What Help Pharmaceuticals does

Help Pharmaceuticals S.A. is a Greek family-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) founded in 1971 by Dimitrios Zekkas and currently led by President Evangelos Zekkas and Vice President Eleni Zekka. The company operates EU-GMP certified manufacturing facilities in Ioannina, northwestern Greece, producing prescription pharmaceuticals, OTC products, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and cosmeceuticals across sterile and non-sterile dosage forms for distribution in Greece and export to over 50 countries. The product portfolio encompasses 400+ products spanning 100 different active substances, supported by proprietary technology platforms including microencapsulation, taste masking, SMEDDS/SEDDS self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, solid solutions, and modified drug release kinetics, with Quality by Design (QbD) formulation development and ICH Q10-aligned quality management.

The company's revenue model operates through four primary streams: direct sales of prescription and OTC products to Greek pharmacies and hospitals; full-service CDMO offerings covering formulation, tech transfer, regulatory submission, and QP release for third-party clients; out-licensing of CTD-ready generic and value-added products with stability and bioequivalence data; and international distribution through licensing partners and distributors. HELP manages over 150 marketing authorizations in Greece and more than 400 in foreign countries, and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications alongside third-country approvals including Canada, Australia, UAE, and EAEU. The regulatory department, in-house QC laboratory, and stability chambers at multiple ICH temperature points support both internal product development and client services.

HELP serves healthcare providers (hospitals and pharmacies) in Greece, international pharmaceutical distributors and licensees across Europe, MENA, CIS, Asia, and Africa, CDMO clients seeking EU-GMP compliant manufacturing capacity, and end consumers purchasing OTC, nutraceutical, medical device, and cosmeceutical products. Strategic distribution and co-development partnerships include STADA Arzneimittel AG, GENETIC SpA, SWYSSI AG, VICAN SA, and PANSYFA SA domestically, Metron Nutraceuticals LLC for US nutraceutical co-development, and the 2024-established Help Pharma Switzerland subsidiary for international market access. The company reports 125 customers globally as of 2023, up from 100 in 2015, and operates without external private equity or venture capital backing.

Name

Help Pharmaceuticals

Legal name

Help Pharmaceuticals S.A.

Website

https://help.com.gr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Help Pharmaceuticals is a Greek family-owned CDMO and pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1971, operating EU-GMP certified facilities that produce 400+ generic prescription, OTC, nutraceutical, medical device, and cosmeceutical products for the Greek market and export to over 50 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Small-Molecule Drug Product (Solid/Oral/Parenteral) CDMO (HLAGABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Clinical Trial Material (CTM) Manufacturing & Supply CDMO (HLAGABAK), Packaging, Labeling & Serialization (Clinical/Commercial) CDMO (HLAGABAJ), Drug Substance–Drug Product Integrated CDMO (HLAGABAG), Contract Development & Manufacturing for Generics (CDMO/CMO) (HLAIABAI)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Contract development manufacturing
• Generic pharmaceuticals
• CDMO services
• Pharmaceutical out-licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Metamórfosis

HQ country

Greece

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Contract Manufacturing (CDMO): Full-service CDMO offering from formulation and tech transfer to regulatory submission and QP release. Clients benefit from seamless integration, EU-compliant standards, and scalable manufacturing.
2. Out-Licensing: CTD-ready generic and value-added products with stability data, bioequivalence studies (where applicable), and flexible commercial terms enabling fast market entry with full technical and regulatory packages.
3. Product Sales (Greece): Prescription medicines, OTC products, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and cosmeceuticals distributed to pharmacies and hospitals in the Greek market.
4. International Distribution: Products exported to over 50 countries through distributors and licensing partners. Complete CTD dossiers available for international licensing and distribution.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Help Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical manufacturer and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) operating EU-GMP certified facilities in Greece. The company researches, develops, manufactures, and commercializes generic prescription medicines, OTC products, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and cosmeceuticals. It offers CDMO services including formulation development, tech transfer, regulatory submission, and QP release, alongside out-licensing of CTD-ready generic and value-added products to distributors and partners across more than 50 countries.

Product overview

HELP Pharmaceuticals operates as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) offering an integrated portfolio spanning pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and cosmeceuticals. The pharmaceutical portfolio includes prescription medicines across therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, CNS, respiratory, gastrointestinal, anti-infectives) marketed in Greece under brand names like AZODAL, CICLAIR, FLUSONIDE, RESPITO, BIOSONIDE, GLAVERAL, ANTICHOL, FUDESIX, PITAVASTATIN, and FESOTERODINE; OTC products including ABROBION, INESTOM, REMIUS, VEIN PLUS, and VURDON; and international market products exported to over 50 countries with brand names like Orlobin, Zekuis, Lopraxer, and Ferrinemia. The nutraceutical line includes DIVIRNAM (immune support), Anasa-A and Anasa-C (respiratory support), and vitamin oral sprays (Helpovit D3 and B12). Medical devices include Abilar resin salve for wound care and I for me sodium hyaluronate products. Cosmeceuticals include Anti-Stretch Marks Cream, Nipple Cream, Dermover Gel, and Cellulite Control Cream Gel. Services encompass CDMO manufacturing (sterile and non-sterile), out-licensing of CTD dossiers, regulatory affairs support, quality control testing, stability studies, and EU batch release. Technology platforms include microencapsulation, taste masking, SMEDDS/SEDDS, solid solutions, and modified drug release kinetics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HELP Cosmeceuticals: Cosmeceutical products division established in 2014.
• Abilar
• I for me
• Anasa
• DIVIRNAM

Products and services

• AZODAL (Salmeterol & Fluticasone) Inhalation suspension combining salmeterol and fluticasone for asthma and COPD management, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• CICLAIR (Ciclesonide) Inhalation solution containing ciclesonide for respiratory therapy, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• FLUSONIDE (Fluticasone) Inhalation suspension with fluticasone for respiratory conditions, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• RESPITO (Ipratropium & Salbutamol) Inhalation nebulizer solution combining ipratropium and salbutamol for bronchodilation, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• BIOSONIDE (Budesonide) Inhalation suspension and nasal spray formulation of budesonide for respiratory and nasal conditions, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• GLAVERAL (Omeprazole) Gastro-resistant capsule formulation of omeprazole for acid-related disorders, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• ANTICHOL (Simvastatin) Film-coated tablet of simvastatin for cholesterol management, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• FUDESIX (Furosemide) Oral solution formulation of furosemide for diuretic therapy, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• FORTERRA (Ciprofloxacin) Film-coated ciprofloxacin tablet for antibiotic therapy, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• ZITHROXYN (Azithromycin) Azithromycin antibiotic formulation distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• PITAVASTATIN/STADA Film-coated pitavastatin tablet for lipid management available in 1mg, 2mg, and 4mg doses, distributed in partnership with STADA.
• FESOTERODINE/STADA Prolonged-release fesoterodine tablet for overactive bladder treatment in 4mg and 8mg doses, distributed in partnership with STADA.
• ROSSTA (Rosuvastatin) Film-coated rosuvastatin tablet for cardiovascular risk reduction, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• BACTROCINE (Mupirocin) 2% mupirocin ointment for topical antibiotic therapy, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• CLIMYCEN (Clindamycin) 2% vaginal cream clindamycin formulation distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• FENARAZE (Diclofenac) 3% diclofenac gel for external use, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• TITUS (Lorazepam) Lorazepam tablet available in 1mg and 2.5mg doses for anxiety management, distributed as a prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• ABROBION (Ambroxol HCl) 30mg/5ml ambroxol syrup for secretolytic therapy in bronchopulmonary disease, distributed as a non-prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• INESTOM (L-Carnitine) 1g/10ml L-carnitine oral solution for primary and secondary carnitine deficiency treatment, distributed as a non-prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• MINEDON (Glucosamine sulfate) 1,884g glucosamine sulfate powder for oral solution in osteoarthritis management, distributed as a nutraceutical in Greece.
• REMIUS (Diclofenac diethylammonium) 1% diclofenac diethylammonium gel for external use as NSAID for pain and inflammation relief, distributed as a non-prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• VEIN PLUS (Diosmin & Hesperidin) Film-coated tablets combining diosmin and hesperidin for venous circulation disorders and hemorrhoidal symptoms, distributed as a non-prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• VURDON (Diclofenac diethylammonium) 1% diclofenac diethylammonium gel for external use as NSAID, distributed as a non-prescription pharmaceutical in Greece.
• DIVIRNAM Patented prolonged-release tablet combining ammonium chloride and vitamin D supporting normal immune system function, distributed as a nutraceutical in Greece.
• Anasa-A Plant-based nutraceutical capsules supporting respiratory comfort, pulmonary function, and airway health.
• Anasa-C Plant-based nutraceutical capsules with antioxidant ingredients supporting immune function, respiratory health, and mucus fluidity.
• I for me (Sodium Hyaluronate) Sodium hyaluronate vaginal gel supporting natural tissue balance, hydration, and vaginal well-being, classified as a medical device.
• Abilar (Resin Salve) Natural resin-based topical ointment certified for treatment of infected and non-infected wounds, burns, bedsores, diabetic ulcers, and surgical wounds, classified as a medical device.
• Orlobin (Amikacin Sulfate Injection) Hospital-use antibiotic injection solution for severe bacterial infections, exported to international markets.
• Zekuis (Apixaban Tablets) Oral anticoagulant tablet reducing risk of blood clots and stroke, exported to international markets.
• Lopraxer (Citalopram Oral Solution) Liquid antidepressant formulation for patients needing alternative to tablets or capsules, exported to international markets.
• Pelethrocin (Diosmin Tablets) Venotonic and vascular-protective product for chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoidal disease, exported to international markets.
• Fudesix (Furosemide Injection) Fast-acting diuretic injection for hospital acute fluid balance management, exported to international markets.
• Ferrinemia (Iron Sucrose Injection) Iron replenishment injection for iron deficiency anemia patients who cannot tolerate oral therapy, exported to international markets.
• Mexilon (Meloxicam Injection) NSAID injection for hospital short-term acute pain and inflammation treatment, exported to international markets.
• Betrimine (Vitamin B Complex Injection) Injectable B1, B6, B12 vitamin combination supporting energy metabolism and nervous system health, exported to international markets.
• Helpovit D3 (Vitamin D3 Oral Spray) Fast-absorbing oral spray supporting bone health, immune function, and vitality, exported to international markets as a nutraceutical.
• Helpovit B12 (Vitamin B12 Oral Spray) Oral spray delivering vitamin B12 for energy support, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health, exported to international markets as a nutraceutical.
• Anti-Stretch Marks Cream Nourishing cosmeceutical cream improving skin elasticity and resilience to reduce stretch mark appearance, exported to international markets.
• Nipple Cream Gentle cosmeceutical soothing cream moisturizing and protecting sensitive nipple skin during breastfeeding, exported to international markets.
• Flavonoids Cream (Heavy Legs) Flavonoid-enriched cosmeceutical cream refreshing and revitalizing tired, heavy legs, exported to international markets.
• Intimate Hygiene Foam Delicate cosmeceutical cleansing foam for daily intimate care maintaining natural balance and freshness, exported to international markets.
• Dermover Gel (Chronic Dry Skin) Gel cosmeceutical formulation for relief of persistent dryness and roughness, restoring skin softness and hydration, exported to international markets.
• Cellulite Control Cream Gel Advanced cosmeceutical cream gel improving skin tone and firmness targeting areas prone to cellulite, exported to international markets.
• Contract Manufacturing (CDMO) Full-service CDMO offering formulation, tech transfer, regulatory submission, and QP release for pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical products.
• Out-Licensing CTD-ready generic and value-added products supported by stability data, bioequivalence studies, and flexible commercial terms for fast market entry.
• QbD Development Services Quality by Design development services for formulation innovation and global dossier preparation.
• Sterile Manufacturing Service EU-GMP certified sterile production including ampoules (2-10ml, up to 100,000 per batch) and vials (2-50ml, up to 16,000 per batch) in Grade A filling areas per Eudralex GMP Annex 1.
• Non-Sterile Manufacturing Service Manufacturing of liquid, semi-solid, and solid dosage forms including tablets, capsules, creams, and suppositories.
• Clinical Manufacturing Service Clinical manufacturing and packaging services for investigational medicinal products including comparator sourcing, QP release, and clinical trial labeling.
• Regulatory Affairs Services CTD dossier preparation, local registration, and post-authorization activities including renewals, variations, and notifications.
• Quality Control Testing Service Full in-house testing of raw materials and finished products with method validation and transfer.
• Stability Studies Service ICH-compliant stability and photostability studies with protocol development and chamber storage at multiple temperature points.
• EU Batch Release Service QP-certified batch release analysis and import release for medicinal products from outside EU/EEA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Manufacturing capacity up to 100,000 ampoules per batch, 16,000 vials per batch, 500,000 tablets per batch
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 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

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and historical.

• Help Pharma SwitzerlandstrategicOthers · 1 January 2024Establishment of Help Pharma Switzerland in 2024, representing international expansion of operations and presence in the Swiss market.
• Metron Nutraceuticals, LLCstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022International collaboration with the American company Metron Nutraceuticals, LLC for developing and distributing a prototype product with isostatic action, representing HELP's expansion into novel nutraceutical development partnerships.
• SWYSSI AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Successful commercial cooperation in areas of Cardiology. SWYSSI AG serves as a local distributor for cardiology products from HELP in Greece.
• STADA Arzneimittel AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Successful commercial cooperation in areas such as Cardiology and Urology. STADA serves as a local distributor for products including Pitavastatin and Fesoterodine (STADA products), with cooperation beginning in 2017.
• GENETIC SpAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Multi-year commercial collaboration for the promotion of preparations for respiratory diseases. GENETIC SpA serves as a local distributor for respiratory products in Greece and Cyprus, with cooperation beginning in 2009 and strengthening in 2020.
• Riserca (Pharmaceutical Research Institute)historicalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1988Co-founded in 1988 in collaboration with Pharmathen, Rafarm, and Chemica companies as a pharmaceutical research institute, representing HELP's commitment to R&D excellence.
• VICAN SAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial collaboration in Vasoprotective/Venotonic preparations and special care preparations for wounds, burns, pressure ulcers or diabetic ulcers and surgical wounds (including Abilar brand).
• PANSYFA SAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial collaboration in Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve symptoms of inflammation. Partnership focuses on topical NSAID products including REMIUS and VURDON.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pharmathen: Greek-headquartered generics developer and manufacturer with multi-dosage-form capabilities and out-licensing model across Europe. Directly comparable to HELP in scope of generics CDMO services and target markets.
• ELPEN Pharmaceutical Co. Greek pharmaceutical manufacturer with domestic branded generics plus international exports and CDMO-like services. Comparable in regional focus, product breadth, and family-owned heritage.
• Rafarm: Greek pharmaceutical company producing generics, ophthalmics, and specialty formulations with EU-GMP facilities. Directly comparable as a Greek CDMO/generics peer serving overlapping therapeutic categories.
• Demo SA Pharmaceutical Industry: Greek sterile injectable manufacturer with strong hospital channel presence across Europe. Closely comparable to HELP's sterile ampoule/vial business and hospital injectable portfolio.
• Recipharm: European CDMO offering formulation, manufacturing, and regulatory services across solid, semi-solid, and sterile dosage forms. Directly comparable CDMO service portfolio to HELP's contract manufacturing offering.
• Aenova Group: European CDMO with multiple solid and sterile manufacturing sites serving pharma and consumer health. Comparable as a multi-dosage-form CDMO targeting similar mid-market and large pharma clients.
• Siegfried Holding: Swiss-headquartered CDMO with API and drug product manufacturing across multiple dosage forms. Comparable in CDMO service breadth, EU-GMP positioning, and European regulatory expertise.
• Polpharma Group: Polish generics and CDMO operator with API plus finished dosage form manufacturing and CIS/Eastern European distribution. Comparable in generics manufacturing, out-licensing model, and emerging market reach.

Broad incumbents

• STADA Arzneimittel AG: Large European generics and consumer health company and existing HELP distribution partner. Comparable generics portfolio and EU market coverage; larger scale and broader geographic footprint than HELP.
• Sandoz Group: Global generics leader (spun off from Novartis) with European manufacturing and biosimilars pipeline. Comparable in generics CDMO demand profile and European regulatory footprint, but materially larger scale.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Help Pharmaceuticals