Press Room

News / Jul 15, 2022

Covid-19 / Coronavirus

Stay updated with the latest information on Covid-19

3d image of coronavirus with red background

Video - We are the Second Line of Defense

To watch the video with subtitles, choose your language:  PT  |  CN  |  EN

 

English

 

 

SARS-CoV-2: What & How

Question: What is a virus?

Answer: A virus is not a bacteria. A virus is a microorganism that causes damage in the body by invading cells (these cells are called hosts). Unlike bacteria, all viruses cause disease.

 

Question: What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?

Answer: Both bacteria and viruses are microorganisms. But think of it this way: an elephant and a rat are completely different but they’re both animals. Same goes for the virus and bacteria.

Additionally, one of the biggest differences between bacteria and viruses, is their size. A bacterium is the size of a large orange, in comparison to a virus which would be the size of an apple seed.

 

Question: How is Covid-19 transmitted?

Answer: The main route of transmission is through respiratory droplets. We expel these when we sneeze, cough or even when we talk! Another common route includes touching surfaces that have the virus and then touching your face (before washing your hands).

Find more in this article published in Elsevier

 

Question: Can a virus live on non-living surfaces?

Answer: Yes. Although viruses live off of other organisms, such as animals or plants, they can be found on non-living surfaces. However, a virus cannot survive for a very long time on non-living surfaces.

Find more on The New England Journal of Medicine

 

Question: How long does the virus last on surfaces?

Answer:     

  • Food: no evidence to suggest it spreads through food
  • Paper: from a few minutes up to 5 days
  • Cardboard: ~ 24 hours
  • Wood: ~ 4 days
  • Plastic: ~ 2/3 days
  • Metals:  ~ 5 days
  • Steel: ~ 2/3 days

 

The overall survival rate of the virus on surfaces may vary slightly according to the amount of sunlight and humidity the virus gets exposed to.

Find more on The New England Journal of Medicine

 

Question: Will warm weather stop the outbreak of Covid-19?

Answer: It is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of Covid-19. Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.  There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with Covid-19 and investigations are ongoing.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: Can someone who has been quarantined for Covid-19 spread the illness to others?

Answer: Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For Covid-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure because the incubation period for this virus is 2 to 14 days. Someone who has been released from Covid-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: How does Covid-19 affect our cells?

Answer: Covid-19 is particularly good at sticking to respiratory tissue. This means attaching to cells found mainly in the lungs. The virus does this by using its crown-like spikes which are attached to the virus’ envelope. As a result, one virus particle can attach itself to multiple cells in the body.

 

 

 

coronavirus composition scheme | Hovione

The easiest paths of entry for the virus are the mouth, nose and eyes. Once the virus manages to attach itself to the host cell, the host cell will take the virus particle in. The virus will then release genetic information called RNA. RNA acts as a set of instructions that tells the host cell what to do. Therefore, RNA will stop a cell from functioning normally, and instead will convert the healthy host cell into a virus making factory. Once the new virus is assembled inside the host cell, it is released into the surroundings, hence causing even further infection in the body.

If our immune system is not effective at fighting the virus and stopping it from spreading onto further cells, more virus-making factories are created in our body using our cells. This eventually kills the host cell, as it is starved by the virus, causing us to have severe respiratory problems, amongst other consequences.

 

Question: Why do we need to use facemasks?

Answer: Facemasks reduce the distance respiratory particles can travel. This means that it reduces the chances of getting infected by preventing the spread of respiratory droplets. It also acts as a filter to the air you breath in and so prevents you from inhaling the virus.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: How does washing our hands with soap, get rid of the virus?

Answer: Soap is crucial as it contains chemicals that break down the layer of fat surrounding the coronavirus (envelope) and hence completely destroy it. Using only water doesn’t help because it doesn’t stop the virus from sticking to your hand.

Watch this video to learn how soap kills the coronavirus

 

Question: Why should you avoid touching your face?

Answer: This is because the virus can easily enter the body through the mouth, nose or even eyes. However, the virus doesn’t enter your body through the skin, as this acts as a physical barrier. 

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: Should I take antibiotics to treat Covid-19 and are anti-bacterial products useful?

Answer: Antibiotics are not designed to stop viral infections and therefore are of no use when trying to treat Covid-19. As explained above, bacteria and viruses are two very different microorganisms. This means that anti-bacterial products are not useful either, for when disinfecting surfaces from Covid-19. Instead you should use disinfectant or alcohol.

 

Question: Is the virus’ ability to spread affected by the climate?

Answer: So far there is no scientific evidence to suggest or prove that the virus is less effective at spreading in hot or humid weather.

 

Question: What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Answer:  People with Covid-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have Covid-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about Covid-19.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: Can someone test negative and later positive on a viral test for Covid-19?

Answer:  Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during this illness. You could also be exposed immune to Covid-19 after the test and get infected then. Even if you test negative, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others. See Testing for Current Infection for more information.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: If I have recovered from Covid-19, will I be immune to it?

Answer: We do not know yet if people who recover from Covid-19 can get infected again. CDC and partners are investigating to determine if a person can get sick with Covid-19 more than once. Until we know more, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: Who is at higher risk for serious illness from Covid-19?

Answer: COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from Covid-19 are:

  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications

  • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Question: What should people at higher risk of serious illness with Covid-19 do?

Answer: If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from Covid-19, you should:

  • Stock up on supplies
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick
  • Limit close contact and wash your hands often
  • Avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel

If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor. More information on how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and how communities and caregivers can support those at higher risk is available on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.

Find more at CDC.gov

 

Useful links

 

Relevant Information

Hovione Practical Handbook - Covid-19
The Coronavirus Prevention Handbook
Spanish Flu book chapter

Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Provisional 6th Edition)

At the time this was the best informed source on the Novel Coronavirus is probably

PRC’s Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Provisional 6th Edition).

This is an unofficial google translated version of the document (6th version)

Report from WHO panel of international experts that just returned from a fact-finding mission to China – (25 February 2020)

WHO-2019-nCoV-IPC - Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus

EN - The WHO informs that in order to sanitize surface areas you can use a mixture of 0,5% of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in water. Bleach bottles for household use indicate the concentration percentage in their labels - a bottle from Continente supermarket, for instance, indicates 5% - therefore to use this product to sanitize an area you need to dissolve it in water - one measuring cup of bleach for nine measuring cups of water will provide you with a solution containing 0,5% bleach. Be extremely careful when handling bleach with a 5% concentration. It can burn the skin. If it spills drops to the skin or eyes wash them immediately with abundant water for two minutes. 

WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations

 

Rate of growth of COVID-19

SARS-Cov-2 Report - 30 November 2021

 

Hovione Crisis Response

COVID-19 - Hovione Crisis Response
COVID-19 Preparedness Response - Countermeasures adopted prior to Chinese New Year at the Hovione Macau plant 

 

Stakeholders Communiqués

Communication of Site Shutdown - Hovione Macau 15 July 2022
16th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 11 May 2021
15th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 12 March 2021
14th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 5 February 2021
13th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 12 January 2021
12th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 7 December 2020
11th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 5 November 2020
10th Stakeholder Communiqué Covid-19 8 October 2020
9th Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 2 September 2020
8th Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 12 August 2020
7th External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 9 July 2020
6th External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 8 June 2020
5th External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 6 May 2020
Covid-19 FAQ 20 April 2020
4th External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19 3 April 2020

Covid-19 - An update from Hovione's CEO

20 March 2020

3rd External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19

13 March 2020

2nd External Stakeholder Communiqué - Covid-19

12 February 2020

1st External Stakeholder Communiqué - Coronavirus 2019-NCoV

31 January 2020

 

Webinar

 

Webinar Presentation

Sharing our Covid-19 experience. Seeking Feedback
14 July 2020

 

 

Service Providers and External Visitors

Guidance Protocol for External Visitors

 

Contingency Plan - Covid-19

 

Videos

We are the Second Line of Defense (27 April 2020)

To watch the video with subtitles, choose your language:  PT  |  CN  |  EN

 

Message from Élie Vannier, Chairman of the Board of Directors (30 July 2020)

Language: English and subtitles in Portuguese

 

Return From Home Rules (7 July 2020)

 

Message from Filipe Gaspar, Chief Technology Officer (7 April 2020)

Language: Portuguese and subtitles in English

 

 

Message from Tiago Ferreira de Matos, General Counsel (31 March 2020)

Language: Portuguese and subtitles in English

 

 

Guy Villax message - Washing hands (25 March 2020)

 

 

Message from Eddy Leong, Site Manager - Macao (23 March 2020)





What can people do to protect themselves and others from getting the new coronavirus

Source: WHO, World Health Organization

 



WHO: How to handwash? With soap and water

Source: WHO, World Health Organization





Can masks protect against the new coronavirus infection?

Source: WHO, World Health Organization

 

 

Certifications

 

 

APCER Covid Safe Verified | Hovione

As a result of a joint effort between Hovione and Gertal, Sete Casas and Lumiar Canteens have been certified by APCER with the “Covid Safe Verified” seal.

“Covid Safe” is a brand developed by APCER that certifies compliance with the new health and safety rules, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. This certification is the recognition of the concern of both Hovione and Gertal in complying with the rules established and providing the best safety conditions for our Team Members.

 



 

ABC Covid-19 (for schools)

ABC Covid-19 initiative aims to help schools across the country in their return to classes in a practical, direct, and efficient way, by providing support to answer the various difficulties they face in their daily routines.

The team is composed of trainees and is supervised by the Covid-19 prevention team at Hovione and their aim is to inform students about what are good habits to adopt and how to prevent risks while also supporting teachers and staff with up-to-date, reliable and clear information.

Here you can find all the information provided in a poster format that you can distribute throughout the school. Portuguese only.

Posters
01. Uso de Máscara A / Uso de Máscara
02. Uso de Máscara B 
03. Retirar a Máscara
04. Regras para sair de casa
05. Recomendações
06. Proteção Covid-19
07. Lave as mãos com frequência
08. Lavagem de mãos / Lavagem de mãos
09. Lavagem de mãos com gel desinfetante
10. Como medir a temperatura
11. Medidas Gerais
12. Medidas Escolas
13. Utilização de Líxivia (1)
14. Utilização de Líxivia (2)
15. Instruções para Elevadores
16. Distanciamento Social
17. Desinfetar Superfícies
 

 

Follow us:

facebook logo | Hovione

 

instagram logo | Hovione

 

Twitter Logo | Hovione

 

Youtube Logo | Hovione

 

 

 

 

17-year arts student wins ABCovid contest

Tomás Oliveira, aged 17, from Escola Artística António Arroio, with the video "Covid-19 simplified for morons", which explains simply and graphically why we need a mask to protect ourselves from this virus.

The ABCovid contest is an initiative taken by Hovione trainees aimed at elementary and high school students. For more details visit www.abcovid.pt

 

 

 

 

 

Português

 

SARS-CoV-2: O Quê & Como

Pergunta: O que é um vírus?

Resposta: Um vírus não é uma bactéria. Um vírus é um microrganismo que causa danos ao organismo, invadindo as células (essas células são chamadas de hospedeiros). Ao contrário das bactérias, todos os vírus causam doenças.

 

Pergunta: Qual é a diferença entre um vírus e uma bactéria?

Resposta: Bactérias e vírus são microrganismos. Mas pense assim: um elefante e um rato são completamente diferentes, mas ambos são animais. O mesmo vale para o vírus e as bactérias.

Além disso, uma das maiores diferenças entre bactérias e vírus é o seu tamanho. Uma bactéria é do tamanho de uma laranja grande, em comparação com um vírus do tamanho de uma semente de maçã.

 

Pergunta: Como o Covid-19 é transmitido?

Resposta: A principal via de transmissão é através de gotículas respiratórias. Nós os expulsamos quando espirramos, tossimos ou mesmo quando conversamos! Outra rota comum inclui tocar em superfícies com o vírus e depois tocar em seu rosto (antes de lavar as mãos).

Saiba mais neste artigo científico publicado na Elsevier

 

Pergunta: Um vírus pode viver em superfícies não-vivas?

Resposta: Sim. Embora os vírus vivam de outros organismos, como animais ou plantas, eles podem ser encontrados em superfícies não-vivas. No entanto, um vírus não pode sobreviver por muito tempo em superfícies não-vivas.

Saiba mais neste artigo publicado na The New England Journal of Medicine

 

Pergunta: Quanto tempo dura o vírus nas superfícies?

Resposta:

  • Comida: nenhuma evidência para sugerir que ela se espalha através da comida
  • Papel: de alguns minutos a 5 dias
  • Papelão: ~ 24 horas
  • Madeira: ~ 4 dias
  • Plástico: ~ 2/3 dias
  • Metais: ~ 5 dias
  • Aço: ~ 2/3 dias

A taxa geral de sobrevivência do vírus nas superfícies pode variar ligeiramente de acordo com a quantidade de luz solar e umidade à qual o vírus é exposto.

Saiba mais neste artigo publicado na The New England Journal of Medicine

 

Pergunta: O tempo quente vai parar o surto de Covid-19?

Resposta: Ainda não se sabe se o clima e a temperatura afetam a propagação do Covid-19. Alguns outros vírus, como os que causam o resfriado e a gripe comuns, se espalham mais durante os meses de clima frio, mas isso não significa que é impossível ficar doente com esses vírus durante outros meses. Há muito mais para aprender sobre a transmissibilidade, a gravidade e outros recursos associados ao Covid-19 e às investigações em andamento.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov 

 

Pergunta: Alguém que foi colocado em quarentena por Covid-19 pode espalhar a doença para outras pessoas?

Resposta: Quarentena significa separar uma pessoa ou grupo de pessoas que foram expostas a uma doença contagiosa, mas não desenvolveram doenças (sintomas) de outras que não foram expostas, a fim de impedir a possível propagação dessa doença. A quarentena é geralmente estabelecida para o período de incubação da doença transmissível, que é o período durante o qual as pessoas desenvolvem doenças após a exposição. Para o COVID-19, o período de quarentena é de 14 dias a partir da última data de exposição, porque o período de incubação desse vírus é de 2 a 14 dias. Alguém que foi liberado da quarentena de COVID-19 não é considerado um risco de espalhar o vírus para outras pessoas porque não desenvolveram doenças durante o período de incubação.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Como o Covid-19 afeta as nossas células?

Resposta: O Covid-19 é particularmente bom em aderir ao tecido respiratório. Isso significa anexar às células encontradas principalmente nos pulmões. O vírus faz isso usando seus picos em forma de coroa, anexados ao envelope do vírus. Como resultado, uma partícula de vírus pode se conectar a várias células do corpo.

Os caminhos mais fáceis de entrada para o vírus são a boca, nariz e olhos. Uma vez que o vírus consiga se conectar à célula hospedeira, a célula hospedeira absorve a partícula do vírus. O vírus libera informações genéticas chamadas RNA. O RNA atua como um conjunto de instruções que informa à célula hospedeira o que fazer. Portanto, o RNA interrompe o funcionamento normal da célula e, em vez disso, converte a célula hospedeira saudável em uma fábrica de criação de vírus. Uma vez que o novo vírus é montado dentro da célula hospedeira, ele é liberado para o ambiente, causando ainda mais infecções no organismo.

Se nosso sistema imunológico não é eficaz no combate ao vírus e impede que ele se espalhe para outras células, mais fábricas de criação de vírus são criadas em nosso corpo, usando nossas células. Isso acaba matando a célula hospedeira, pois ela sofre de fome pelo vírus, causando problemas respiratórios graves, entre outras consequências.

 

 

coronavirus composition scheme | Hovione

Pergunta: Por que precisamos usar máscaras?

Resposta: As máscaras faciais reduzem a distância que as partículas respiratórias podem percorrer. Isso significa que reduz as chances de ser infectado, impedindo a propagação de gotículas respiratórias. Também atua como um filtro para o ar que você respira e impede a inalação do vírus.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Como lavar as mãos com sabão elimina o vírus?

Resposta: O sabão é crucial, pois contém produtos químicos que quebram a camada de gordura ao redor do coronavírus (envelope) e, portanto, o destroem completamente. Usar apenas água não ajuda, pois não impede que o vírus grude na sua mão.

Assista a este vídeo para saber como é que o sabão elimina o vírus

 

Pergunta: Por que você deve evitar tocar no seu rosto?

Resposta: Isso ocorre porque o vírus pode facilmente entrar no corpo pela boca, nariz ou até olhos. No entanto, o vírus não entra no seu corpo através da pele, pois atua como uma barreira física.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Devo tomar antibióticos para tratar o Covid-19 e os produtos antibacterianos são úteis?

Resposta: Os antibióticos não são projetados para interromper infecções virais e, portanto, não são úteis ao tentar tratar o Covid-19. Como explicado acima, bactérias e vírus são dois microorganismos muito diferentes. Isso significa que os produtos antibacterianos também não são úteis, ao desinfetar superfícies do Covid-19. Em vez disso, você deve usar desinfetante ou álcool.

 

Pergunta: A capacidade do vírus se espalhar é afetada pelo clima?

Resposta: Até o momento, não há evidências científicas para sugerir ou provar que o vírus é menos eficaz na propagação em clima quente ou úmido.

 

Pergunta: Quais são os sintomas da Covid-19?

Resposta: Pessoas com Covid-19 tiveram uma ampla gama de sintomas relatados - desde sintomas leves a doenças graves. Os sintomas podem aparecer 2-14 dias após a exposição ao vírus. Pessoas com esses sintomas podem ter Covid-19:

  • Febre ou calafrios
  • Tosse
  • Falta de ar ou dificuldade em respirar
  • Fadiga
  • Dores musculares ou corporais
  • Dor de cabeça
  • Nova perda de paladar ou olfato
  • Dor de garganta
  • Congestão ou coriza
  • Náusea ou vômito
  • Diarreia

Esta lista não inclui todos os sintomas possíveis. O CDC continuará a atualizar esta lista à medida que aprendermos mais sobre o Covid-19.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Alguém pode testar negativo e posteriormente positivo num teste viral para o Covid-19?

Resposta: Sim, é possível. Você pode ter um resultado negativo se a amostra foi coletada no início de sua infeção e um resultado positivo mais tarde durante esta doença. Você também pode ser exposto ao Covid-19 imune após o teste e infetado. Mesmo se você testar negativo, você ainda deve tomar medidas para proteger a si e aos outros. Consulte Teste para infecção atual para obter mais informações.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Se eu me recuperei do Covid-19, estarei imune?

Resposta: Ainda não sabemos se as pessoas que se recuperam do Covid-19 de ficar doente com Covid-19 mais de uma vez. Até que saibamos mais, continue a tomar medidas para proteger a si e aos outros.

Saiba mais no website CDC.gov

 

Pergunta: Quem está em maior risco de doenças graves por causa da Covid-19?

Resposta: Covid-19 é uma doença nova e há informações limitadas sobre fatores de risco para doenças graves. Com base nas informações disponíveis no momento e nos conhecimentos clínicos, idosos e pessoas de qualquer idade com sérias condições médicas subjacentes podem estar em maior risco de doença grave por causa do Covid-19.

Com base no que sabemos agora, aqueles com alto risco de doença grave por Covid-19 são:

  • Pessoas com 65 anos ou mais
  • Pessoas que vivem em um lar de idosos ou em instituições de longa permanência
  • Pessoas de todas as idades com condições médicas subjacentes, principalmente se não forem bem controladas, incluindo:
  • Pessoas com doença pulmonar crônica ou asma moderada a grave
  • Pessoas que têm problemas cardíacos graves
  • Pessoas imunológicas

 

Links Úteis

 

Informação Relevante

Manual Prático Colaborador Hovione - Covid-19
Manual para a Prevenção e Tratamento da Covid-19

WHO-2019-nCoV-IPC - Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus

Para desinfectar as superfícies a OMS recomenda uma solução (mistura) de 0,5% de lixívia (hipoclorito de sódio) em água. As embalagens de lixívia para uso doméstico indicam a concentração em % no rótulo - num exemplo do Continente vimos a indicação de 5% - daí que para conseguir ter uma concentração para desinfetar as superfícies com esse produto a 5% é preciso diluir com mais àgua:  a uma medida de lixívia a 5% juntar 9 medidas de água para ter uma solução a 0,5%. Cuidado com a lixívia, em concentrações de 5% ou mais causa queimaduras na pele. Se pingos forem para a pele ou os olhos lave abundantemente com água durante 2 minutos.

 

Webinar

 

Apresentação Webinar

Resposta a Covid-19 - Partilha de experiências. Juntos somos mais fortes
16 julho 2020

 

Prestadores de Serviços

Prestadores de Serviços: Plano de Contingência COVID-19

 

Regras de Circulação em Instalações Hovione em Sete Casas e Lumiar

 

Videos

Hovione - Messagem de Élie Vannier, Presidente do Conselho de Administração (30 de julho 2020)

Legendado em Português

 

 

ABCovid: Entrevista de Santiago Sampaio no programa Curto Circuito, SIC Radical (13 de julho 2020)

Saber mais sobre o Concurso Nacional ABCovid

 

Mensagem de Ana Cristina Guimarães, Diretora de RH Portugal (26 de junho de 2020)

 

Mensagem de Isabel Jonet, Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome (5 de junho 2020)

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa (28 de maio de 2020)

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 1

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 2

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 3

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 4 e 5

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 6

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 7

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 8

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 9

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 10

 

Regras de Regresso de Casa - Regra 11

 

 

Histórias de Superação (1 de maio de 2020)

 

 

Somos a segunda linha de defesa (27 de abril de 2020)

Video disponível com legendas em  CN  |  EN

 

 

 

Mensagem de Filipe Gaspar, Chief Technology Officer (7 de abril de 2020)

 

 

 

Mensagem de Tiago Ferreira de Matos, General Counsel (31 de março de 2020)

 

 

 

Mensagem de Guy Villax - Lavagem de mãos (25 de março de 2020)

 

 



Mensagem de Guy Villax a partir da fábrica de Sete Casas em Portugal (19 de março de 2020)

 

 



Medidas internas coronavírus com procedimentos à chegada aos nossos sites (6 de março de 2020)

 





Recomendação de medidas de proteção individual e coletiva na prevenção da infeção com COVID-19

Fonte: DGS, Direção-Geral da Saúde

 







Prevenção e Proteção

Fonte: DGS, Direção-Geral da Saúde

 

 



O novo coronavírus - COVID-19

Fonte: DGS, Direção-Geral da Saúde

 

 

 

Empresas alteram produção para fabricar desinfetantes

Fonte: RTP1

 

RTP1 Covid-19 Hand sanitizer production | Hovione

 

 

 

Certificações

APCER Covid Safe Verified | Hovione

Em resultado de um esforço conjunto entre a Hovione e a Gertal, as Cantinas de Sete Casas e do Lumiar foram certificadas pela APCER com o selo “Covid Safe Verified”.



“Covid Safe” é uma marca desenvolvida pela APCER que certifica o cumprimento das novas regras de segurança e saúde, no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19. Esta certificação é o reconhecimento da preocupação da Hovione e da Gertal em cumprir as regras estabelecidas e em proporcionar as melhores condições de segurança aos nossos Colaboradores.

 

Notícias / Media

Inspirar à ação… para uma saúde de qualidade (ODS 3) 29 janeiro 2021

 

ABC Covid-19 (para escolas)

A iniciativa ABC Covid-19 visa ajudar as escolas de todo o país com o regresso às aulas de uma forma prática, eficaz e direta, dando apoio para enfrentar as dificuldades encontradas no funcionamento diário. 

A equipa, composta por estagiários e supervisionada pela equipa de resposta ao Covid-19 da Hovione, pretende ajudar a informar os alunos dos bons hábitos a adotar e como prevenir os riscos, mas também dar apoio aos professores e funcionários para que estes tenham acesso a informação fidedigna, atualizada e simples.

Aqui pode encontrar toda a nossa informação em formato PDF para poder utilizar em forma de posters na escola.

Posters
01. Uso de Máscara A / Uso de Máscara
02. Uso de Máscara B 
03. Retirar a Máscara
04. Regras para sair de casa
05. Recomendações
06. Proteção Covid-19
07. Lave as mãos com frequência
08. Lavagem de mãos / Lavagem de mãos
09. Lavagem de mãos com gel desinfetante
10. Como medir a temperatura
11. Medidas Gerais
12. Medidas Escolas
13. Utilização de Líxivia (1)
14. Utilização de Líxivia (2)
15. Instruções para Elevadores
16. Distanciamento Social
17. Desinfetar Superfícies
 

Sabe mais em ABCovid.pt

Segue-nos nas redes sociais:

facebook logo | Hovione

 

instagram logo | Hovione

 

Twitter Logo | Hovione

 

Youtube Logo | Hovione

 

 



Esta certificação tem a validade de 6 meses e é renovada após auditorias de acompanhamento previamente agendadas ou sem aviso prévio. 

 

 

 

Aluno de artes de 17 anos da António Arroio vence concurso ABCovid

Tomás Oliveira, de 17 anos, aluno da Escola Artística António Arroio, em Lisboa, é o vencedor do concurso ABCovid, com o vídeo “Covid-19 simplificado para totós”, em que explica de modo simples e gráfico porque precisamos de máscara para nos protegermos do novo coronavírus.

O concurso ABCovide é uma iniciativa dos estagiários da Hovione dirigida a estudantes do ensino básico e secundário. Para mais informações visite a página www.abcovid.pt 

 

 

Also in the Press Room

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The podcast "The Next Discovery" is a six-episode series created by Observador, a leading Portuguese digital newspaper and radio station, in partnership with Hovione. From particle engineering to global leadership in spray drying, discover the technology that enables oral medicines to be effectively absorbed by the body and help treat millions of people. What if some of the scientific breakthroughs that could improve the lives of millions of people were happening right now in Portugal? Welcome to "The Next Discovery. Listen to the third episode of the podcast here, featuring Filipe Gaspar, VP Technology Intensification, and José Luís Santos, Strategic Business Management Senior Director, at Hovione. [English transcription] Nelson Ferreira (NF): Welcome to The Next Discovery. This is a partnership between Rádio Observador and Hovione, a six-episode series in which we show how science developed in Portugal has a real impact around the world. I’m Nelson Ferreira, and in the last episode we explored how APIs—the active pharmaceutical ingredients in medicines—are produced. Today, we move to the next stage: how do we transform that chemical powder into a medicine that our bodies can actually absorb? To help explain this science, I’m joined by Filipe Gaspar and José Luís Santos, who were involved in the creation and development of Hovione’s particle engineering division. Welcome to you both. Filipe, let me start with you. NF: When we hear about a new medicine, we usually think about the molecule that was discovered. But why isn’t that discovery alone enough? What exactly is particle engineering, and what role does it play in turning a promising molecule into a medicine that is truly effective? Filipe Gaspar (FG): Nelson, the active ingredients in many modern medicines are not effective in the form in which they are produced through chemical or biological processes. To work properly in the body, they need to undergo additional transformations. For example, some medicines must be protected from the acidity of the stomach so they can later be released in the intestine, where the environment is less acidic and absorption into the bloodstream can occur. Others require very specific particle sizes. This is the case with inhalation powders, often used to treat asthma or chronic bronchitis. If the particles are too large, they become trapped in the upper airways and never reach the alveoli, where they need to be absorbed. On the other hand, if they are too small, they may simply be exhaled before absorption occurs. Finding the right particle size is therefore essential to ensuring an effective treatment. Another remarkable example is modern oral medicines, which often need to be converted into a different form—the amorphous form—so that the body can absorb them properly. Particle engineering makes all of this possible, overcoming many of these limitations by improving drug absorption, distribution, and therapeutic effectiveness. NF: I believe that in 2003 Hovione made a bold decision and invested in spray drying technology. José, for our listeners, could you explain in simple terms what this technology is, what problem it solves, and why it was so revolutionary at the time? José Luís Santos (JLS): First, it’s worth noting that spray drying has been used for decades in other industries. Think, for example, about powdered milk, instant coffee, or the powdered detergent we use in our washing machines. In all these cases, we start with a liquid—milk, coffee, or a soap-based paste—and transform it into a very fine powder that dissolves almost instantly when mixed with water. This transformation is achieved through spray drying. To explain it simply, imagine a very large chamber, something like a giant hair dryer. Inside, the liquid we want to dry is converted into a spray—a kind of mist—creating extremely small droplets. These microscopic droplets are then dried very rapidly using hot gas inside that giant dryer. In just milliseconds, the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a powder made of tiny particles with properties that, as Filipe mentioned, make them highly soluble. The powders we produce in the pharmaceutical industry are physically similar to powdered milk, instant coffee, or powdered detergent. Now, why was this technology revolutionary for pharmaceuticals? Just as spray drying made it possible to preserve milk for months without refrigeration or gave us coffee that can be prepared in seconds, pharmaceutical spray drying made it possible to create medicines with improved therapeutic effectiveness because they became more soluble. Without access to spray drying technology, many of these medicines would simply not have had a viable path to reach the market and ultimately patients. NF: Filipe, we now have a better understanding of what happens in the factory, but I’m curious about what happens inside a patient’s body. Can you give us some concrete examples? What happens when a molecule looks promising in the laboratory, but the body cannot absorb it effectively? FG: Of course. As surprising as it may sound, most medicines taken orally—tablets and capsules—are actually less soluble in water than glass or marble. Since our gastric and intestinal fluids consist primarily of water, these medicines, in their original crystalline form, dissolve very poorly and can pass through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream. That would make them completely ineffective. Spray drying solves this problem by transforming them into an amorphous form that dissolves much more easily and can be absorbed by the body. A simple analogy would be to compare an ice cube with snow. Both are solid water, but snow melts much faster because of its structure. Spray drying applies a similar principle to medicines, significantly enhancing their ability to dissolve and be absorbed. NF: José Luís, some of this may sound very technical to our listeners, but the outcome is ultimately that people live longer and healthier lives because of these technologies. Are there concrete examples of medicines that only reached the market and patients because of this technology? JLS: Absolutely. One of the most significant examples involving Hovione was the COVID-19 treatment effort. Hovione participated in the production of Captisol, a compound that was essential in the manufacture of Remdesivir, Gilead’s antiviral medicine, which became one of the few treatments authorized for COVID-19. Another important example is the treatment of hepatitis C. Around 10 to 12 years ago, the disease was virtually eradicated in many parts of the world thanks to new medicines whose manufacturing processes relied on spray drying technology. This enabled those therapies to achieve the solubility and therapeutic effect required. These are just two examples. At Hovione—and across the industry—we are working with a growing number of medicines, including treatments for oncology, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases that benefit from spray drying technology and the advantages it offers. NF: From what I understand, this technology will continue to play an important role in future discoveries as well. Filipe, when Hovione invested in spray drying, it was a technology that was almost inaccessible and rarely used in the pharmaceutical industry. What did Hovione see that others didn’t? And how did what seemed like a risky bet eventually position the company as a global leader in this field? FG: When we invested in the technology in 2003, we had already identified one or two opportunities. As you said, it was a technology that was practically nonexistent among companies like Hovione that provide services to the pharmaceutical industry. We decided to invest before there was established market demand, which meant taking a significant risk. We were talking about many millions of euros—the cost of an industrial-scale spray dryer. Afterward, we actively developed the market. The demand we saw, particularly the need to improve the bioavailability of oral medicines, confirmed our highest expectations. We have made—and continue to make—ongoing investments in science, technology, and industrial capacity. Over the years, these investments have consolidated Hovione’s position as a global reference in spray drying. Now, we must continue innovating to maintain that position. NF: Based on the examples we’ve been hearing, that doesn’t seem likely to be a problem for Hovione. We also know that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Spray drying appears to be another example of that. Hovione seems to have strong ties with academia and universities through master’s and doctoral programs conducted in industrial settings. Is this collaboration the secret to staying at the forefront? JLS: Yes. Our connection with academia has always been very important and continues to be so. Today, we have more than 300 people working in research and development roles, and we maintain strong ties with the academic community. Hovione is one of the largest private employers of PhDs in Portugal, with approximately 120 PhDs on staff, and we actively promote projects in partnership with universities and research centers. FG: I would also like to mention the Hovione Research Program. NF: What is that? FG: It is Hovione’s research program. It is a collaborative initiative with Portuguese academic institutions and has been active for more than 15 years. To give you an idea, at any given time we typically have around 10 PhD candidates and between 20 and 30 master’s students conducting their work in an industrial environment simultaneously. Most of these researchers end up joining Hovione after completing their studies, integrating into the same areas in which they carried out their research. They are a reflection of this collaboration with academia, which has been a key driver not only of our ability to innovate but also of our capacity to attract and retain highly qualified talent. NF: Filipe Gaspar and José Luís Santos, thank you both for showing us that behind every medicine there is an enormous amount of science, innovation, and talent. And often it is invisible technologies—such as the spray drying technology we discussed in greater detail today—that make a difference in the lives of millions of people. This concludes the third episode of The Next Discovery. Next week, we take the next step and discover how Hovione challenged industry tradition by introducing continuous tablet manufacturing. You can listen to the next episodes on observador.pt and on your usual podcast platform. See you at the next discovery.    

Article

Podcast “The Next Discovery” (EP3) - Particles that change lives

Jul 02, 2026

The podcast "The Next Discovery" is a six-episode series created by Observador, a leading Portuguese digital newspaper and radio station, in partnership with Hovione. From hard-to-produce antibiotics to innovative therapies, Hovione uses complex and sustainable chemistry to bring safe medicines to patients around the world. What if some of the scientific discoveries that could improve the lives of millions of people were happening right now in Portugal? “The Next Discovery.” Listen to the second episode of the podcast here, featuring Rui Loureiro, scientist at Hovione. [English transcription] From hard-to-produce antibiotics to innovative therapies, Hovione uses complex and sustainable chemistry to bring safe medicines to patients around the world. What if some of the scientific discoveries that could improve the lives of millions of people were happening right now in Portugal? “The Next Discovery.” Nelson Ferreira (NF): Welcome to the podcast “The Next Discovery.” This is a partnership between Rádio Observador and Hovione—a six-episode series where we open the doors of a Portuguese-founded multinational pharmaceutical company to share real stories of science, innovation, and global impact. I am Nelson Ferreira, and in the first episode we explored the story of the basement where it all began more than 65 years ago. Today, we will understand what happens inside this company. We will talk about complex chemistry, because that is where the journey of many medicines that pass through Hovione begins. We will discover how laboratory science becomes industrial processes, how sustainability is part of this transformation, and how all of this contributes to producing medicines that truly help improve and save lives. To guide us on this journey, I am joined today by Rui Loureiro, a scientist at Hovione’s Research and Development Center. Hello, Rui. Welcome to Rádio Observador. NF: Rui, most people may never have heard of Hovione, but they may be taking a medicine where Hovione played an important role. Where exactly do you fit into this long journey that takes a medicine to the patient? Rui Loureiro (RL): Hello, Nelson, good morning—and thank you for the question. The path for a medicine to reach a patient is long. It starts with producing a very small amount of a drug, which through development eventually needs to be produced in kilograms. Let me give an example. Imagine baking cookies. When you buy cookies at the supermarket, someone first made the initial batch at home—but then they needed a partner to scale those cookies to an industrial level. NF: A factory, exactly. RL: Exactly. That is where Hovione comes in. We are that partner for the pharmaceutical industry—helping turn one cookie into many cookies that eventually reach patients. NF: For those listening who are not familiar with this field, people often talk about APIs in the pharmaceutical industry. I had to look it up myself. What is it, and why has Hovione focused so much on it since early on? RL: API can mean different things depending on the field—for example, in IT it means something entirely different. In the pharmaceutical industry, API stands for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. In Portuguese, princípio ativo—the component that treats or cures the disease. Using the cookie analogy again: a chocolate cookie has many ingredients—but the chocolate is what defines it. The API is exactly that in a medicine: a small but essential part that delivers the therapeutic effect. Even though tablets contain multiple substances, producing something like a 10 mg tablet of the active ingredient alone is difficult—so other components are added to create the final form. NF: Over many years, Hovione also specialized in complex generics. How did that experience help you move into working with companies developing entirely new medicines? RL: That was a very important step. Developing complex generics means the chemistry required is challenging—it may involve very low temperatures or tightly controlled conditions to ensure we produce the desired result and not something unwanted. Those early capabilities—developing antibiotics and other materials—led the market to recognize Hovione’s expertise. Ultimately, chemistry involves combining building blocks. If someone proves they can assemble the most complex ones, the industry will take notice. That is how we became recognized as a trusted partner for complex pharmaceuticals. NF: I am curious about this idea of “complex chemistry.” You often compare chemistry to cooking—what distinguishes traditional chemistry from the complex chemistry you do at Hovione? RL: Let me simplify for clarity. Complex chemistry depends on the reagents and solvents used. The starting materials may be difficult to transform and may require very specific conditions. The resulting product may also be unstable and require careful handling. Using cooking as an analogy: simple chemistry is like making jelly—you mix powder with hot water and let it set. Complex chemistry is more like making ice cream—it involves a more intricate process, and many people prefer to leave it to specialists. NF: Another fascinating challenge: in the lab, you work at milligram or gram scale, but factories must produce tons. How do you scale from a teaspoon to a truckload without ruining the recipe? RL: That is indeed our biggest daily challenge. Scaling up requires understanding every variable in the process. Going from a small kitchen setup to industrial production is not just about bigger equipment—it requires entirely different systems and expertise. We work with multidisciplinary teams—chemists, engineers, analytical specialists—to control every variable that affects product quality. In a typical GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) process, there are 4–5 main steps. And across those steps, we may need to control around 350 variables to ensure the final product meets quality standards for patients. NF: When people think of chemistry, they often think of something negative. But Hovione has been developing more sustainable approaches. What does sustainable chemistry mean in practice? RL: Sustainability is a daily priority. We design processes with sustainability in mind from the very beginning. We follow green chemistry principles—avoiding harmful reagents whenever possible. And when that is not possible, we apply the “four Rs”: reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover. For example, just as the paint industry moved from solvent-based to water-based systems, we are also moving toward chemistry in water. This reduces the carbon footprint of our processes. We are also exploring micellar chemistry, flow chemistry, and even reactions without solvents at all—similar to grinding ingredients together with a mortar and pestle. These approaches help reduce waste and improve efficiency. NF: Looking to the future—will chemistry remain our best tool to save lives, and in a more sustainable way? RL: Absolutely. That is what motivates me every day. Artificial intelligence is already helping identify targets and design molecules—but those molecules still need to be produced. That is where chemistry remains essential. It is the foundation for creating and improving medicines. Innovation and sustainability will go hand in hand—and that is the path we are committed to. NF: Rui Loureiro, thank you for helping simplify chemistry and for showing this more sustainable side of science. This was the second episode of “The Next Discovery.” In the coming weeks, we will continue exploring this world. In the next episode, we will look at the future of particle engineering.   You can listen to the next episodes on observador.pt and on your usual podcast platform. See you at the next discovery.      

Article

Podcast “The Next Discovery” (EP2) - Complex chemistry, real impact

Jun 25, 2026

The podcast "The Next Discovery" is a six-episode series created by Observador, a leading Portuguese digital newspaper and radio station, in partnership with Hovione. And what if some of the scientific discoveries that can improve the lives of millions of people were happening right now in Portugal? The Next Discovery. Listen to the first episode of the podcast here, featuring Diane Villax, co-founder of Hovione. [English transcription] Welcome to The Next Discovery. This is a series of conversations, created in partnership between Observador Lab and Hovione, an international pharmaceutical company of Portuguese origin, that will open the doors to its world and share real stories of science, innovation and global impact. Over six episodes, we will meet the people behind technologies that help develop and manufacture innovative medicines for the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies that improve the lives of more than 80 million patients every year. I am Nelson Ferreira and, in this first episode, we will discover how an unlikely story, which began in a basement in Lisbon, became a story of global leadership. To talk about this legacy, I have the honour of welcoming Diane Villax, co-founder and non-executive board member of Hovione, who at the age of 91 remains a living witness to this journey. Nelson Ferreira (NF): Welcome, Mrs Diane Villax. Let us begin our conversation in 1959. Hovione was born in an unlikely way, in a basement in Lisbon, founded by your husband, Ivan Villax, by you and by two other partners. How did you manage family life and, at the same time, the birth of a pharmaceutical company, all in the same space? I imagine that created some interesting logistical challenges. Diane Villax (DV): From the beginning, we decided that we would manufacture raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, that is, the active ingredients of medicines. We had no money, so it had to start from our home, which was in a residential neighborhood in Lisbon. Right from the start, we divided the tasks. My husband, a brilliant Hungarian chemical engineer, would be the inventor, the producer and the salesman, while I would take care of all the administrative side: imports, exports, accounting and banks. I kept those responsibilities for at least 30 years. At the same time, we also thought about the values that would guide us over this long period: transparency, innovation, the pursuit of excellence and great consideration for everyone who would come to work with us over the years. NF: Very early on, your husband made it clear that Hovione would not compete on low price, but rather on quality and on solving complex problems. What was it like to apply this principle of rigour when resources were still scarce? Especially because, from day one, it always seems to me that your objective was global. The world would be your market. DV: From the beginning, we felt that Portugal, with a population of 10 million people, would not be a very significant market, and that the world would be ours. Perhaps we were a little naïve, because we were entering a global market that was already quite sophisticated. But the decision was made and we moved forward. We moved forward and were fortunate that Japan discovered us quite quickly. They came knocking on our door, because of course we did not have the means to knock on theirs. At that time, they did not manufacture; they only formulated, so they needed to buy raw materials. My husband had invention patents for independent processes and there were long discussions. They felt that our technology was good, our IP was very robust and our quality was excellent. This led to a cooperation that lasted 10 or 15 years and was very profitable for both sides, I believe. NF: In the 1980s and 1990s, Hovione took a more significant leap forward. What were the decisions, the technological bets or even the moments of greatest courage that allowed this small Portuguese company to become a leading multinational? DV: In 1982, after a successful inspection by the FDA, the regulatory authority in the United States of America, we entered the American market with our generic doxycycline antibiotic. The inventor’s patent had already expired and we had an independent manufacturing process. It was a huge, demanding and competitive market, but one that respects good service and quality. And it was indeed a major leap, because the market was so large that we had no real sense of what it would mean, and demand was much greater than what we were able to produce. I remember, it must have been the summer of 1983, many people probably had to postpone their holidays to the autumn or winter, because missing delivery deadlines was not an option. Later, in the 1990s, we entered a new business area: services. We realized that large American pharmaceutical companies, as well as small biotechs, were increasingly inclined to outsource the development work for new molecules. This is a very long period, which can take four, six or even 10 years — the development process for new molecules before they are approved by regulators and become commercial products. So we began to offer this development service, and it went very well. From there, we developed new technologies, such as spray drying, for poorly soluble molecules, because this could greatly increase their bioavailability. Today, this services area is our largest business segment. NF: Hovione today works with 19 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies. How do you maintain the agile, pioneering spirit that was born in that basement, when today the company has 2,600 employees, more than 300 scientists, and has even become the largest private employer of PhDs in Portugal? DV: Agility has to be maintained. For example, during the pandemic, we suddenly received large, unexpected orders to manufacture a component of Remdesivir, which was the product authorized to help Covid patients. So agility has to be maintained, and we always maintain our quality. Today, with more than 60 years of history, clients come to us because they know they can count on our quality and on our responsibility to produce and deliver on time what they order. NF: There is another impressive figure here. Your products reach 80 million people every year and Hovione participates in up to 10% of the new medicines approved annually by the FDA in the United States. When you look at this impact, do you feel that the dream of 1959 has been fully achieved? DV: I think it has been far exceeded. When we founded Hovione, my husband, who was a scientist, simply wanted to have his own laboratory. But he never imagined that we would develop in such a way that, today, we are sought out by major international pharmaceutical companies, which frequently come to us. NF: This is a series about science, but it is also about people. And the rigour, ethics and long-term vision that Diane always brought to management are still present at Hovione. What message would you leave to the scientists who join Hovione today with the mission of finding the next discovery? From what I understand, Diane makes a point of welcoming them whenever they join the company. DV: Yes. Four times a year, twice in English and twice in Portuguese, I speak to the newcomers at Hovione, giving them a very brief account of our journey, our values, our objectives, our dreams, the challenges we faced and how we overcame them to get to where we are today. And I always recommend that anyone who joins this company must work with passion. They must work with passion and always remember that our work is to produce medicines for those who need them. We have the privilege of serving patients. We are a company that works for society. I think “In it for life”, which is our motto, has a lot to do with us, because we have been here for 67 years as a family company, and that is how we intend to continue for many good years to come. Above all, in the healthcare sector, there is a great advantage, because we can look at the long term. We do not have to think about stock market results every quarter, as public companies do. And, on the other hand, we are here precisely to give life to those who need it. “In it for life.” NF: At the age of 91, how does Diane herself maintain this passion and continue to make long-term plans? DV: Because I was a founder of this company. I see it progressing and developing successfully, so it is a joy for me. And I have a large family coming after me. I have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and I hope to leave the company to them so that they can continue it as I managed it. NF: That is truly inspiring. Mrs Diane Villax, thank you very much for sharing the memories and inspiration of this legacy, which remains very much alive. It was a privilege. This was the first chapter of The Next Discovery. In the coming weeks, we will continue to open the doors of Hovione to discover how Portuguese talent is leading the world, from complex chemistry to particle engineering, from respiratory therapies to next-generation biological medicines.   You can listen to the next episodes on observador.pt and on your usual podcast platform.    

Article

Podcast “The Next Discovery” (EP1) - From a basement in Lisbon to global impact

Jun 18, 2026