Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NI-based Galen to expand global reach with POA Pharma acquisition

The Northern Ireland-based pharmaceutical company Galen today announced the completion of a multi-million-pound takeover of boutique healthcare company POA Pharma.

The acquisition will help Galen expand its global reach and product portfolio in new therapeutic areas, such as rare metabolic disease.


Headquartered in Sweden, POA Pharma has additional facilities across the Nordic region and North America. It currently represents 16 products from 10 countries.

As part of the takeover, Simon Lawrence, who has held various senior leadership roles with Galen for more than 33 years, has been appointed Commercial Director – Nordics, and he will be based at the POA facility in Copenhagen.

Galen, which first signed a distribution agreement with POA Pharma in April 2016, termed the acquisition as an extremely significant new phase of the company’s growth.

Dr Dennise Broderick, President & Managing Director-Galen, said: "This acquisition is highly complementary to our established business and marks a key milestone in our strategic global growth plans.

The founders of POA have created a highly successful business and we look forward to incorporating and growing the reputable company further as part of the Galen organisation."

The company didn't make public the exact amount of the acquisition.

More For You

Scottish community pharmacist working in high street pharmacy with supportive environment

The PDA wants investment to reach those who deliver services to patients every day

Pic credit: iStock

Funding boost in Scotland “needs to work for not just pharmacy owners but pharmacists too”, says PDA

An increase in funding for community pharmacies in Scotland needs to lead to a greater focus on supporting pharmacists rather than “simply sustain business models”, according to the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA).

Earlier this week, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) accepted the Scottish government’s initial financial offer for the 2025/26 fiscal year, securing a guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £120 million for community pharmacies — up from £110 million from 2024/25.

Keep ReadingShow less
GP surgery upgrades for annual appointments

The surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”

Pic credit: iStock

GP surgery upgrades to create 8.3 million more annual appointments

Over 1,000 GP surgeries will have their premises modernised to meet the needs of a further 8.3 million appointments each year, the government has announced.

Backed by a cash injection of over £102 million, the surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wales boosts funding for pharmacy-led UTI and sore throat test services

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service will be widely available

Pic credit: istock

Welsh pharmacies receive funding boost for clinical services

Two key clinical services will be available in 99 per cent of community pharmacies across Wales after a boost in funding.

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service and the urinary tract infection (UTI) service have both benefitted from contractual negotiations between the Welsh Government and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW).

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Bennett
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Pharmacists need to take advantage of independent prescribing pathways, says Bennett

Independent prescribing will be a “significant point” in the history of community pharmacy, according to Royal Pharmaceutical Society chief executive Paul Bennett.

Last month, the RPS announced the launch of a comprehensive new prescribing development programme to support pharmacists across all stages of their prescribing careers.

Keep ReadingShow less