FAB13, a leading force in the Italian pharmaceutical industry

The FAB13 account for 65 manufacturing sites (29 of which in Italy) and 51 R&D centers worldwide, supported by an extensive network of subsidiaries (289 in total) enabling the group’s global operations.

Rome, 20 January 2026 – Over the past decade, Italy has emerged as a major European hub in the pharmaceutical industry, making significant progress in production, research, employment, and exports. Today, the sector is one of the main drivers of the Italian economic and industrial system, representing 10% of total national exports.
This achievement is the result of the combined efforts of all companies operating in Italy, which can be grouped into three main categories: the 13 leading Italian-owned companies (FAB13); a large number of contract manufacturing organizations; and the numerous multinational groups present in the country.
For the FAB13 Italian pharmaceutical companies, 2024 delivered highly positive results. Revenues increased by 12% compared to 2023, reaching a combined €18.9 billion, with international business growing by 14%, although the domestic market rose by only 2% due to stagnating national demand. Exports grew by 16% compared to 2023, significantly outperforming the overall Italian pharmaceutical export growth (+10%). Total investments (excluding acquisitions of companies, products, and licenses) rose by 21% compared to 2023, with R&D investments reaching €1.4 billion, up 27%. Employment grew by 3% vs. 2023: +2% in Italy and +4% abroad.
These findings are outlined in the report and presentation by Prof. Marco Fortis, economist and Director General and Vice President of the Edison Foundation. The event “FAB13 2025: the 13 historic companies of Italian-made pharmaceuticals”, held today at the Chamber of Deputies, highlights how long-standing family-owned companies continue to grow through international expansion while maintaining strong consolidation in Italy.

The role of medium-large Italian pharmaceutical companies (FAB13)
Within the context of strong growth in the pharmaceutical sector in Italy, the crucial role of Italian companies is confirmed, with the FAB13 serving as a major reference point. These 13 Italian pharmaceutical companies—developed over the past decades—have gained significant relevance in the European and global pharmaceutical landscape. They include: Alfasigma, Abiogen Pharma, Angelini Pharma, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Dompé Farmaceutici, I.B.N. Savio, Italfarmaco, Kedrion, Menarini, Molteni, Neopharmed Gentili, Recordati, and Zambon.

A widespread presence ensuring care for millions of citizens
The FAB13 operate 65 manufacturing sites, including 29 in Italy, and 51 R&D centers worldwide, supported by an extensive network of 289 subsidiaries that enable the group’s global operations. This widespread footprint allows the FAB13 to maintain a strong presence both nationally and internationally, ensuring operational efficiency and innovation capacity.
The FAB13 contribute to providing healthcare for millions of Italians, reinforcing the national pharmaceutical system’s production autonomy. In recent years, they have acquired companies abroad, developed partnerships, secured commercialization licenses, and obtained approvals for innovative medicines. They are pioneers in developing innovative personalized therapies and orphan drugs, responding to the needs of patients with rare diseases.

Employment and investments
The FAB13 employ 22% of the entire Italian pharmaceutical workforce. Total employees number approximately 50,400, of whom over 35,000 (70%) are abroad and 15,000 (30%) are in Italy. Half of the workforce is female. Over 80% hold a university degree or high school diploma. More than 90% of FAB13 employees are hired on permanent contracts. There is a particularly high concentration of R&D personnel (56% in Italy).
R&D investments grew by 27% in 2024 compared to 2023, exceeding €1.4 billion and representing 43% of total FAB13 investments. Significant resources were also allocated to acquisitions of companies, licenses, and products to expand portfolios and strengthen global competitiveness—around €1.4 billion in 2024.

A step change for the pharmaceutical industry in Italy
In 2024, total production value for multinational and Italian groups belonging to Farmindustria reached €56.1 billion, an 87% increase compared to 2016. Exports reached €53.8 billion, up 152% since 2016. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of high-tech pharmaceutical exports, which grew by 193%.
Total investments reached €4 billion, including €2.3 billion in R&D and €1.7 billion in manufacturing activities (a 38% increase since 2016). Employment in the sector amounted to 67,000 people (+12% compared to 2016). Italy is the world’s sixth-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals and remains the third-largest exporter of packaged medicines (behind Germany and Switzerland).