The Grupo Profarma celebrated its 65th anniversary on May 23. With a history marked by growth, adaptation, and innovation, the Company reinforces its strategic role in the healthcare sector by connecting the pharmaceutical industry, health insurers, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and end consumers through its operations in distribution, specialty pharmaceuticals, and retail.
Founded in 1961 as Profarma Distribuição—now the second-largest pharmaceutical distributor in the country—the Company began its journey in a small office with a storefront just six meters wide on Rua Barão de São Félix in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Over the decades, it has expanded and become one of the largest corporate groups in the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry.
Among the key milestones in this journey are the company’s initial public offering and the creation of the Instituto Profarma in 2006, its entry into the retail sector with the launch of the Rede d1000, and strategic acquisitions that drove the company’s growth. The Company currently operates three complementary business units: distribution, retail, and specialty products, thereby establishing an integrated model that strengthens its presence in the pharmaceutical market.
Through Profarma Distribuição, the Company serves more than 50,000 customers in 17 states via its 15 distribution centers. In the retail sector, the Rede d1000 operates more than 300 stores under the Drogasmil, Farmalife, Drogarias Tamoio, and Drogaria Rosário brands, serving more than 2.5 million customers per month in Rio de Janeiro and the Midwest region. In the specialty segment, 4BIO distributes highly complex medications for specific treatments, such as human reproduction and oncology, as well as value-added products, such as vaccines and dermatology products.
Manoel Birmarcker, founder of the Grupo Profarma, shared his insights on the Company, which has evolved significantly and now holds a prominent position in the country: “Reaching our 65th anniversary is more than just celebrating our history—it is reaffirming our commitment to the future of healthcare in Brazil. Throughout this journey, we have evolved alongside the market, always focusing on innovation, efficiency, quality, and, above all, on the people who are part of this endeavor.”
“The year 2026 marks a historic moment of celebration. In addition to our 65th anniversary, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the IPO of Profarma Distribuição and the Instituto Profarma two decades of service, promoting social change and a positive impact in the communities where we operate. “Personally, this is also a very special year, as I am celebrating 40 years of service to this company.”, concluded Sammy Birmarcker, the company’s CEO.