Mississauga-based pharmaceutical company Almirall Canada has dramatically increased staff and is planning to launch products in the fall.
“We started with one [person] and now we’re at 14,” President and general manager Ed Dybka told YourMississaugaBiz.com about the changes since starting last September. “Finance, HR, marketing, sales, regulatory affairs, medical affairs would be the key areas.”
Dybka said it was a challenge getting some of the basic infrastructure in place to support the ongoing operations of the business, like accounts payable, when he was the only person on staff. “And recruiting people as well,” he said.
The company is now working on a launching the drug Aclidinium in Canada for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), commonly known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. “That’s been the major area of focus for the company,” Dybka said.
Dybka also said he’s looking to hire in the sales area later this year, but couldn’t specify the areas of expertise required.
Prior to his position at Almirall, Dybka worked at GlaxoSmithKline for 24 years. His last role there was vice-president of marketing.
Almirall Canada is currently based in a temporary location on Syntex Drive. However, Dybka said the company is looking to find a new permanent location.
International parent pharmaceutical company Almirall S.A. focuses its research resources on respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatology and pain. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the company employs approximately 2,850 worldwide.
The Canadian office is the Almirall’s first presence in North America and its 13th worldwide affiliate.
Karen K. Ho 