HISTORY OF LABORATORIOS CASASCO
Since 1876, Laboratorios Casasco S.A.I.C. has developed and produced innovative medicines, supporting generations of healthcare professionals. Today, it ranks among the top five companies in Argentina’s ethical pharmaceutical market, working toward general well-being and healthcare.
Dr. Eugenio F. Casasco and his father, Dr. Eugenio Andrés Casasco.
Origins and First Steps
The history of Laboratorios Casasco dates back to 1876, when Eugenio Antonio Casasco, a pharmacist graduated from the Royal University of Turin, founded the first pharmacy in Chacabuco and later began producing medicines in Luján. There, he developed tablets and gelatin capsules under the 'Handel' brand, becoming a global pioneer in these pharmaceutical forms.
Handel Products
In 1880, Dr. Eugenio Antonio Casasco settled in the city of Luján, where he began manufacturing pharmaceutical products on an industrial scale. There, he developed tablets and gelatin capsules under the Handel brand, becoming one of the world pioneers in the production of these pharmaceutical forms. This first industrial drive laid the foundations for a scientific culture focused on innovation and the practical application of medical knowledge. Since then, science and innovation have been among the historical pillars of Laboratorios Casasco.
Dr. Eugenio F. Casasco | 12/29/1914 - 03/17/2007
Doctor of Pharmacy, Academic
Industrial Expansion and New Generations
In 1937, the first industrial plant was inaugurated on Boyacá Street, in the City of Buenos Aires, and it has continued to expand ever since. During the 1950s, Eugenio Francisco Casasco led the company’s expansion, consolidating its presence in the Argentine market.
Innovation and Development
Since 1949, the company has researched and produced immunological products, including bacterial vaccines that were pioneering in Argentina. In 1961, it launched Factor AG (simethicone), which became one of its most iconic brands.
Strategic Alliances
In 1996, together with Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gador, and Novartis, they founded Farmanet S.A., a company dedicated to the nationwide distribution of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, medical technology, and vaccines.
Expansion and Growth
Since the 1990s and throughout the following decades, the company has developed new therapeutic lines that gave rise to an extensive portfolio, covering most therapeutic categories in the ethical pharmaceutical market.
21st Century: Modernization and International Expansion
In the 2000s, Laboratorios Casasco built a second plant in Pilar, Buenos Aires Province, which currently has more than 20,000 m² and state-of-the-art equipment. Although the company has marketed its products in Paraguay since the 1960s and began doing so in Uruguay in the late 1990s, it was from 2006 onward that it started its international expansion, reaching more than fifteen countries across different continents under various business models.
Today: 150 Years of History
Today, Laboratorios Casasco ranks among the top five companies in Argentina’s ethical pharmaceutical market (Source: MFP – Close Up) and continues to strengthen its leadership with new business units such as Special Treatments and Over-the-Counter Products.
1876
Founding of the first pharmacy in Chacabuco by Eugenio Antonio Casasco, a pharmacist graduated from the Royal University of Turin. Beginning of medicine production in Luján. Development of tablets and gelatin capsules under the Handel brand.
1937
Inauguration of the first industrial plant on Boyacá Street, in the City of Buenos Aires.
1949
Beginning of the research and production of immunological products, including bacterial vaccines that were pioneering in Argentina.
1950s
Eugenio Francisco Casasco drives the expansion of the family company, consolidating its presence in the Argentine market.
1961
Launch of Factor AG (simethicone), which became an iconic brand.
1960s – 1980s
Signing of licensing agreements with international laboratories such as Sigma Tau (now ALFASIGMA), Takeda, Recordati, and Angelini. Iconic products such as Polper B12 and Ernex were born.
1996
Founding of Farmanet S.A. together with Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gador, and Novartis, dedicated to the distribution of medicines and vaccines throughout Argentina.
1990s – 2000s
Development of new therapeutic lines that expanded the portfolio, covering most categories of the ethical pharmaceutical market.
2000s
Construction of the second plant in Pilar (Buenos Aires), with more than 20,000 m² and state-of-the-art technology.
2005
Beginning of internationalization, with a presence in more than 15 countries.
2010s – 2020s
Consolidation as one of the top five companies in Argentina’s ethical pharmaceutical market (Source: MFP – Close Up).
2026
With 150 years of history, Laboratorios Casasco continues to strengthen its leadership, having incorporated new business units such as Special Treatments and Over-the-Counter Products.