The founder's statement
HRA Pharma was created ten years ago with the objective of developing and marketing products / devices respond to a clear-cut medical need but do not trigger interest from large pharmaceutical companies. This objective was fully met when HRA succeeded in obtaining a market authorization for NorLevo, the first progestin-only emergency contraceptive (EC) pill ever approved in the Western world. Furthermore, NorLevo was the first EC pill to be granted a non-prescription status, making it broadly accessible first across Europe and then in the United States.. As early as in 2000, HRA started working on NorLevo’s successor, aiming to improve its efficacy and to extend its range of use: this is how HRA Pharma developed ellaOne. Recently launched on the European market, ellaOne offers significant benefits compared to NorLevo
HRA Pharma also reached its objectives in the field of orphan diseases by introducing Lysodren for the treatment of specific adrenal gland cancers. Concerned about the proper use of this product, HRA Pharma has implemented a centralized blood dosage system that is available to all European prescribers. Making its products available for the largest number of people has been a corporate commitment of the company's founders and management since onset. HRA, in collaboration with international and local NGOs, has thereby participated in a range of actions aimed to promote education on contraception and facilitate access to products in the most remote and poorest parts of the world. The company's latest such project involves supplying Senegal and Niger with donated IUDs and supporting proper training and education of healthcare providers on IUD insertion and use. This program has been extended to other sub-Saharan African countries.
Furthermore, in collaboration with an American NGO, HRA Pharma is currently taking part in evaluation projects concerning specific treatments to prevent and treat post-partum hemorrhage, that remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in developing countries.
Being aware that humanitarian programs should not be restricted to the company's area of business and convinced that culture contributes to development, HRA takes part in events aiming to promote artistic production. In 2007 and 2009, the company sponsored awards for young African artists at the "Rencontres africaines de la photographie”.
André Ulmann - Founder