents for CT and MRI diagnostic imaging, including established iodinated and gadolinium-based agents and a newer pipeline of gadolinium-free iron oxide nanoparticle (USPIO/SPIO) MRI agents for liver and lymph node imaging. The company also offers GMP-compliant contract manufacturing (CDMO) services for liquids, injectables, and APIs, alongside active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis. Products are sold in over 50 countries through a network of B2B distribution partners and direct sales.

Product overview

Sanochemia Pharmaceuticals is an Austrian pharmaceutical company offering a portfolio of medical imaging products and contract manufacturing services. The core product portfolio centers on contrast agents for diagnostic imaging, including CT products (Scanlux/Unilux with Iopamidol, Gastrolux with Amidotrizoic acid) and MRI products (Cyclolux with Gadoteric Acid, and emerging iron-based agents Resotran and Ferrotran/Ferumoxtran). The established product line serves over 50 countries, while the new gadolinium-free MRI product line based on iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO/SPIO) targets organ-specific diagnostics for liver lesions and lymph node metastases. Complementary business segments include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) synthesis, Contract Manufacturing (CDMO) services for liquids and injectables, and GMP Services including logistics and packaging. The company operates a general-purpose synthesis facility and GMP-compliant sterile production at its Neufeld an der Leitha site, with approximately 200 product registrations globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Scanlux/Unilux: CT contrast agent based on Iopamidol for X-ray and computed tomography procedures
• Cyclolux
• Gastrolux
• Barilux
• Ferrotran
• Resotran
• Urolux Retro

Products and services

• Scanlux/Unilux Non-ionic CT contrast agent containing Iopamidol at 300 and 370 mg I/ml concentrations, available in 10x50ml, 10x100ml, 10x200ml, and 5x500ml packaging. Used for X-ray and computed tomography diagnostic procedures.
• Gastrolux Ionic CT contrast agent containing Amidotrizoic acid, available in 30 and 100 ml vials. Used for gastrointestinal and other CT imaging procedures.
• Cyclolux Macrocyclic MRI contrast agent containing Gadoteric Acid at 0.5 mmol/ml concentration. Available in 10, 15, 20, 60, and 100 ml vials. Features particularly low side-effect profile among macrocyclic MRI contrast agents.
• Urolux Retro Urological contrast agent at 150 mg/ml concentration. Available in 20, 100, 250, and 500 ml vials. Approved in Germany for urological diagnostic procedures.
• Resotran Liver-specific MRI contrast agent based on iron-containing nanoparticles (SPIO/Ferucarbotran) at 540 mg/ml. Used for detection of focal liver lesions in adults. Approved in Sweden by Sanochemia and in Germany by b.e.imaging. Exclusive global license (excluding Germany, Switzerland, Japan) for worldwide roll-out.
• Ferrotran/Ferumoxtran Investigational MRI contrast agent based on ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles for detection of lymph node metastases in prostate cancer patients. Contains dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles at 2.6 mg Fe/kg body weight. Exclusive worldwide rights (excluding DACH region) from SPL Medical. Phase III completed with MAA submitted in selected EU countries.
• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) High-quality API synthesis including Galantamine for Alzheimer's therapy and Tolperisone hydrochloride muscle relaxant. General-purpose production facility for organic, solid, low-molecular APIs. One of few all-purpose API facilities remaining in Austria.
• Contract Manufacturing / CDMO Services Full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) providing GMP-compliant manufacturing of liquids and injectables, contract synthesis, and comprehensive GMP services including logistics and packaging of medical devices or pharmaceuticals.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 700 prostate cancer patients diagnosed in Netherlands with ferumoxtran through Named-Patient-Use Program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SPL Medical B.V.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 17 April 2024Exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for Ferumoxtran MRI contrast agent manufacture and global distribution, excluding DACH region. USPIO-based contrast agent for detecting lymph node metastases in prostate cancer patients. SPL Medical conducted pivotal Phase III PROSTAPROGRESS study. Ferumoxtran contains superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
• b.e.imaging GmbHcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 27 February 2024Exclusive product licensing agreement for Resotran (ferucarbotran) MRI contrast agent. Sanochemia received worldwide roll-out rights excluding Germany, Switzerland, and Japan where b.e.imaging distributes. Product based on iron-containing nanoparticles (SPIO) for liver lesion detection. Partnership marks start of global registration process leveraging Sanochemia's distribution infrastructure in 50+ countries.
• Genspeed BiotechminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2022GMP manufacturing partnership for multiplex point-of-care test kits (xPOC) for patented rapid test devices. Activities include chip printing with sensitive capture molecules, chip assembly, and carrier fluid production by pipetting. SANOCHEMIA manufactures key components of Covid-19 antibody testkit and performs final assembly.
• Haemo PharmaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Cooperation with Province of Burgenland and Haemo Pharma to establish PCR testing laboratory. Increased regional PCR testing capacities to 21,000 additional tests per week. Rapid implementation in three-week startup phase.
• Medical University of InnsbruckminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch cooperation for N-chlorotaurine (NCT) active ingredient production. Medical University holds patent for synthetic production process; Sanochemia developed to technical scale. Supporting preparation of clinical trial on Covid-19.
• RCPE (Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch cooperation for development of new processes in active ingredient production.
• NEBA Business ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusion partnership providing customized solutions for companies and awareness workshops. Integration of individuals with disabilities into workforce.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GE HealthCare: Global medical imaging incumbent offering a broad contrast media portfolio (Omniscan, Visipaque) alongside imaging equipment. Overlaps with Sanochemia's radiology contrast business but operates at vastly larger scale and scope.
• Bayer (Radiology / formerly Bayer Vital): Bayer's radiology contrast portfolio (Gadovist, Ultravist, Magnevist) competes directly with Sanochemia's Cyclolux and Scanlux/Unilux lines. Larger diversified pharma with substantially greater R&D and commercial scale.

Emerging players

• SPL Medical: Dutch company developing Ferumoxtran/ferumoxytol-based MRI contrast agents for prostate cancer. Licensing partner of Sanochemia with overlapping USPIO nanoparticle pipeline and similar oncology imaging focus.
• b.e.imaging GmbH: German specialty distributor/developer of contrast media including Resotran licensing arrangement with Sanochemia. Part of the Bender Group (also a 50% shareholder of Sanochemia), making it a closely intertwined peer in radiology distribution.

Direct peers

• Guerbet: French specialty pharmaceutical company focused exclusively on contrast media and medical imaging solutions (MRI, CT, interventional radiology). Highly comparable product overlap (Dotarem, Optiray) and similar CDMO-style positioning in contrast agents.
• Bracco Imaging: Italian multinational and one of the world's largest contrast media producers (MultiHance, ProHance, Iomeron). Directly comparable generic and branded MRI/CT contrast portfolio plus manufacturing footprint similar to Sanochemia's imaging focus.
• Lantheus Holdings: US-based radiopharmaceutical/contrast media specialist focused on diagnostic imaging agents. Comparable specialty imaging business model targeting hospital radiology departments with branded contrast agents.

Others

• Recipharm: European pharmaceutical CDMO offering contract manufacturing for sterile liquids, APIs, and finished dosage forms. Directly comparable to Sanochemia's CDMO business segment even though not active in contrast media.
• Stevanato Group: Italian pharmaceutical glass packaging and drug containment solutions provider. Adjacent enabling supplier relevant to Sanochemia's vial-based contrast media manufacturing rather than a direct competitor.

Regional players

• Daiichi Sankyo: Japanese pharmaceutical company with diagnostic imaging agents in Asia-Pacific markets. Geographic overlap with Sanochemia via Hong Kong office but primarily serves Asian radiology market rather than competing head-to-head in Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sanochemia
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

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 Sanochemia Pharmaceuticals