Antibiotice Iași Becomes a Strategic Pillar in Romania’s Production of Critical Medicines

Romania enters a new stage in the pharmaceutical industry. The Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, announced the signing of the European funding contract for the INOVA a+ Research and Development Center and Critical Medicines Production Facility, a major project developed by Antibiotice Iași with the support of the Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE).

“Romania produces medicines at home! Through this project, we are strengthening our country’s independence in the production of essential medicines and transforming Antibiotice Iași into a national hub for pharmaceutical research and innovation,” said Minister Rogobete.

The project has a total value of €75 million (approximately 374 million lei) and is financed under the Health Program – Priority 9 (STEP). Of this amount, 52% represents non-refundable funding provided by MIPE, while the remainder will be covered by the company. Implementation is scheduled for November 2025 – November 2029.

The new center will include state-of-the-art laboratories for nanotechnologies, genetics-proteomics, analytics, and biosimilars, as well as spaces for scientific collaboration, an amphitheater, and a virtual library for continuous education. In parallel, a production unit for critical medicines will be built, focusing on sterile injectable beta-lactam powders, with an annual capacity of 100 million vials.

“This large-scale investment project marks a decisive step toward the future for Antibiotice — a strategic initiative that will integrate resources, expertise, and partnerships between industry and research, strengthening our position as a strategic manufacturer of critical medicines nationally and across Europe. Launching this project in the year we celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary is a clear proof of our constant commitment to innovation and development,” stated Ioan Nani, General Director of Antibiotice Iași.

The contract was signed during the Monitoring Committee Meeting for the Health Program, held in Iași between 11–12 November 2025, in the presence of Ministers Alexandru Rogobete and Dragoș-Nicolae Pîslaru, along with representatives of the European Commission, MIPE, and members of the Monitoring Committee.

Through this investment, Romania aligns itself with the European Union’s strategic goals of strengthening pharmaceutical autonomy, health system resilience, and supply chain security. Critical medicines—those essential for treating severe conditions with limited therapeutic alternatives—are a top European priority. The Antibiotice portfolio already includes 13 such medicines, aligned with STEP’s strategic technologies.

Today, Antibiotice Iași employs 1,300 people, exports to 50 countries, and has a market capitalization of 1.73 billion lei. The new center marks the company’s transition from traditional generic production to research-driven innovation, positioning it among the strategic manufacturers of critical medicines for Romania and the European Union.

“Through responsibility, perseverance, and partnership, we show that Romania can be an example of excellence in healthcare,” concluded Minister Rogobete.