Our Story

We are a global pharmaceutical company focused on extending and improving the lives of patients worldwide. As a leader in supportive care, we strive to enhance the well-being of patients facing cancer and chronic disease.

The company was founded by Dr. Gabriele Braglia in 1976 as a pharmaceutical licensing business, that has evolved into a fourth-generation family-owned company. Headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, Helsinn has direct commercial operations in the U.S. and a consolidated network of 40 valued partners to reach out to patients in more than 190 countries worldwide.

In 1990, Helsinn marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of our state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Dublin, Ireland. This strategic move allowed us to efficiently produce high-quality pharmaceuticals, contributing to global healthcare.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2009, when Helsinn acquired Sapphire Therapeutics, which later became Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.). This acquisition expanded our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the United States, enabling us to better serve patients around the world.

Recognizing the importance of the Asian market, we established a Helsinn representative office in Beijing in 2012. This step facilitated collaboration, research and innovation, allowing us to effectively address healthcare needs in the region.

Our business focus has evolved over time. Initially centered around cancer supportive care products for patients undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing side effects including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, our future vision extends to a broader supportive care approach, serving patients not only with cancer, but also other chronic diseases.