Galenika was founded on July 18, 1945, with only 43 employees, functioning as a “small workshop” for the production of medicines. From this humble beginning, its development began, leading to the establishment of a strong reputation in the pharmaceutical industry.

The beginning of development and investment in innovations marked the gradual emergence of Galenika as one of the most promising pharmaceutical manufacturers in the former Yugoslavia. By expanding its production and research capacities, the company gained a reputation as a reliable partner in the pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for further growth and international development.

On July 1 of this year, a complete plant for the production of penicillin was established, making the company one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry and the fourth penicillin producer globally.

Thanks to a team of young domestic experts, Galenika made a significant breakthrough in the pharmaceutical industry, becoming one of the very few laboratories in the world to successfully produce the antibiotic penicillin. The first bottle of this medicine was produced on July 31, 1949, marking the beginning of the company’s rapid development and laying the foundations for its future success.

Galenika continued to expand its product range: during 1952, it began producing chemical and hygiene products, opened a plant for the synthesis of various pharmaceutical chemicals, and founded the Plaster Department. These steps further confirmed its innovation and readiness to meet the growing market needs.

The development of an export program further strengthened the company's presence in international markets. As early as 1953, a special Export Department was established, making a significant step toward global expansion.

The establishment of the phytopharmacy department marked another leap in the company’s development, expanding its research and production capabilities and further emphasizing its commitment to innovations in plant health protection and improvement.

The establishment of the Biological Laboratory marked an important step in the company's further development and contributed to a stronger focus on science and innovation. This move laid the foundation for advanced research and further development of pharmaceutical products.

Dr. Selman A. Waksman, Nobel laureate in medicine and the inventor of streptomycin, visited Galenika in August 1959, granting the company exceptional recognition for its previous achievements. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange with one of the most significant scientists of the 20th century, further confirming Galenika's international reputation and its innovative approach to pharmaceutical product development.

Galenika enters a period of accelerated adoption of modern development concepts, further strengthening its reputation in domestic and international markets. During this period, the construction of a new factory began at the location where the company is still situated today, and Galenika expanded its structure by including several new manufacturing partners.

The successful period continues: at the end of November 1978, a new pharmaceutical factory was launched, marking a decisive step for Galenika toward the global market.

Another significant success is achieved – the opening of a factory for the production of ibuprofen, further confirming Galenika's growth and commitment to innovation.

By signing a contract with the American pharmaceutical company ICN, Galenika becomes one of the first privatized companies in the former Yugoslavia. Shortly thereafter, it achieves another significant success by listing on the American stock exchange.

In line with its continuous dedication to development and innovation, the company opened a new factory for the production of solid pharmaceutical preparations, with an investment of more than 50 million euros.

Since November 2017, Galenika has been part of the Brazilian NC Group, which also includes EMS – the leading pharmaceutical company in Brazil and one of the largest in Latin America. This collaboration opens new opportunities for development and strengthens the company’s presence in the international market.

The digitalization of business processes marks the beginning of a new era for Galenika – an era of innovation and the creation of positive values. Relying on a new strategy and vision, the company successfully combines modernization with the preservation of traditional trust and recognized quality.

In the spirit of modern business, the company refreshes its visual identity and introduces a new slogan: "Committed to People, Loyal to Health." Along with this, new vision, mission, and values are defined, which become the guide for future development. Driven by innovation and the need to respond to the challenges of the digital age, Galenika becomes a pioneer in Central and Eastern Europe by implementing the most advanced business process management system. This significant transformation earns the company the prestigious "SAP Quality Awards" for the CEE region, confirming its status as an industry leader.

The company achieves dynamic expansion in the Western Balkans markets, further strengthening its presence through the internationalization of its business. With the opening of Galenika branches in Albania, Kosovo, and Hungary, the company lays solid foundations for further growth and expansion on the international stage.

Further expansion into the Adriatic region and EU markets: the markets of Slovenia and Croatia are opening. Portfolio development through the acquisition of the Serbian-Slovenian company Lifemedic and taking over the exclusive distribution of the product range of the renowned Italian pharmaceutical company Pharmalife Research for the markets of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Capacity development, with the opening of a new facility for secondary packaging.

The company is entering new markets, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. In addition to Serbia, Galenika is successfully operating in 25 international markets across three continents. The strategic focus is on strengthening Galenika through expanding its own portfolio and establishing partnerships with global manufacturers – Cantabria Labs from Spain and CromaPharma from Austria. Furthermore, investments are being made in capacity expansion, with a new facility for the production of dietary supplements now open.