Italfarmaco is one of the Italian pharmaceutical companies which is active in the field of research.

The first molecule developed by its Research Centre was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, first marketed in 1984.

An iron protein complex was subsequently developed, and is now marketed in more than 20 countries.

The Group now has two classes of product under development.
A product in the first class has already reached Clinical Phase II, and the Pre-clinical Phase has been completed for the second.

In addition to developing new drugs, the Italfarmaco research organisation also focuses on developing new indications and new delivery systems for drugs already on the market.

The aim of Italfarmaco's research activities is to discover increasingly effective and safe drugs in order not only to improve patients' health, but also to guarantee them a better quality of life.

The research areas to which the company is most strongly committed are the cardiovascular and immuno-oncological areas.

In the cardiovascular area, its activities relate to the development of oligopeptides effective against deteriorations of the coronary microcirculation induced by ischaemia and reperfusion. In this area, the company is constantly involved in the field of hypertension, the prevention and treatment of vascular damage caused by atherosclerosis, and thrombotic events.

In the immuno-oncological area the company is developing new, selective inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokine which are active by the oral route for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

The company is also developing a slow-release parenteral drug delivery system with potential applications in numerous therapeutic areas, especially oncology.