The two driving forces behind BIAL's international expansion are Zebinix and Ongentys. The first is an anti-epileptic drug launched in 2009 and the second is a Parkinson's disease drug launched in 2016. Without them, the company would not have reached more than 50 international markets or generated €340 million in sales in 2023. Around 20 per cent of the company's turnover is spent on research and development because, as CEO António Portela says, "the goal is to continue to bring innovative medicines to people".
This year, BIAL celebrates its centenary, and more than just a symbolic date, it marks the journey and evolution of a company that began as a small laboratory in the centre of Porto. A journey that began with the launch of the first two patented medicines in Portugal.
Today, BIAL has subsidiaries in the main European markets and in the United States. Over the years, the company has sought to respond to its challenges, and António Portela cites sustainability issues as an example. "These are inevitable in our society, in our world, and at BIAL this is no exception".
This year, BIAL celebrates its centenary, and more than just a symbolic date, it marks the journey and evolution of a company that began as a small laboratory in the centre of Porto. A journey that began with the launch of the first two patented medicines in Portugal.
Today, BIAL has subsidiaries in the main European markets and in the United States. Over the years, the company has sought to respond to its challenges, and António Portela cites sustainability issues as an example. "These are inevitable in our society, in our world, and at BIAL this is no exception".
