Smarter generics for a sustainable future

he healthcare sector is facing challenges like never before. With budgets stretched, suppliers are under growing pressure to deliver quality medicines, reliably and affordably. For Krka, one of the world’s leading generic pharmaceutical companies, this isn’t a new challenge. From its inception in Slovenia in1954, the company’s founding mission was to drive access to pharmaceuticals starting in Europe and now across the globe.  

Fast forward to today when, with over 70 years of experience in human health, Krka has built a reputation for innovation, trust and partnership, supplying prescribing doctors, pharmacy groups, wholesalers and hospitals across Europe and beyond. In 2004, the company began supplying the UK NHS and following the UK launch of direct sales of its human pharmaceutical range in 2023, Krka has continued its growth with a clear ongoing commitment to value, supply reliability and sustainability. 

“What sets Krka apart is the long-term view,” says Harpreet Sawhney, Country Sales Manager for the UK. “There’s real investment in infrastructure, innovation and people – so we’re never just responding to market pressure. We’re building solutions for the future.”  

 

Driving innovation with every dose 

That future is being shaped by a consistent forward-thinking approach to research and development. Krka channels 10 percent of its revenue each year into R&D, ensuring that the company stays at the forefront of innovation. 

Krka’s most important innovative solution consists of single-pill combinations that combine several active substances in a single tablet. The company’s portfolio now comprises more than 150 single-pill combinations, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, positioning Krka among the leading providers of such medicines. This is important for public health, as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, both important risk factors for early morbidity and mortality, are still not being adequately or properly managed. 

The company focuses its expertise in three core therapeutic categories: cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system conditions. These areas represent some of the most pressing health challenges, and Krka is committed to delivering accessible, high-quality treatments that make a difference. 

 

End-to-end quality, made in Europe 

To support this vision, Krka has developed a fully integrated, European-based manufacturing model that ensures oversight and quality at every stage of production – from active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to final product. Much of Krka’s human health range is developed using APIs produced in-house, so dependence on external suppliers is reduced. 

A prime example of the value of in-house APIs came in 2018, when Krka’s version of valsartan remained on the market during widespread recalls of competitor formulations due to impurities. Krka’s rigorous manufacturing standards and quality assurance systems meant its product met all safety requirements, allowing continuity of care at a time of market disruption. 

“We’ve invested heavily in our production facilities to ensure we can deliver quality, reliability and long-term value,” adds Harpreet. “Our customers know they can count on us because we control what we make, and how we make it.” 

Krka’s European footprint includes nine manufacturing sites in Slovenia, along with four additional facilities across Europe and beyond. This model not only supports product consistency and supply security, but also helps reduce product miles, contributing to Krka’s wider environmental goals. 

 

A long-term commitment to sustainability 

Krka’s long-term thinking does not stop at product development. Sustainability is a core pillar of the company’s growth strategy. In 2022, Krka transitioned to a formal ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) framework - and in 2023, it received its first independent ESG rating from S&P Global, placing the company in the top ten percent of pharmaceutical companies worldwide. This strong performance was further improved in the 2024 rating, reaffirming Krka’s position among the industry’s ESG leaders. 

This recognition reflects a company-wide effort to embed sustainability into every part of the business. Between 2016 and 2021, Krka invested over €50 million in environmental protection, and it has laid out a roadmap to reduce its carbon footprint emissions with clear targets set through to 2050 (https://www.krka.biz/media-center/news/our-earth-our-future/).  

 

Looking ahead 

As healthcare systems continue to evolve and demands on suppliers grow, Krka remains committed to standing by its customers with integrity, value and innovation. Its unique combination of in-house API development, European-based manufacturing and proven supply resilience means partners across the UK can count on Krka to deliver. 

“In today’s market, reliability matters more than ever,” concludes Harpreet. “Our goal is to combine quality with real value and a commitment to doing things responsibly - for our partners, our patients and the planet.”