TRB Chemedica extends therapeutic legacy with stronger presence in China
- The family business is spearheading the use of gangliosides in treating neurological disorders such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain and spinal cord injury

Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports
From one pharmacist to another – Dr Guido Di Napoli has passed on to his son Alessandro the legacy of TRB Chemedica International. For almost half a century, the family business has grown to adapt its Swiss therapeutic innovations to suit the needs of more than 70 markets worldwide. Today, its new CEO upholds this commitment as he drives TRB Chemedica deeper into Asia. Besides a new wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, the company is coming up with fresh formulations that extend beyond its traditional portfolio, which covers rheumatology, ophthalmology and neurology.
“In our world where no mistakes are allowed, we have to be very strong on quality. It is easy to lose a reputation, but very difficult to build one,” says Alessandro Di Napoli, CEO. “This is why we are working very hard on developing the safest and most innovative products. It is a key element that our patients can clearly see, considering our market success, especially in Southeast Asia. We have been and will continue supporting them with excellent innovations – this is our promise.”
The biotechnology company has been developing and marketing active pharmaceutical ingredients, drugs and medical devices for ophthalmology, rheumatology and neurology. With the help of subsidiaries and partners worldwide, TRB Chemedica has pioneered the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in a variety of ophthalmic and rheumatic products. Its VISMED line of lubricant eye drops provides utmost patient safety and efficacy in treating dry eyes symptoms. Meanwhile, its VISIOL brand offers eye protection during cataract surgery, corneal transplant and intraocular lens implantation.
The company has also formulated OSTENIL and Diacerein for osteoarthritis. OSTENIL is a well-known HA intra-articular injection, while Diacerein is an interleukin inhibitor used also in osteoarthritis. TRB Chemedica is spearheading the use of gangliosides in treating neurological disorders – such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, spinal cord injury and Huntington’s disease – for which no medication has yet been developed.