History of Hovione

Hovione was founded in Portugal in 1959 by three Hungarians, HOrty, VIllax and ONody, who together constituted Hovione's name.

Its main founder and chemist, Ivan Villax, was primarily involved in the research of semi-synthetic tetracyclines (antibiotics) and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. The success of the research, financed in part by royalties derived from the licensing of existing patents to multinationals, and from small-scale production and export, brought about Hovione's first major turning point: in 1969, the first factory was commissioned and built in Loures, in the outskirts of Lisbon. With this new manufacturing unit, Hovione was able to increase and ascertain its position as a player in the world-wide market of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Click here to read the complete History of Hovione.

Hovione’s 50th Anniversary

As you all, probably, know by now, we will be celebrating Hovione's 50th anniversary in 2009 and to start the commemorations, we have decided it would be interesting to collect all the memories of those who have been with us or who have known us over this period.

Click here to read these short stories about the last 50 years of Hovione history