Our history
Founded in 1962, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre has continually innovated at the crossroads of medicine and beauty, for the health and care of all.
A visionary and humanist founder
A pharmacist with a passion for botany, Pierre Fabre was always driven by the desire to care for each and every person, “from health to beauty”. A visionary entrepreneur, he transformed his dispensary into an international company while remaining true to his regional roots and humanist values.
“Pierre Fabre, l’Esprit de partage”, a documentary exploring our founder’s deeper motivations and spirit of sharing.
Video, 38m31s.
We create the medicines and care products of tomorrow by drawing on the limitless power of our imagination. There is no more inspiring mission!
Mr. Pierre Fabre
Company founder
Our history in 13 key dates
In just 60 years, Pierre Fabre Laboratories has become a global player in dermo-cosmetics, dermatology and oncology. A look back at 13 defining moments in our history.
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Pierre Fabre Laboratories surpasses €3 billion in net sales worldwide.
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Oncology: Pierre Fabre Laboratories enters the field of cell therapies.
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Oncology: Pierre Fabre Laboratories enters the field of targeted therapies.
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Opening of Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ innovation center on the Toulouse Oncopole campus.
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Pierre Fabre Laboratories surpasses €1 billion in net sales.
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Creation of the Pierre Fabre Foundation, recognized as a public-interest foundation, the company’s main shareholder since 2005
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Launch of the Eau Thermale Avène brand.
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Pierre Fabre Laboratories enters the field of oncology.
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Pierre Fabre Laboratories ventures into the field of medical dermatology.
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Acquisition of the Avène spring and spa resort.
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Acquisition of the Ducray brand.
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Launch of the Klorane brand.
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Founding of Pierre Fabre Laboratories.
Innovation stories
The history of Pierre Fabre Laboratories is marked by innovations that have helped improve the lives of patients and consumers around the world.
1970, the dry shampoo
Washing hair without water. From this practical and environmentally forward-looking idea came Klorane dry shampoo with white nettle. An innovation that has since been widely adopted and that has left a lasting mark on the hair care market.
1984, a lozenge for sore throats
The use of boiled sugars in confectionery piqued Pierre Fabre’s curiosity. He acquired a factory in the Gers region and took a gamble on producing medicines there. It is where the sore throat lozenge was developed.
2002, chemotherapy at home
Pierre Fabre partnered with RP Scherer, an American laboratory, to develop an alternative to injectable chemotherapy: soft gelatin capsules taken orally, with no need to travel to the hospital. A source of greater peace of mind and rest for patients, and cost savings for society.
2011, Sterile Cosmetics®
The Laboratories transformed cosmetics by creating a process found nowhere else in the world: Sterile Cosmetics®. This technological achievement made it possible to do away with preservatives entirely.
2019, Green Native Expression
In partnership with local stakeholders, Pierre Fabre Laboratories developed and patented a technology that makes it possible to extract a greater quantity of pure sap from plants, using very little water and no chemical solvents.
2021, TRIASORB™
A major innovation from Pierre Fabre’s research teams, TRIASORB™ is a broad-spectrum sun filter that protects against UV rays and blue light, which accelerate skin aging.
2024, allogeneic immunotherapy
Launch of an allogeneic immunotherapy, meaning a therapy made up of T lymphocytes derived from immunized healthy donor cells. Cells from different healthy donors are stored in a cell bank, ready to be selected and sent to the patient awaiting treatment.
