What Hermes Arzneimittel does

Hermes Arzneimittel GmbH is a German pharmaceutical company founded in 1907 in Munich and headquartered in Pullach im Isartal, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of over-the-counter (OTC) self-medication products, dietary supplements, and distributed medical devices. The company sells 30+ proprietary brands through the German pharmacy channel, anchored by Biolectra (magnesium, its highest-revenue brand), doc (topical ibuprofen pain gel and arnica cream), ANTI BRUMM (insect repellents, distributed from partner Verfora), algovir (carragelose-based cold prevention spray), Aspecton (herbal respiratory remedies, acquired from Krewel Meuselbach in 2019), and Betaisodona (povidone-iodine wound care, distributed from iNova). Manufacturing is largely internalized through sister company HERMES Pharma in Germany and Austria (>90% of own-brand volume), with dosage form expertise spanning effervescent tablets, capsules, sticks, liquids, and topical formulations.

The business operates a dual-channel model: a German field sales force (Außendienst) covering approximately 8,000+ pharmacies with training, order handling, and POS support, plus international exports to roughly 27 countries (Europe, Asia, South America) through local distribution partners, including an influencer-led direct-to-consumer motion in South Korea. The company supplements its own brand portfolio with distribution and marketing agreements for third-party brands such as OMRON blood pressure monitors, Norgine's Movicol, and Perrigo's EllaOne emergency contraception, generating partner-brand fee revenue on top of one-time OTC product sales. The legal entity is owned by the Johannes Burges Familienstiftung (family foundation, established 2018), which consolidates the broader HERMES Group of approximately 1,000 employees. Pricing is set by pharmacies under Germany's regulated OTC framework and is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Hermes Arzneimittel

Legal name

HERMES ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH

Website

https://hermes-arzneimittel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1907

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Hermes Arzneimittel is a German family foundation-owned OTC pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets 30+ proprietary self-medication brands including Biolectra, doc, ANTI BRUMM, algovir, and Betaisodona, distributing them through approximately 8,000 German pharmacies and exporting to roughly 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Cold, Flu & Cough Remedies (HLAIADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory (Analgesics) (HLAIADAA), Cold, Flu, Cough & Allergy Remedies (Decongestants, Antihistamines, Cough Syrups, Lozenges) (CRADAMAD), OTC Pain Relief & Fever (Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Topical Pain Relief) (CRADAMAC), OTC Medicines & Consumer Health Products Distribution (CRAOAHAB)

Keywords

• Over-the-counter medicines
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Dietary supplements
• Wound care products
• Insect repellents

Headquarters

HQ city

Pullach Im Isartal

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. OTC Product Sales (Own Brands): Sale of proprietary OTC brands including Biolectra (magnesium), doc (pain relief), Aspecton (cough/respiratory), algovir (cold prevention), ANTI BRUMM (insect repellents), Betaisodona (wound care), Cevitt (vitamin C), Calcimed (calcium/vitamin D). Revenue from pharmacy distribution in Germany and export markets.
2. Partner Brand Distribution: Marketing and distribution of partner brands including OMRON medical devices, products from iNova/Mundipharma (Betaisodona), and other licensed products through pharmacy channel in Germany.
3. Export Revenue: Revenue from international sales through distribution partners in approximately 27 countries. Key markets include South Korea, UAE, Central/Southeastern Europe, and France.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hermes Arzneimittel develops, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of more than 30 proprietary over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical brands and dietary supplements, covering pain relief, cold prevention, magnesium and calcium supplementation, wound care, insect repellents, and respiratory health. The company also distributes partner brands such as OMRON medical devices, Betaisodona, and Compeed through the German pharmacy channel and exports more than 100 preparations to approximately 27 countries.

Product overview

Hermes Arzneimittel is a German pharmaceutical company specializing in OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, dietary supplements, medical devices, and antiseptic products. The portfolio includes over 30 proprietary brands organized across therapeutic areas: pain management (doc with ibuprofen gel and Arnica cream), mineral supplements (Biolectra magnesium), respiratory/cold products (algovir, Aspecton), wound care (Betaisodona with Povidone-Iodine, Betaisoctine with Octenidin), insect protection (ANTI BRUMM), vitamins (Cevitt Vitamin C/Zinc, HERMES Multivit, HERMES Biotin), digestive health (Megalac, Regulax), mobility support (Calcimed calcium/D3, Ginkgo-Maren), and medical devices (OMRON blood pressure monitors distributed). Products are available in diverse dosage forms including effervescent tablets, capsules, liquids, sticks, topical gels/creams, nasal sprays, gargle solutions, and suppositories. The company operates as part of the HERMES Group alongside HERMES PHARMA (contract manufacturing) and Bad Heilbrunner Naturheilmittel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Biolectra: Mineral supplement brand focused on magnesium products, developed into the company's highest-revenue brand
• doc
• algovir
• Aspecton
• ANTI BRUMM
• Betaisodona
• Calcimed
• Cevitt
• Betaisoctine
• Ginkgo-Maren
• Mallebrin
• Compeed
• Superpep
• Regulax
• Megalac
• Migräne-Kranit
• Optolind
• HERMES Biotin
• HERMES Multivit
• Bromhexin
• Pernionin
• Gargarisma
• topfitz
• Pille Danach

Products and services

• Biolectra Mineral supplement brand centered on magnesium products, available in effervescent tablets, capsules, liquid, and sticks. The company's top-selling brand.
• doc Pain relief brand offering topical ibuprofen gel and Arnica cream for musculoskeletal conditions, bruises, and blunt injuries.
• algovir Cold prevention nasal spray containing Carragelose from red algae. Applied in the nose to form a protective film against cold viruses.
• Aspecton Phytopharmaceutical brand for respiratory health including cough, hoarseness, nasal congestion, and immune support.
• ANTI BRUMM Insect repellent brand providing reliable protection against mosquitoes and ticks, in lotion and spray formats with Icaridin and Eucalyptus-based formulations.
• Betaisodona Wound care brand with Povidone-Iodine based products including ointment, solution, mouth antiseptic, and wound gauze for wound disinfection and healing.
• Betaisoctine Colorless wound disinfection spray containing Octenidindihydrochlorid (Octenidin), gentle formula suitable for the whole family for everyday injuries.
• Cevitt Vitamin C and immunity brand combining Vitamin C and Zinc, available as effervescent tablets, hot drinks, and micro-pellets (DIRECT format).
• Calcimed Calcium supplement brand providing optimal calcium dosage in combination with Vitamin D3 for osteoporosis prevention.
• Ginkgo-Maren Ginkgo biloba-based supplement supporting memory and concentration. Acquired from Krewel Meuselbach.
• Mallebrin Traditional gargle concentrate for inflammation of gums and oral mucosa, containing Aluminiumchlorid-Hexahydrat. One of the oldest gargle concentrates worldwide.
• OMRON medical devices Medical devices for home use including blood pressure monitors, inhalation devices, and thermometers, distributed through partnership with OMRON Healthcare.
• Optolind Dermatological skincare brand with vitamin E-based formulations for dry, very dry, and sensitive skin types, including creams, intensive cream, ointment, and eye care.
• Superpep Motion sickness relief brand available as chewing gum dragées for adults and children.
• Gargarisma Traditional mouth and throat health brand with gargle solution for inflammation, sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
• HERMES Biotin Hair and nail health supplement with Biotin 5mg for strengthening brittle nails and improving hair quality.
• Bromhexin Mucolytic for acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, available as drops (8mg/ml and 12mg/ml) and tablets (12mg) containing Bromhexinhydrochlorid.
• Megalac Antacidum for heartburn and acid-related stomach complaints, containing Almasilat in suspension format (mint or caramel flavor) and stick packs.
• Migräne-Kranit Migraine relief product with Phenazon, available as tablets and suppositories for acute migraine attacks.
• HERMES Multivit Effervescent multivitamin tablets containing 13 essential vitamins, sugar-free, available with and without additional minerals (D3, Zinc, and Selenium).
• Pernionin Thermo partial bath solution for muscle and joint pain relief, containing Benzylnicotinat for promoting circulation.
• Regulax Laxative product with Natriumpicosulfat, available as cubes and drops for constipation relief.
• topfitz Daily nutritional supplement combining vitamins and calcium, in effervescent tablets with orange-mandarin flavor, sugar-free.
• Pille Danach (EllaOne) Emergency contraception pill preventing unwanted pregnancy, distributed through Perrigo partnership.
• Compeed
• Biolectra AktivPlus Energie 1 & Muskeln New dietary supplement format - soft chews (Weichgummis) for energy and muscle support under the Biolectra AktivPlus line.
• ANTI BRUMM Lotion mit Dexpanthenol New ANTI BRUMM variant lotion with Dexpanthenol for sensitive skin, providing protection with Icaridin and Eucalyptus citriodora oil.
• doc Arnika Creme 150g Arnica-based cream for blunt injuries, now available in 150g size in addition to the 100g format.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 million EUR annual revenue
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Mihyang (South Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Local distribution partner in South Korea. Mihyang works with HERMES to sell products through influencer marketing on Instagram. Two key influencers: L'amitie and Hansstyle. 7-10 promotional events per year.
• iNova Pharmaceuticals (formerly Mundipharma GmbH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Acquired marketing rights for OTC products from iNova in Germany (2019), including the traditional Betaisodona brand for wound disinfection. Also markets other iNova products in German pharmacy channel.
• Krewel MeuselbachmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Acquired German OTC portfolio from Krewel Meuselbach in 2019, including Aspecton and Ginkgo-Maren brands. Portfolio expansion for respiratory and cognitive health products.
• Algovir Brand PartnershipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Launched algovir brand in 2017 with carragelose active ingredient from red algae for cold prevention. Partnership for proprietary formulation development.
• OMRON HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Distribution cooperation started in 2015 for OMRON blood pressure monitors and medical devices in Germany. OMRON is the world's largest manufacturer of blood pressure monitors. HERMES handles distribution through pharmacy channel.
• Verfora (Switzerland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2011Distribution partnership for ANTI BRUMM insect repellent products in Germany. Originally started with ANTI BRUMM distribution in 2011, later expanded to include OSA-OSANIT brand family in 2020. Verfora is a Swiss pharmaceutical company.
• NorgineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarketing partnership for Movicol products in Germany through pharmacy channel. Norgine is a European pharmaceutical company specializing in gastroenterology products.
• PerrigominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarketing partnership for Perrigo's HRA & Omega product range and HRA Women's Health products including emergency contraception (EllaOne/Pille Danach) in Germany.
• HERMES Pharma (Sister Company)coreTechnology or IntegrationSister company within HERMES Group that manufactures most of HERMES ARZNEIMITTEL's own-brand products. Production facilities in Wolfratshausen (Bavaria) and Wolfsberg (Carinthia, Austria). Over 90% of own-brand products manufactured in Germany or Austria.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Queisser Pharma: German family-owned OTC/dietary supplement manufacturer best known for Doppelherz — directly comparable Mittelstand peer with similar heritage-brand portfolio, pharmacy-channel distribution, and supplement-led product mix overlapping with Biolectra and Cevitt.
• STADA Arzneimittel: One of Europe's largest OTC and generic pharmaceutical companies with a strong German footprint and a portfolio centered on consumer health brands sold through pharmacy channels — the most direct strategic comparable to Hermes Arzneimittel in product mix, pharmacy-channel GTM, and OTC brand-led model.
• Hexal (Sandoz): German OTC/generic affiliate of Sandoz with strong direct-to-pharmacy distribution and overlapping self-medication categories — same competitive battlefield in German pharmacy shelves as Hermes Arzneimittel.
• Dr. Kade Pharmazeutische Fabrik: Berlin-based German OTC/pharma Mittelstand company marketing niche pharmacy-channel brands across dermatology, women's health, and gastrointestinal categories — comparable in size, heritage, and pharmacy-channel GTM.
• Wörwag Pharma: Mid-sized German OTC/pharmaceutical Mittelstand company focused on pharmacy distribution with a portfolio spanning magnesium, vitamins, and OTC indications — strongly comparable in size, ownership philosophy, and product overlap with Biolectra and the Hermes vitamin range.
• ratiopharm (Teva): Direct German OTC/generic peer operating in the same pharmacy channel with overlapping categories including pain relief, cold/cough, and supplements; competes in many of Hermes Arzneimittel's price-sensitive value tiers.

Broad incumbents

• P&G Health Germany (P&G Consumer Health): Global consumer health incumbent present in Germany with Vicks and other OTC/supp brands — competes in cold/cough and OTC categories with Hermes Arzneimittel from a portfolio-angle perspective.
• Sanofi Consumer Health Germany: European pharma major with a meaningful consumer health presence in Germany across pain, allergy, and women's health — overlaps with multiple Hermes OTC indications and pharmacy-channel positioning.
• Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Germany): Major global OTC/consumer health incumbent with deep presence in German pharmacy channel across pain, cold, allergy, and skin — competes across multiple Hermes categories with much larger marketing budgets.
• Bayer Consumer Health (Bayer Vital): Bayer's consumer health division in Germany is a broad incumbent in OTC pain, cold, and supplement categories with similar pharmacy-channel distribution and brand-portfolio scale that competes head-on with Biolectra, doc, and Aspecton.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjB-qQnkmpVAqP4NQ0El1Yw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hermes-arzneimittel

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 Hermes Arzneimittel