Polichem SA

What Polichem SA does

Polichem SA is a privately held Swiss pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mendrisio, Switzerland, that develops, manufactures, and markets innovative pharmaceutical products across four therapeutic areas: dermatology (including onychomycosis, acne, rosacea, dandruff, and skin aging), gynaecology (vaginal infections, dryness, and perineal care), respiratory (immunomodulators and bronchodilators), and neurology (antiparkinsonian agents). Its core technology is a patented hydroxypropyl-chitosan (HPCH) transungual drug delivery platform, a water-soluble biopolymer that forms a protective, permeable film on nails and skin, enabling superior penetration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (notably ciclopirox) compared to conventional lacquers. The product portfolio of approximately 20 branded products includes Ciclopoli Nail Lacquer, Beliac, Kerid, Zeloglin, Macmiror Complex, Vagi-C, Gynomunal, Elastolabo, Imunorix, Surfolase, and Almirid-Cripar, leveraging complementary technologies such as liposomal vaginal gels and small-molecule fixed-dose combinations.

The company's business model is built on pharmaceutical product sales (both direct and through local distributors) combined with international licensing arrangements for territory-specific registration and commercialization. Products reach end-patients via healthcare providers, pharmacies, and medical institutions in over 85 countries, with the distribution infrastructure provided by parent company Almirall, a Spanish pharmaceutical group that acquired Polichem in 2016. Almirall operates 13 affiliates and a strategic partnership network spanning 70+ countries across 5 continents, giving Polichem global commercial reach that would be uneconomical to replicate standalone.

Polichem's go-to-market relies on professional healthcare channels — dermatologists, gynaecologists, and specialists — rather than consumer marketing, with credibility built through clinical publications, conference participation (EADV, AAD, ESDR), and sustained R&D investment described as a significant percentage of annual turnover. The company operates with 501-1000 employees as an integrated subsidiary, with its pipeline aligned to Almirall's strategic focus areas in skin health and women's health. No standalone revenue, pricing, or headcount growth figures are publicly disclosed.

Name

Polichem SA

Legal name

Polichem S.A.

Website

https://polichem.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Polichem SA is a Swiss pharmaceutical subsidiary of Almirall that develops and markets branded dermatology, gynaecology, respiratory, and neurology products across 85+ countries, anchored by a patented HPCH transungual drug delivery platform and distributed via the parent's global affiliate and licensing network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dermatological Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermatology & Aesthetics Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

Keywords

• Topical pharmaceutical products
• Transungual drug delivery
• Dermatology medicines
• Gynaecology therapeutics
• Nail lacquer antifungals

Headquarters

HQ city

Mendrisio

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Product Sales: Polichem develops, manufactures and markets its own innovative medicines as well as a portfolio of licensed products in dermatology, dermocosmetics, gynaecology and respiratory therapeutic areas, sold directly or through local distributors in over 85 countries worldwide.
2. International Licensing: The company generates revenue through international licensing arrangements, registering and selling innovative pharmaceutical products through local distributors across multiple geographic markets.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Polichem SA develops, manufactures, registers and markets a proprietary portfolio of innovative pharmaceutical products and medical devices across dermatology, dermocosmetics, gynaecology and respiratory therapeutic areas. Its portfolio includes topical antifungal nail lacquers, acne and rosacea treatments, anti-ageing gels, anti-dandruff shampoos, vaginal anti-infectives and moisturising products, perineal massage preparations, respiratory immunomodulators and bronchodilators, and an antiparkinsonian agent, with many products built on a patented hydroxypropyl-chitosan (HPCH) topical delivery platform. Products are sold directly or through local distributors and licensees in over 85 countries worldwide.

Product overview

Polichem SA is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets innovative pharmaceutical products. The company offers a broad portfolio spanning four main therapeutic areas: dermatology (including nail lacquers for onychomycosis, acne treatments, anti-aging gels, rosacea treatments, and antidandruff shampoos), dermocosmetics, gynaecology (vaginal products for infections, dryness, and perineal care), and respiratory (immunomodulators and bronchodilators), as well as neurology (antiparkinsonian agents). The product portfolio includes topical formulations such as Ciclopoli® Nail Lacquer (a patented water-soluble HPCH-based antifungal nail lacquer), Beliac™ Dermal Cream for acne, Kerid™ anti-age gel for skin rejuvenation, Zeloglin® for rosacea, Macmiror® and Macmiror Complex® for vaginal and urinary tract infections, Vagi-C® for bacterial vaginosis, Gynomunal® for vaginal dryness, Elastolabo® for perineal massage, Imunorix® as an immunomodulator, Surfolase® as a bronchodilator, Almirid-Cripar® for Parkinson's disease, and various nail lacquers including Myfungar®, Onytec®, Sililevo®, Ecocel® Plus, and Ciclosan® shampoo. The company leverages proprietary patented transungual technology based on hydroxypropyl-chitosan (HPCH) as a film-forming polymer for enhanced drug delivery. Polichem operates as an Almirall company since 2016.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ciclopoli® Nail Lacquer Patented water-soluble nail lacquer containing Ciclopirox 8% and hydroxypropyl-chitosan (HPCH) for the topical treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).
• Myfungar® Nail Lacquer Nail lacquer containing hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) for protection against fungal infections, chemical and physical agents.
• Onytec® 1% spray Cutaneous spray containing Ciclopirox 1% and hydroxypropyl-chitosan for topical treatment of dermal infections including tinea pedis and candidiasis.
• Sililevo® Nail Lacquer Hydrosoluble nail lacquer based on hydroxypropyl chitosan, horsetail and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) for restructuring and remineralizing nails.
• Ecocel® Plus Nail Lacquer Topical solution containing hydroxypropyl-chitosan for nail alterations due to infectious or inflammatory disease, or physical and chemical damage.
• Beliac™ Dermal Cream Topical treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris with moisturizing, lenitive and sebo-regulatory properties.
• Kerid™ anti-age gel Skin rejuvenating gel for prevention and treatment of skin aging, photo-aging signs, wrinkles, and improvement of skin firmness.
• Zeloglin® Cream containing hydroxypropyl chitosan and potassium azeloyl diglycinate for management and relief of signs and symptoms of mild to moderate rosacea.
• Ciclosan® shampoo Anti-dandruff shampoo containing Ciclopirox olamine 1.5% and hydroxypropyl-chitosan for relief and prevention of dandruff.
• Macmiror Complex® Fixed combination of Nifuratel and Nystatin for local treatment of vaginal and external genitalia inflammation induced by pathogenic microorganisms.
• Macmiror® Synthetic chemotherapeutic agent containing Nifuratel for treatment of infectious diseases of the descending urinary tract and the genital tract.
• Vagi-C® Vaginal tablets containing silicon coated vitamin C for treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis through normalisation of the vaginal pH.
• Gynomunal® Vaginal gel containing hyaluronic acid, hops extract and vitamin E for alleviation of vaginal dryness, itching, and burning symptoms.
• Elastolabo® Perineal massage ointment containing lysine carboxymethyl cysteinate to facilitate natural delivery by increasing tissue elasticity.
• Inimur® Intim Lotion pH neutral intimate hygiene product with corn oil for relief of vulvar itching and irritation.
• Dafnegin® Product containing Ciclopirox olamine for treatment of vulvovaginitis and perianal disorders caused by Candida species.
• Imunorix® Immunomodulator containing Pidotimod effective in prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of bacterial, fungous and viral infections of respiratory and urinary tracts.
• Surfolase® Bronchodilator containing Ambroxol acefyllinate for symptomatic treatment of bronchopulmonary illnesses with spastic bronchial component.
• Almirid-Cripar® Dopamine agonist containing alpha-Dihydroergocryptine methane sulfonate for treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Quantifiable outcome

• HPCH nail lacquer demonstrated superior antifungal efficacy compared to conventional treatments in multiple clinical studies
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• AlmirallcoreOthersPolichem became an Almirall company in 2016. Almirall is a Spanish pharmaceutical company focused on skin health. Through this parent-subsidiary relationship, Polichem benefits from Almirall's global infrastructure including 13 affiliates and strategic partnership network spanning 70+ countries on 5 continents. Polichem operates as part of Almirall's international activities with significant R&D investment.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Galderma: Global dermatology-focused pharmaceutical company with major franchises in acne, rosacea, and onychomycosis (e.g., Jublia/efinaconazole), directly competing with Polichem's Ciclopoli, Beliac, and Zeloglin lines in the prescription dermatology channel.
• Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique: French pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic group with overlapping dermatology, onychomycosis (ciclopirox 8% lacquer), and gynacology/intimate care franchises; comparable science-driven product strategy and European distribution model.
• Bayer (Consumer Health / Dermatology): Global healthcare conglomerate with a dermatology and consumer health division covering antifungals (Canesten), skincare, and women's health; competes indirectly with several Polichem franchises via OTC and prescription brands.
• Almirall: Polichem's parent company and largest commercial partner; operates a broader dermatology and specialty pharma portfolio across 70+ countries via 13 affiliates. As both corporate parent and dermatology peer, Almirall's product mix (Aczone, Cordran, Tazorac, etc.) competes with and contains Polichem's franchises.
• Bausch Health (Ortho Dermatologics): Specialty pharmaceutical group with a large dermatology unit (Ortho Dermatologics) selling branded acne, psoriasis, and fungal nail treatments; competes with Polichem in the topical antifungal and rosacea categories.

Regional players

• Italfarmaco: Italian mid-size pharmaceutical company with a dermocosmetics and women's health portfolio; competes with Polichem in dermatology and gynacology categories across Southern Europe and emerging markets.

Direct peers

• Taro Pharmaceutical Industries: Generics and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer with a large dermatology portfolio (topical antifungals, steroids, anti-acne); competes with Polichem's generic-equivalent ciclopirox and other topical dermatology products on price and formulary access.
• HRA Pharma: Specialty pharma focused on women's health, dermatology, and rare diseases; overlaps with Polichem in vaginal health (vaginal infections, dryness) and selected dermatology indications, with similar European distribution approach.
• Helsinn Healthcare: Swiss-based specialty pharmaceutical company developing oncology, dermatology, and women's health products; comparable size, Switzerland domicile, and therapeutic-area breadth including gynacology supportive care.

Emerging players

• Dermavant Sciences: Late-stage dermatology specialist focused on innovative topical therapies (e.g., tapinarof for psoriasis/atopic dermatitis); competes with Polichem for physician mind-share and formulary placement in dermatology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polichem-sa

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 Polichem SA