Press Room

ViSync® Technologies, a joint venture between Hovione, a global specialist integrated CDMO and leader in spray drying and particle engineering, and iBET (Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica), a not-for-profit R&D institution specializing in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, is proud to announce the appointment of Elsa Abranches as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, ViSync® Technologies was established to address unmet technological needs in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on developing innovative solutions for the cell and gene therapy space. By leveraging Hovione's expertise in pharmaceutical development, particle engineering, and industrialization, alongside iBET’s pioneering research in biotechnological sciences, ViSync® is uniquely equipped to drive innovation in targeted delivery and stabilization of next-generation therapies.  Dr. Elsa Abranches brings over two decades of experience in cell and gene therapy, with a strong track record of leading diverse teams in dynamic environments. In her new role as ViSync® CSO, she will drive the company’s R&D strategy and scientific vision, positioning ViSync® as a leader in innovation within the dynamic and rapidly advancing field of cell and gene therapy. “We are thrilled to welcome Elsa Abranches as Chief Scientific Officer of ViSync®,” said Dr. Christoph Bruecher, Chairman of the Board of ViSync® and VP Business Transformation at Hovione. “Her expertise and vision in the field of advanced therapeutics will be pivotal in driving ViSync’s mission to create transformative solutions that empower pharmaceutical companies and improve patient treatment outcomes.” Dr. Manuel Carrondo, Director of the Board of ViSync® and Vice President of iBET, added, “Elsa’s appointment underscores our commitment to establishing ViSync® as a leader in cell and gene therapy innovation. Her scientific leadership will be critical as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the field of new modalities drug delivery.” Elsa Abranches, new Chief Scientific Officer of ViSync®, said: “Having worked in different countries and industries, I’m thrilled to bring my experience back home to join ViSync®. This new venture represents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with local and international partners to drive innovation in advanced therapeutics and help shape the future of life-changing therapies”.     About Hovione Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices. Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards.   About iBET iBET is a private non-profit institution devoted to biotechnology research, with 35 years of experience creating and transferring knowledge to the global biopharma and biotech sectors. iBET’s core expertise lies on the development of bioprocesses and analytical tools for Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs), including cell and gene therapies, vaccines, antibodies and other innovative therapeutic products. Leveraged by the emerging areas of Data Science and Translational Immunology, we offer bespoke R&D services from early-stage R&D to GMP manufacturing. iBET’s infrastructure comprises cutting-edge laboratories, a GMP certified Analytical Services Unit, and a Late-Stage R&D and Bioproduction Unit, covering upstream and downstream process development, bioanalytical tools for critical quality attribute monitoring, to scale-up and tech transfer. iBET also hosts satellite laboratories of major pharmaceutical companies and serves as an incubation platform for start-up/spin-off companies. iBET is driven by its innovative and agile culture of continuous improvement and a strong sense of ambition, ownership and commitment in developing and delivering the best solutions to our stakeholders.     

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ViSync® Technologies, a joint venture between Hovione and iBET is proud to announce the appointment of Elsa Abranches as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).

ViSync® Technologies appoints Elsa Abranches as Chief Scientific Officer

Dec 19, 2024

Lisbon, Portugal – Hovione, the specialist integrated pharma CDMO and leader in spray drying and particle engineering, today announced its commitment to setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the Paris Agreement. This ambitious step underscores the company’s dedication to addressing climate change and driving sustainability across its operations. By committing to SBTs, Hovione joins a growing number of businesses taking concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability strategy and reinforces its commitment to scientific excellence. “At Hovione, we believe in science and in best practices. And this clearly applies to our sustainability agenda.”, said Jean-Luc Herbeaux, CEO of Hovione. We made the decision to drive our GHG emissions down using a science-based target setting process, which will help us drive sustainability across our operations by laying out a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. We believe that by setting ambitious targets and implementing concrete actions, we can make a positive impact on the planet while driving innovation and growth.” Hovione will work closely with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to develop and validate its emission reduction targets. The company will provide regular updates on its progress towards achieving these goals. As part of its commitment to sustainability and transparency to stakeholders, the company will enhance its Ecovadis rating. Ecovadis, a leading sustainability assessment platform in the pharmaceutical industry, provides a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s environmental, social, and ethical performance, well aligned with Hovione’s sustainability ambitions.  Hovione remains dedicated to operating responsibly and contributing positively to society and the environment. The company will continue to implement sustainable practices across its operations and innovate to further improve its sustainability rating.   Learn more about Science Based-Targets  

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Hovione commitment to setting SBTs in line with the Paris Agreement

Hovione Commits to Science-Based Targets for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Sep 09, 2024

The partnership with Higuchi forms part of Hovione´s global expansion plans and marks a significant milestone in advancing Hovione's presence in the Japanese market.    Under the terms of the agreement, Higuchi will promote Hovione's pharmaceutical service business throughout Japan, using their extensive experience to enhance brand visibility and attract new clientele across the Japanese pharmaceutical landscape.  “This strategic collaboration underscores Hovione's dedication to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to its customers,” said Yuken Kyoyama. “Our partnership with Higuchi will help to show customers in Japan how Hovione can meet their needs.”    Learn more about our business in Japan and visit our website hovione.co.jp    

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Hovione proudly announces its collaborative venture with Higuchi.

Hovione forges strategic partnership with Higuchi to further strengthen its presence in Japan

Jul 04, 2024

Following the creation of offices in Shanghai and Beijing, Hovione is pleased to announce the launch of its new website in Mandarin. This dedicated platform will enhance Hovione´s presence in China, offering tailored contents to better serve customers in this important market. The new site will provide comprehensive information about Hovione´s products and services, ensuring that Chinese clients have easier access to the innovative solutions and support that Hovione is renowned for worldwide.   “The launch of the Hovione Chinese website underscores our commitment to customers in China,” said Ms. Jackie Liu, Country Head, China. “By delivering localized content and support, we aim to foster stronger partnerships and drive mutual growth in this market. Our team of experts is fully committed to understanding and addressing our clients´ unique challenges with agility and precision.” Visit us at www.hovione.com.cn    

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Hovione is closer to its customers with a new website in Mandarin

Hovione launches new website for the Chinese Market

Jun 14, 2024

Diane Villax, Co-Founder and Board Member of Hovione has been honored with a lifetime achievement award at Deloitte´s Investor Relations and Governance Awards (IRGAwards) 2024. It was especially fitting for her to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes individuals who have made valuable and exceptional contributions to their field, in the year that Hovione celebrates its 65th anniversary.   Learn more about IRGAwards  

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36th edition of the Investor Relations & Governance Awards (IRGAwards) promoted by Deloitte

Diane Villax receives achievement award at Deloitte´s Investor Relations and Governance Awards (IRGAwards) 2024

May 23, 2024

Lisbon, May 21, 2024 – Hovione has placed fourth among the best companies to work in Portugal and was again the best in the Health Sector according to Randstad´s Employer Brand Research. The research, which was published yesterday, identified the 20 best employers in Portugal. This is the ninth annual edition of Ranstad´s study, which is based on a representative sample of the Portuguese workforce. The respondents evaluate companies according to a range of different criteria, including salary and benefits, job security, work atmosphere, and career progression opportunities. Employer branding can have a significant impact on an organization's ability to attract and retain top talent and so is becoming an increasingly important part of a company a strategy to address the talent shortage challenge.  Ilda Ventura, VP of Human Resources at Hovione explains that “Our global HR strategy is built on the need to attract, retain and empower our talented team members. Therefore, our Employer Branding needs to reflect the reality of who we are, so that we don’t just attract new talent but allow current team members to flourish. It also needs to capture the positive impact that Hovione has on the world, and how our innovative work relies on the knowledge and problem solving of our team members. We continue to work on refining and improving the work we do on our EB. This too is an important reflection of our values, and our belief in continuous improvement.” This is the third successive year that has been ranked as the most attractive company to work for in the Health Sector and placed in the top five overall  This recognition comes after Hovione was recognized as a Top Employer in all four of its global sites in January 2024, becoming the first company in Macau to do so.    About Hovione Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices.     Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards.  

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Hovione has placed fourth among the best companies to work in Portugal and was again the best in the Health Sector according to Randstad´s Employer Brand Research.

Hovione again ranks among best employers in Portugal

May 21, 2024

The new company, which will be located in Portugal, will focus on the development of drug delivery solutions for emerging drug modalities. Cell and gene therapies represent a paradigm shift in modern medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to address previously untreatable diseases. ViSync solutions will help address some of the manufacturing challenges caused by the complex nature of new modalities, with special focus on stabilization, cell or tissue targeting and drug payload delivery.  Lisbon, 9th May 2024 – The specialist integrated CDMO and leader in pharmaceutical spray drying and particle engineering, and iBET (Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica), a private not-for-profit research intensive SME in the area of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, today announced the creation of ViSync Technologies, a new joint venture located in Oeiras, close to Lisbon. The newly formed company will focus on developing innovative technologies and scalable solutions to help pharmaceutical companies address formulation and manufacturing challenges in transformative cell and gene therapies. Hovione has a strong track record in industrializing new technologies and supporting Pharma Companies with their clinical and commercial volume manufacturing needs, while iBET has a strong biological background and a global reputation for its scientific knowledge of the new therapeutic modalities space, particularly cell and gene therapy.  New modalities, such as gene and cell therapies, RNA drugs and other complex biologics, are a rapidly growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry. They promise to bring breakthroughs to the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer, genetic disorders, rare diseases and neurological conditions.  While this rapid growth has been driven by remarkable efficacy in addressing unmet clinical needs, the complex nature of the new modalities brings challenges, including limited drug administration options, immunogenic responses and off-target effects, issues with high dose delivery and high costs. The poor stability of these drugs is also an issue, resulting in the need for cold supply chains. ViSync will aim to develop novel technology platforms to address the unmet needs of pharmaceutical customers developing these transformative new products. “The creation of ViSync in collaboration with iBET marks an exciting new chapter in Hovione´s commitment to innovation”, said Dr Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Hovione´s CEO. “New therapeutic modalities have the potential to bring radical improvements to current standards of care and we are thrilled to partner with iBET, a world-renowned expert organization in this area, to develop technology platforms that help customers bring transformative therapies to patients worldwide. The first step will be to assemble a team who possesses the knowledge, expertise, and ingenuity needed to navigate the complexities ahead." “The establishment of ViSync in partnership with Hovione represents a pivotal moment in iBET’s dedication to pioneering research in advanced therapies,” stated Dr. Paula Alves, iBET’s CEO. “The immense promise of these new modalities is at our reach and we are delighted to join forces with Hovione, a globally recognized leader in technological industrialization and drug delivery. In this common endeavor, we will gather the scientific and technical competences and skills to support our clients and partners in delivering groundbreaking therapies to patients globally.” ViSync will develop its own lab facility in Lisbon and expects to be able to start its research and development work by the end of 2024.   About Hovione Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices.     Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards.   About iBET iBET is a private non-profit institution devoted to biotechnology research, with 35 years of experience creating and transferring knowledge to the global biopharma and biotech sectors. iBET’s core expertise lies on the development of bioprocessses and analytical tools for Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs), including cell and gene therapies, vaccines, antibodies and other innovative therapeutic products. Leveraged by the emerging areas of Data Science and Translational Immunology, we offer bespoke R&D services from early-stage R&D to GMP manufacturing.  iBET’s infrastructure comprises cutting-edge laboratories, a GMP certified Analytical Services Unit, and a Late-Stage R&D and Bioproduction Unit, covering upstream and downstream process development, bioanalytical tools for critical quality attribute monitoring, to scale-up and tech transfer. iBET also hosts satellite laboratories of major pharmaceutical companies and serves as an incubation platform for start-up/spin-off companies. iBET is driven by its innovative and agile culture of continuous improvement and a strong sense of ambition, ownership and commitment in developing and delivering the best solutions to our stakeholders.  

News
News release, 09 May 2024

Hovione and iBET announce the creation of ViSync Technologies, an innovative new company that will develop solutions for unmet needs in cell and gene therapy

May 09, 2024

We are proud to have been nominated in three categories for HR Magazine’s annual awards, for Team Spirit and Engagement, Internal Mobility and Best HR Director. At Hovione, we talk about "Team Members” rather than “employees”, emphasizing the company's commitment to fostering a culture where teamwork is not just valued but integral to achieving collective success. We believe that individuals work best when they feel supported and are working towards a shared goal.  Hovione is a global company with a diverse range of roles across different disciplines. This means that we can offer team members the opportunity to explore new horizons and expand their skill sets within the company, enriching their career experiences and driving innovation across the organization. The awards are decided by a public vote which is open until the 17 May. Vote here!  

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Place your vote.

Hovione nominated in HR Awards – voting is open globally

May 03, 2024

Hovione Macau was recently awarded the Medal of Merit for Industrial and Commercial Excellence by the Government of Macau, a Special Administrative Region of the People´s Republic of China. This prestigious award recognizes the company's nearly 40 years of outstanding contribution to the pharmaceutical industry in Macau. Eddy Leong, Site Manager of Hovione Macau, accepted this prestigious Medal on behalf of Hovione at the ceremony held in Macau. Eddy Leong expressed his gratitude for the award and emphasized the company's commitment to working with partner organizations to create rewarding career opportunities in life sciences. Read this press release to learn more about the Medal of Merit awarded by Hovione. If you would like to explore our open opportunities in Hovione Macau, please visit our Careers Website.   

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Exciting News Alert from Hovione in Macau

Hovione Macau awarded by the Government of Macau at a Ceremony held in Macau

Jan 19, 2024

Hovione is once again shortlisted for the prestigious CPhI Pharma Awards 2023! iSDX – a fully automated, scale representative laboratorial and spray dryer – was nominated in the category of Manufacturing Excellence. iSDX was designed by Hovione with the aim of developing processes, establishing design spaces, anticipating challenges and producing material representative of commercial scale dryers using a compact lab unit. This is achieved by mimicking the conditions of large dryers in small scale. This dryer was engineered by Hovione using modelling and simulation tools and is routinely used for process development and troubleshooting. Coupling iSDX with ASD-HIPROS in an integrated offer enables our customers to extensively study and optimize their amorphous solid dispersion formulations while also generating scale representative material for drug product development. We are thrilled by this nomination which acknowledges our commitment to innovation in pharma and to delivering best-in-class technologies to our customers. Hovione has the largest number of Spray Drying commercial projects. Find out how we can support yours.  

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Hovione shortlisted for the CPhI Pharma Awards 2023!

Hovione shortlisted for the CPhI Pharma Awards 2023!

Oct 13, 2023

This year’s theme for International Women in Engineering Day is #makesafetyseen to celebrate the achievements of women around the world in engineering. Hear from some of our engineers as they share their career journeys and empower others to break barriers in the healthcare field. Thank you to Ana Rafael (Principal HSE Specialist) Catarina Coelho (Senior QC Technical Specialist), and Luísa Paulo (Corporate Quality Senior Director I) for making safety seen.  Read their statements here.   “I would like to say a word to empower young girls and show them the incredible potential of women in engineering. Engineering is not just about math and science — it's about designing safer, environmentally friendly systems, collaborating, and embracing entrepreneurship. As women in engineering, we are making a profound impact on society. I proudly graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Coimbra, where both boys and girls were determined to leave their mark on the world. I began my career as a researcher, simulating distillation processes. However, my passion for the environment led me to shift my focus towards engineering design for biofuels and environmental treatment plants. It was then that everything fell into place — I knew I wanted to create a better world. Years later, I seized the opportunity to start my own business, dedicated to enhancing the environmental efficiency and sustainability of various industries across Europe, KSA, and Angola. This journey taught me the importance of sustainable practices and the dedication required to secure our place in the future. Today, at Hovione, I’m able to balance both of my passions: contributing to life-saving medicines and ensuring that all of us do our jobs in a safely manner. For ourselves and for the communities where we are in. For the past 8 years, I have led and managed teams and projects, guiding Hovione sites towards a better, safer and more sustainable future. I never stop learning and embracing challenges. I believe in the power of women, driving positive change and breaking barriers. Together, we can create a safer world where women in engineering thrive and shape a brighter future for all." Ana Rafael - Principal HSE Specialist Hovione Portugal    "On International Women in Engineering Day, I take this time to reflect on my journey as a woman in the engineering field. One of the most rewarding experiences in my journey was the opportunity to work as Senior Analytical Chemist at Hovione. In this role, I had the privilege of contributing to the design and implementation of innovative solutions. On this special day, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide. Together, we are transforming the landscape of engineering, breaking down barriers and forging a path for future generations of aspiring engineers." Catarina Coelho - Senior QC Technical Specialist Hovione Portugal   "I have been working as a Chemical Engineer for 40 years and I would like to motivate the young women who love engineering to pursue their dream. At Hovione, I have always felt appreciated and encouraged by my colleagues." Luísa Paulo - Corporate Quality Senior Director I Hovione New Jersey

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Make Safe Seen

2023 International Women Engineering Day

Jun 23, 2023

Hovione ranked 3rd best company to work in Portugal and best in the Health Sector according to the results of the 2023 Randstad Employer Brand Research. We’ve moved up two positions in the overall ranking when compared to the previous year and we maintain the leading position in the Health Sector. The research work published yesterday identifies the Top 20 best employers in Portugal following a survey answered by a representative sample of the active Portuguese population. In the survey, companies are evaluated and ranked based on criteria, such as salary and benefits, job security, work atmosphere, and career progression opportunities. This recognition comes after Hovione was recognized as a Top Employer and LinkedIn Top Company in Portugal.    

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Hovione ranked 3rd best company to work in Portugal and best in the Health Sector

Hovione one of the Top 3 Best Companies to Work in Portugal

May 19, 2023

The LinkedIn Top Companies list ranks the best places for professionals to grow their careers and develop skills. According to LinkedIn's Top Companies 2023 ranking Hovione was considered one of the Top Companies in Portugal. This recognition comes after Hovione was recognized as a Top Employer in Portugal, the United States and Ireland.   Learn more at LinkedIn.com    

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This recognition comes after Hovione was recognized as a Top Employer in Portugal, the United States and Ireland.

Hovione is recognised as a LinkedIn Top Company in Portugal

Apr 19, 2023

Growing every day Changing lives for the better All together All as One. As we reach the end of the year, we have much to celebrate together: Through our clients’ inspiring vision, our team members commitment and expertise and our partners’ endless support, we have grown together as one, and proved to be “In it for life”.  May 2023 bring even further growth, in business, in unity and in quality, to all of us, as one.       

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All of us at Hovione wish you a 2023 filled with hope and joy.

Season's Greetings 2022

Dec 19, 2022

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