Innovation according to Horus Pharma: a continuous, independent, patient-centred process
Our fundamental objective is continuous innovation. This applies both to our therapeutic approaches and to the services we provide, always for the benefit of healthcare professionals and patients, without ever compromising our independence, agility, or human values.
Innovation lies at the heart of our vision: incremental innovation that does not necessarily aim for disruption but seeks to transform existing therapeutic solutions step by step to better meet the expectations of healthcare professionals while sustainably improving patients’ quality of life.
A company focused on developing new products
- 10%of revenue devoted to R&D each year
- 20%of staff mobilised for R&D
- 17patents filed
- 70products
Pioneers of “preservative-free” since 2003
Horus Pharma has been a pioneer in the development of preservative-free formulations. This long-standing commitment was first applied in ophthalmology before being extended to dermatology and cosmetics.
Our approach in this area is based on a solid scientific foundation. Our streamlined formulations with high concentrations of active ingredients, particularly hyaluronic acid, are formulated without preservatives harmful to health or the environment, relying instead on a rigorous selection of ingredients chosen for their efficacy and safety.
Our commitment to continuous improvement also involves constantly reviewing all aspects of the product, from formulation to delivery systems and manufacturing. This approach guides our R&D towards increasingly effective, sustainable health products.
The development of our dry eye range perfectly illustrates Horus Pharma’s innovation strategy:
An example of continuous innovation: the evolution of our dry eye range
- 2003
Launch of the first preservative-free hyaluronic acid eye drops, a major step forward in patient tolerance and safety.
- 2006
First reimbursement by the French national health insurance system for a medical device for dry eye, improving access to care.
- Since 2014
Gradual expansion of the range with preservative-free solutions adapted to the various levels of dry eye, from mild to the most severe cases.
- 2015
Packaging innovation: development of 10 ml and 15 ml multi-dose formats, more economical and more environmentally friendly.
- 2022
Regenerative medicine to address situations where no treatment options remain : provision of personalised treatment based on autologous plasma for patients without a solution.
- 2025
Provision of a preservative-free vitamin A-based eye ointment for patients with severe dry eye, for whom no alternative solution was available following the withdrawal of an existing solution from the market.
From practitioners to research centres: essential partners in our R&D
To develop solutions that are truly tailored to our customers’ needs, we collaborate with a strong network of national and international experts: ophthalmologists, researchers, universities and reference centres, including the Institut de la Vision in Paris, INSERM and INRA.
We also work with carefully selected partners for their expertise, such as pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, CROs and materials specialists.
Lastly, for us, collaboration depends on open exchange. We are therefore actively involved in sharing knowledge in ophthalmology: participating in national and international conferences and scientific meetings and supporting healthcare professionals. We want to support, inform and contribute to knowledge sharing across our industry.
Institut de la Vision - a leading research partnership
The Institut de la Vision in Paris is Europe’s leading integrated research centre dedicated entirely to eye diseases. Supported by INSERM and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, it brings together expertise and techniques to advance research in eye diseases and vision. Researchers, clinicians and industry partners collaborate to develop the treatments and technological innovations of tomorrow. Based at the Institut since 2008, Horus Pharma benefits from this cutting-edge research environment.
Patents for an ambitious research strategy
The result of the multidisciplinary expertise and transformative capabilities of our R&D teams, our patents contribute to our primary objective: to design solutions that eliminate the need for preservatives while ensuring optimal efficacy and microbiological quality.
EPIFREE® TECHNOLOGY, a proprietary manufacturing process developed by Horus Pharma
Epifree® Technology is based on a low-temperature sterilisation system that preserves the quality of active ingredients without the use of preservatives. Highly concentrated in active ingredients, the dermatological products in the Ilast® range are manufactured using the patented Epifree® Technology. Ilast® is the first patented range of cosmetics for eyelid care and hygiene, free from preservatives, alcohol and fragrance.
Our licensing policy
We also pursue an active licensing policy, designed to identify innovations and create value in collaboration with pioneers in their field. Whether for development or commercial licensing, this approach is based on strategic and opportunistic choices grounded in the expertise of our teams and their in-depth knowledge of the market, in order to generate real added value. Depending on the model selected, we can take on all or part of the development financing and share the profits with the scientist, university or company behind the innovation. Lastly, beyond scientific and marketing expertise, we help to expand product distribution through targeted partnerships and an effective commercial network.
Our vision of innovation is rooted in dialogue, practical solutions and the constant questioning of our practices, always in the service of healthcare professionals and their patients.