Interview with Sole Pharma: Balancing Innovation, Precision, and Human-Centered Care

Sole Pharma is a European pharmaceutical company that brings together science, innovation, and human care. Guided by the principle of the Golden Ratio, the company’s philosophy centers on creating balance—both in product formulation and in the way different teams collaborate. Ahead of their participation in Medical Japan 2025, we spoke with Sole Pharma about their journey, the role of collaboration with medical professionals, and how they see their products resonating with patients in Japan. In our conversation, the team shared insights on precision, sustainability, and the human values that continue to drive their global growth.

Sole Pharma centers its philosophy on the concept of the Golden Ratio, aiming for balance and precision in product formulation. How does this principle guide your daily work, and how do you ensure safety alongside innovation?

Juris: Achieving and maintaining our high standards is truly a team effort. Every department understands its role within the bigger picture, and that interconnected workflow allows us to work like a well-oiled machine. Research & Development leads by creating new formulations, the Registration team ensures compliance with EU regulations, Quality Control verifies every detail, and Manufacturing fine-tunes production to guarantee consistency and safety. This harmony ensures we can respond quickly to client needs while maintaining precision and reliability at every stage.

How do collaborations with pharmacists and doctors influence the kinds of products you develop?

Megija: By consulting directly with healthcare professionals, we uncover real gaps in the market and better understand patients’ needs. A great example is our musculoskeletal line. Doctors highlighted that while many products existed for back pain, there were few options focused on long-term spinal health. That insight led to Doloveron—a product designed specifically to support spinal well-being. It’s proof of how collaboration translates into meaningful innovation.

Once you have the right products, the next step is ensuring they reach patients worldwide. What do you look for in international partners?

Juris: Before entering any exclusive collaboration, we evaluate whether a partner’s values align with ours, and whether they can represent Sole Pharma with integrity. We look at their experience, operational strength, and ability to manage product registration. For newer companies, we focus on their potential and vision. Ultimately, we want partners who don’t just distribute products, but who also share our philosophy and help communicate it in their local markets.

Beyond partnerships, sustainability is shaping the future of pharma. How is Sole Pharma working to make its operations more sustainable?

Lote: In pharmaceuticals, sustainability must always go hand in hand with precision. That said, we’re making steady progress. For example, accurate forecasting reduces unnecessary transport, lowering our carbon footprint. We prioritize ingredients with longer shelf life to minimize waste, and our manufacturing systems recycle water through advanced filtration. Even in business travel, we opt for lower-emission flights when possible. Every step contributes to greater efficiency without compromising quality.

You’ll soon be showcasing your work at Medical Japan 2025. Why was Japan the right next step in your expansion journey?

Megija: Japan is one of the world’s most competitive and highly regulated markets. Entering it demonstrates that we are ready to meet the highest standards while offering real value to healthcare providers and patients. Beyond bringing high-quality products, we support our partners with tailored marketing, strategic guidance, and ongoing collaboration. This full-package approach helps ensure long-term success, not just market entry.

Given Japan’s focus on advanced technology and patient-centered care, how do you see your products fitting into this environment?

Megija: Our strength lies in developing user-friendly formulations that simplify patients’ daily routines. For instance, smaller capsules and convenient sachet powders make treatments easier to take, while sachets can also deliver higher doses in a single use. We also see opportunities in areas that have remained unchanged for years—by introducing new dosage forms and fresh solutions, we aim to complement existing treatments while improving patient experiences.

Looking ahead, what broader trends or challenges do you think will shape pharmaceutical innovation, and how are you preparing for them?

Megija: The industry is always evolving. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health became a priority; today, the focus has expanded to overall well-being. Our strategy is to stay attuned to such global shifts and adjust our portfolio accordingly. Importantly, innovation doesn’t always mean creating a brand-new molecule. Sometimes, reformulating an existing product, developing a new dosage form, or identifying fresh therapeutic uses can have just as much impact on patients’ lives.

Is there one product that, for you, really captures the spirit of Sole Pharma’s mission?

Juris: It would be Artroveron. With its unique composition, it has not only become a market leader but also grown into a full product line. Its slogan, “Freedom in Every Move,” perfectly reflects our mission: improving quality of life by giving people the ability to move, live, and feel better.

Finally, behind all the science and strategy, how important is the human element in what you do?

Juris: It’s at the very heart of everything we do. Science and technology matter, but they exist to serve people. Our mission is simple: to ensure health never becomes a barrier to well-being. Every product we develop is designed to help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Healthcare, for us, is ultimately a commitment to people.