1. It all started early with a clear priority: "research and export".
Ferrer's R+D activity dates back to 1959, when the company created a scientific department to develop new medicines with a clear vision from the beginning: to invest in research and expand internationally.
2. From day one, the goal was to create medicines, not just market them.
Early research teams focused on developing new formulations from known compounds and creating new chemical entities derived from existing structures.
3. Ferrer's R+D found its own space in 1978.
That year it moved to the Pharmaceutical Research Centre in the Sants-Badal neighbourhood, bringing together the different areas of research under one roof and strengthening the capacity to design, develop and control new medicines in an integrated way.
4. It evolved from a single center to a network of specialized hubs.
Over time, the model moved to a network of specialized centers that work transversally, integrating chemical, galenic, preclinical and clinical development to gain efficiency and coherence.
5. Collaboration is not optional, it is part of the model.
The open and decentralized approach involves working closely with universities, biotechnology companies, research centers, and hospitals, with a focus on partnerships and shared knowledge.
6. Sustainability is redefining how medicines are developed.
A relevant part of R+D focuses on green chemistry, promoting more sustainable processes, with less environmental impact and the use of cleaner solvents.
7. From the 2020s onwards, purpose becomes a filter.
R+D is redefined as a tool to generate social impact, prioritizing serious, debilitating and low-prevalence diseases with high unmet medical need.
8. The pipeline focuses on two major therapeutic priorities.
Ferrer focuses his research on rare neurological diseases and vascular and interstitial lung diseases, where the impact on quality of life is greater and therapeutic options are limited.
9. Clinical and ethical excellence as key principles.
The design and execution of clinical studies are based on the highest scientific and ethical standards, ensuring the protection of participants and the quality of the data.
10. Integration defines the operating model.
As an integrated company, Ferrer connects research, development, manufacturing and marketing, maintaining control throughout the entire value chain.
11. Pipeline transformation goes hand in hand with global transformation.
Changes in R+D are supported by advances in digitalisation, sustainability, talent and skills, with a greater orientation towards data-driven decision-making.
12. The research incorporates multiple perspectives from the beginning.
From the early stages, the patient's vision, regulatory knowledge, market access and medical expertise are integrated, ensuring viable and relevant developments.
13. Innovation continues beyond approval.
Ferrer extends innovation throughout the life cycle of the medicine, improving formulations, packaging sustainability and supply solutions to continue generating value.
