Puranox® acquisition marks continued expansion for First Pharma
SYDNEY – 01 JULY, 2023: First Pharma has entered into an agreement with PuraNox Trading B.V. to acquire the PuraNox Anti-snoring Spray. The brand has been distributed by First Pharma since 2019 and has delivered consistent growth under First Pharma’s management. The acquisition of the trademark for Australia, New Zealand and various Asian markets, will allow further focus and investment to capitalise on the strength of the brand.
"We look forward to maximizing the PuraNox® opportunity in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. The ‘Better Sleep’ need state will continue to grow, and anti-snoring products will play a key role in delivering more restful sleep for consumers” said Joern Packross, General Manager at First Pharma.
First Pharma acquires Zostrix® brand
SYDNEY – 06 JULY, 2022: First Pharma has purchased the widely used nerve pain treatment brand, Zostrix® (capsaicin), from Link Healthcare, a Clinigen Company, adding to the company’s expanding portfolio of healthcare brands. The agreement follows two years of sole Australian distributorship by First Pharma, which saw strong growth for the market-leading topical nerve pain treatment.
"We’re excited to bring Zostrix® on board as we grow our suite of trusted products and bring valued health outcomes to patients. This investment is a natural progression for First Pharma and secures Zostrix® as a trusted pharmacy brand for the long term” said Joern Packross, General Manager at First Pharma. Zostrix® is regularly recommended by pharmacists making it the most widely used topical analgesic for the treatment of nerve pain.
Specifically formulated for the sharp, electric pain associated with nerve damage, Zostrix helps relieve pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (more commonly known as pain after shingles), diabetic neuropathy, and osteoarthritis. “This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to bringing leading health solutions to Australian patients and is a significant milestone in our growth strategy” said Packross.
First Pharma announce strategic collaboration
SYDNEY – 01 APRIL, 2019:
We are excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Mayne Pharma. Under the agreement, the Consumer Products portfolio of Mayne Pharma will be promoted by First Pharma in Australia.
Given the strong synergy with our own portfolio, the addition of trusted products such as Astrix, Licener and Magnoplasm will further cement First Pharma’s position as a key distributor of valued brands to Australian retail pharmacies.
First Pharma on acquisition trail
SYDNEY– 01 JUNE, 2018:
Australian-owned First Pharma has signalled its expansion ambitions with the acquisition of Kenkay Pharmaceuticals, a leading brand in therapeutic and natural skin care products. Established in 1984, Kenkay developed and launched Australia’s original, authentic Sorbolene formula and today boasts a broad range of high quality, pharmacy-only skin care brands. With over 30 years of trusted use by Australian families, Kenkay has been a leader in the Sorbolene market as well as an innovator that offers gentle and effective skincare products for the whole family through its dermatological range.
First Pharma CEO Justin Ooi described the Kenkay acquisition as “a key milestone that adds a well-established Australian-made product range to the First Pharma stable of brands”. “Kenkay is a great strategic fit, delivering a highly regarded suite of products to bolster our presence and offering in the growing skin care market,” he said.
“We have ambitious plans for further product development and are committed to increase our support for retail pharmacies. We look forward to connecting with our customers to learn how we can improve an already excellent product range. Pharmacists can continue to order Kenkay brands from wholesalers or contact First Pharma for some great opening deals on our key lines.”
The purchase of Kenkay follows First Pharma’s acquisitions of KraveGone® mouth spray, an innovative OTC product that suppresses cravings for sweet foods in early 2018. “Strengthening our portfolio and pipeline through targeted acquisitions and investments remains a priority for First Pharma,” said First Pharma Executive Chairman, Andrew Howden. “We have ambitious growth targets and are on the lookout for opportunities to expand in Australia and across Asia Pacific through strategically aligned product, portfolio and company acquisitions,” Mr Howden added.
First Pharma successfully completes fund raising for further growth; acquires new brands
SYDNEY– 20 FEBRUARY, 2018: First Pharma, an Australian owned and managed pharmaceutical company has recently passed its first full year of trading and achieved a number of significant milestones.
• In early 2017 First Pharma acquired the Luminarie pipeline and welcomed into the group key members of its experienced management team. This acquisition has enhanced First Pharma’s pipeline and includes the launch of Puranox, for snoring, in late 2017.
• At the same time Justin Ooi (formerly of AstraZeneca) was appointed First Pharma CEO. He has brought significant leadership and management experience to the group. “First Pharma has enjoyed a strong year with the launch of new brands and line extensions to Dermascar and Excilor which has quickly expanded our position in the market. We have more product opportunities in our pipeline, and we are expanding the team in order to maximise these assets” he said.
• Justin Ooi and the Board of First Pharma have attracted significant attention within the market and have created a strong Business Development pipeline, including potential acquisitions of brands and companies.
First Pharma Chairman, Andrew Howden, said: “The initiatives we undertook in our first year of trading required careful and prudent assessment to drive growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet. We had a lot of interest from potential investors during the year, and we are pleased to have a local private investment group as a new shareholder to help fund our growth. These new shareholders are backing the teams’ experience and the potential for growth in the sector.
Howden continued, “We considered an ASX listing, but have decided to continue to pursue growth opportunities as a private company at this time. Strengthening our portfolio through key acquisitions and investments remains a priority for First Pharma. In 2018, we expect to be announcing additional acquisitions and continuing to drive success with our existing portfolio.”
First Pharma has already finalised its first acquisition for the year with global rights to KraveGone. A novel oral spray to minimise cravings for sweet foods, KraveGone is currently marketed in Australia through Chemist Warehouse. Justin Ooi commented “the acquisition of the KraveGone brand provides an exciting new addition to the First Pharma portfolio. While still primarily a local brand at present we see an exciting opportunity for the KraveGone brand globally.”
Given First Pharma’s commitment to leverage the quality and credibility of “home grown brands”, KraveGone will continue to be Australian made, Ooi mentioned that “we are pleased to add another Australian made and owned product to our stable of brands. As a locally owned and managed company, we are proud to bring innovative Australian consumer healthcare products to the world.”
About KraveGone
KraveGone is an oral spray that can be used with any diet to support a healthy lifestyle and minimise cravings for sweet foods. The oral spray includes the active ingredients Gymnema, Chromium, chromium actions and peppermint oil to curb sweet cravings in between meals and support a healthy, balanced diet. www.kravegone.com
