Angelini Pharma

HEALTH IS WEALTH

As a leading supplier of consumer and specialist pharmaceuticals worldwide, Angelini Pharma is dedicated to improving its patient’s quality of life whilst perusing exemplary clinical and non-clinical research

Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Cameron Lawrence

Marketed in over 70 countries, employing around 3,000 people worldwide, and with a reported turnover of €1.2 billion in 2022, Angelini Pharma (Angelini), the pharmaceutical division of Angelini Industries, emerges as a global giant of the industry.

The company originated as a small pharmaceutical laboratory in Italy almost 100 years ago and can now be considered a healthcare leader, particularly in the fields of mental health, brain health, and epilepsy.

Angelini’s extensive R&D capabilities are wide-reaching, and the company is particularly committed to researching new paediatric treatments. Meanwhile, the company boasts a thriving consumer health segment, with especially successful over-the-counter (OTC) brands worldwide.

Angelini prides itself on having powerful public-private partnerships with recognised academic institutions around the world, whilst, as part of its globalisation strategy, it has also focused on developing its products in countries with high growth potential.

Driven by its vision to develop an innovative, leading European pharmaceuticals company that makes a noticeable difference to its patients’ lives, Angelini realises its ambition by cultivating strong collaborations with research institutions, maintaining valuable partnerships with its strategic allies, and investing in a robust growth pipeline.

ADVANCED RESEARCH, PROGRESSIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Angelini boasts over 50 years of expertise in medical R&D. From its own laboratories to collaborating with leading scientists worldwide, the company’s research output ranges from the discovery of new molecules to the development of novel OTC pharmaceutical products.

As a result of its internalised philosophy of improving patient health and quality of life, Angelini places high importance on supporting independent clinical and non-clinical trials by providing funding and research services.

Wassen ®

FAMILY I HEALTH I WEL L NESS

We are dedicated to enriching people's lives through health & \Vellness

Wassen ®

THE MINERAL EXPERTS

Inspired by nature's minerals, we provide scientifically selected, sustainable and ethically sourced nutritional supplements. Since our foundation in 1982, Wassen has been pioneering the link between good quality nutrition and health. Our expert formulators continue to use the latest scientific understanding to develop natural, ethical, and premium quality supplements that you can rely on.

THE ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID EXPERTS

Efamol has been pioneering the importance of Essential Fatty Acids for over 40 years. Our specialised formulations reflect the latest findings from research, and we have a dedicated team who are responsible for reflecting scientific advances in our new product development programme. We have more published Essential Fatty Acid research on our products than any other brand.

SELENIUM ACE+O

What makes Wassen International a leading producer of branded and joint branded supplements and minerals?

· Research – Our product portfolio contains products that are well known for their efficacy including Efamol Evening Primrose Oil, Efalex Brain Formula and Efamol Active Memory, all of which have been extensively researched over four decades and are recommended by healthcare professionals globally.

· History and Global Network – Our global network of long-standing international distributors are ambassadors for our brands, working in partnership with us for over 40 years, building our reputation as a trusted company in the industry.

· End-to-End Service – We offer an end-to-end service from conception to turnkey product, including product formulation, regulatory and quality assurance, GMP approved manufacturing, packaging design, batch testing, and even support in selling and marketing products where desired. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the product development process is meticulously managed, resulting in high-quality supplements that meet consumer expectations.

· Partnerships – We nurture long-standing partnerships with suppliers and researched ingredient manufacturers. These partnerships ensure access to high-quality raw materials and innovative ingredients that contribute to the efficacy of our products.

· Expertise – We work with internal and external expert product formulators, including registered nutritionists and medical professionals, who are adept at creating formulations that meet the

needs of our customers. Additionally, our active relationships with industry bodies signify our commitment to adhering to industry standards and best practices.

How passionate is Wassen International about the role of food supplements in supporting health and well-being?

At Wassen International, we are passionate about helping people to live happier and healthier lives. We believe quality health is built on the strong foundations of proper nutrition, sound sleep, regular exercise, and reduced stress. These elements are all interlinked, and it is our mission to educate and support our consumers on their journey to better health goals. Our range of mineral and essential fatty acid health supplements has been formulated by experts, always based on research, and designed to support different health needs, ensuring our consumers can always find a supplement to enhance their well-being

How do your expert formulas supplement vital nutrients often missing from modern diets?

We recognise the concerning trend of mineral decline in food due to factors such as:

· Prioritising convenience over nutritional content - In today’s fast-paced world, dietary habits often prioritise convenience, leading to a shortfall in essential vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

· Soil depletion – 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and over 90 percent could become degraded by 2050.

· Food processing methods - With modern diets highly reliant on ultra-processed foods.

As a result of mineral decline, even individuals with seemingly balanced diets may not be obtaining adequate levels of essential minerals from their food alone.

Wassen: mineral supplements for life’s adventures, formulated with carefully selected minerals essential for health and well-being

To address this challenge, with our Wassen brand we focus on formulas with carefully selected minerals that are essential for overall health and well-being.

By supplementing with our products, individuals can ensure they are receiving their daily requirements for vital minerals and relevant vitamins, specific to a range of different health needs.

Efamol: leading the research and development of Essential Fatty Acid supplements

Efamol, which stands for Essential Fatty Acid Molecule, focuses on essential fatty acids, including Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and GammaLinolenic Acid (GLA).

From a DHA perspective, our supplements offer a targeted solution to address the shortfall of this essential omega-3 fatty acid in modern diets, particularly among individuals who do not consume enough oily fish. DHA is a crucial component of brain and eye health, with research indicating its importance in cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being.

Fundamentally, our expert formulas serve as a reliable solution to supplementing vital nutrients often missing from modern diets, providing individuals with a convenient and effective way to support their overall health and well-being.

With over 40 years of expertise in product formulation, why have your food supplements stood the test of time?

· Research-Backed Formulations – A central reason for our success is our unwavering commitment to research-backed formulations. Efamol, our essential fatty acid supplement brand, remains the most researched brand in this field globally. Wassen is well known for its trailblazing Magnesium OK supplement which supports women of all life stages with its unique combination of researched ingredients.

· Strategic Partnership – Our strategic partnership with Boots, the UK’s largest pharmacy brand, has been instrumental in our success. By being available in Boots stores, our products have gained widespread accessibility and visibility, reaching a broad spectrum of consumers who rely on Boots for their healthcare needs.

· Loyal Distribution Partners – We have a network of loyal distribution partners with links to healthcare professionals around the world from Europe and Africa to Australasia and North America. Thanks to their dedication, commitment, and belief in the efficacy of our brands, our supplements are improving the lives of consumers globally.

· Testimonials – Our loyal consumers tell us how our products have “changed their lives”, demonstrating the effectiveness of our products and the trust and confidence that our partners and consumers worldwide place in our brands.

Clinical investigator-initiated trials (IITs) and non-clinical researchinitiated studies (RIS) play a crucial role in generating new hypotheses, addressing data gaps, and answering medical and scientific questions.

Two essential drugs that have emerged out of Angelini’s research are topical anti-inflammatory benzydamine and anti-depressant trazodone. Benzydamine is a locally acting nonsteroidal drug with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties for pain relief and alleviating inflammatory conditions, whilst trazodone is an oral medication used to treat forms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Benzydamine and trazodone, alongside other Angelini products, are commercialised worldwide as a result of licencing and export agreements with over 40 global partners, including ThermaCare®, a key consumer healthcare brand, which Angelini acquired the global rights for in March 2020.

The company continues to cultivate strong partnerships with research institutions and global suppliers, which serves to maintain its formidable reputation.

PROGRESSIVE PAEDIATRIC CARE

With a strong belief in the concept of patient care, Angelini’s areas of therapeutic interventions are not limited to small molecules. Its fundamental R&D on molecular appropriate targets is also relevant to non-pharmacological interventions and medical devices, and widely aimed at advancing patient care, whilst implementing a therapeutic approach to patient needs.

As such, Angelini is particularly committed to paediatric healthcare, from newborns to adolescents, noting the key differences between developmental stages. Thus, much of the company’s R&D is concerned with the development of novel drug formulations based on the paediatric patient’s age, growth stage, physiological condition, and treatment-specific needs.

ANGELINI’S VALUES AND CORE BEHAVIOURS

VALUES

ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY: Angelini takes care of its employees, patients, and consumers. It is committed to ensuring sustainable economic development, safeguarding the environment, and the communities in which it operates.

PERFORMANCE: Each employee is responsible for achieving Angelini’s overall goals. The company seeks excellence, constantly sets ambitious goals, and faces challenges with determination and resilience.

INNOVATION: Angelini encourages the development and testing of new solutions and challenges the status quo. It manages complexity in a world that is constantly changing and makes choices to enable the growth of the company.

ENGAGEMENT: Angelini is positive, motivated, and open to new perspectives. It promotes collaboration, values skills, and rewards merit. It shares and celebrates the company’s successes and the achievements of its people.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

ACT RESPONSIBLY: Acting with trust, respect, and transparency.

EXCEL EVERY DAY: Achieving goals with urgency and striving for excellence without compromising on quality or safety.

BE A FORWARD-THINKER: Experimenting with and delivering new solutions with speed and simplicity.

ACT WITH COURAGE: Speaking up and challenging the status quo, giving and accepting feedback.

BE A TEAM PLAYER: Working together in high-performing, diverse teams.

BE PASSIONATE: Working with passion, energy, and positivity.

SUSTAINABILITY. HOLISTIC synergy

EURPACK ITALIAN LEADER IN PACKAGING PRODUCTION SINCE 1912

Da Vinci depicts the concept of balance with the 'man, earth and cosmos' golden ratio, where Nature adopts the principles of beauty and elegance. Eurpack promotes a detailed analysis of the entire packaging life cycle: production, packaging and transport; through an increasingly sustainable vision to generate and strengthen shared and circular value.

To develop and deliver innovative paediatric methodologies and treatments effectively, Angelini actively partners with a broad spectrum of professionals, institutions, research networks, and working groups. Notably, this includes the Italian Network for Paediatric Clinical Trials (INCiPiT) and the European Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology Network (ECAPN).

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The brain, the body’s most complex organ, contains over 100 billion neurons and around 50 chemicals. Thus, Angelini believes that taking care of the brain means looking after the entire person.

This belief drove the company to commit to improving brain health as one of its primary care outputs, and it continues to believe that working in the field of psychiatric and neurological diseases is the real health challenge of today.

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia, and neurological disorders such as dementia and epilepsy, are statistically proven to be the leading cause of premature death in many high-income countries across Europe. This is why Angelini has worked tirelessly for over 50 years to prioritise treating brain health.

The company seeks new solutions and invests in research to improve the quality of life for patients with mental health and neurological disorders. It works to dispel false myths by investing in projects and initiatives that combat social taboos that still weigh on those suffering from poor mental and neurological health.

For example, HEADWAY, a project initiated in 2017 in partnership with The European House – Ambrosetti, aims to design a roadmap and provide a comprehensive overview of brain health in Europe. The project focuses on social as well as economic aspects.

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ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (EHS) GOALS

Angelini has established macro-objectives to ensure the safety of its workers. The company periodically reviews these objectives to ensure their relevance and continuously improve the performance of its management systems. Angelini’s EHS goals include:

• Promoting safe behaviours and reporting dangerous behaviours to prevent accidents.

• Improving accident rates through the implementation of protection and prevention measures, and working to identify the root cause of accidents.

• Maintaining an open dialogue with contractors and suppliers, and committing them to implement EHS standards consistent with this policy.

• Guaranteeing an adequate level of health in the workplace by ensuring that workers’ occupational exposure is always suitable in relation to the level of risk of substances handled.

• Reducing direct and indirect environmental impacts, adopting the best available technologies, and encouraging virtuous behaviour with particular attention to:

– Containment of the waste produced, favouring recycling or recovery.

– Containment of energy consumption and water resources.

• Encouraging all employees to actively participate in the achievement of EHS objectives by strengthening communication and awareness.

presented by Angelini, is aimed at raising brain health awareness and tackling the stigma surrounding it, whilst the company set up harmoniamentis.com to provide accurate and correct information on mental health, based on Angelini’s belief that circulating information is the first step in combating prejudice.

Through its actions, Angelini promotes its goal of standing by those who suffer from poor mental health and leaving no one behind.

CONSUMER HEALTH

In recent years, Angelini has noted a rise in its patients becoming increasingly active in their own health management.

A rapid boom in the sales of OTC and self-medication is set to continue in the coming years, which will see the promotion of autonomy and

proactivity within patients managing their own health.

Angelini places the needs of its patients at the centre of everything it does. Therefore, guided by a strong belief in patient empowerment, Angelini continues to strive towards achieving growth as a market-leading pharmaceutical business that invests in research for consumer health.

Thus, the company cultivates close partnerships with its highly diversified OTC drug portfolio, including medications to treat children, adults, women, and the elderly.

Angelini believes that the widespread, responsible promotion of self-care can play an important role in improving European economies, productivity, and patient wait times. Therefore, the company provides guidance for some of the best ways to self-treat common illnesses.

For example, the common headache, which has burdened Europe for years, can be treated through OTC medication. Treating headaches quickly and effectively with self-administered, cost-saving OTC remedies can improve economies whilst preventing patients from a predisposition to more severe associated illnesses.

In addition, female intimate hygiene can be effectively managed by consumer self-care. Simple OTC medications can be used to effectively maintain female intimate hygiene, preventing the possibility of more complex associated health issues such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virustype 2 (HSV-2), and trichomoniasis.

Angelini also recognises that upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold, are some of the most widespread illnesses in the population, and the leading cause

of people missing work or school. In most cases, URTIs are self-limiting and can be managed at home.

SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Alongside its healthcare commitments, Angelini places high importance on its social, environmental, and economic performance – a perspective that is closely aligned with the company’s mission to care for and build a better future for all.

Angelini is committed to establishing an open and constructive dialogue with its stakeholders and follows international principles such as the universal Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. As such, it has developed a sustainability report that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its management and corporate governance systems.

A dedication to social issues

has always been intrinsic to the company, as has the well-being of its local community. Thus, in recent years, Angelini has closely monitored the effects of corporate actions on society and the environment, as well as associated risks and opportunities, to pursue continuous improvement in ESG-related areas.

In terms of diversity and inclusion, Angelini prides itself on caring for its people as much as its patients.

The company benefits from a diverse workforce, whose willingness to work together and share their life experiences and goals is a source of pride. Angelini’s overall aim is to create an empowering workplace that guarantees real inclusion with equal opportunities which enables its staff to fulfil their professional potential.

Notably, Angelini seeks to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, which aligns with the company’s overall values of inclusivity.