Main stages of SIFI development

1935. The two friends Antonino Benanti and Carmelo Chines founded the Sif Benanti & Chines in Catania and began producing their first pharmaceutical preparations for ophthalmology in the back of Benanti's pharmacy.

1949. Launching of Pensulvit, ophthalmic ointment for ocular bacterial infections.

1952. Sif was converted into a corporation and renamed S.I.F.I. – Società Industria Farmaceutica Italiana S.p.A.

1968 The first issue of “l’Oculista Italiano” was published;

1988. Carteol, produced for glaucoma treatment, was marketed in Italy.

1989. Hyalistil, tear substitute based on hyaluronic acid, was launched.

1990 Opening of new Monterosso facilities, on the mountainside of Etna, one of the most modern production plants in Europe.

1991. We reached a trade agreement with Schering Plough in order to  produce cephalosporin for oral use for the Italian market.

1992 Start of the internationalization process thanks to the constitution of Oftapharma Canada Inc.

1992. Launching of Nettacin, antibiotic eyedrops.

1993. We presented our first line for ocular comfort – tear supplements and products for ocular hygiene. We reached a trade agreement with Essex Chemie A. G. in order to produce cephalosporin for oral use for the foreign market.

1996. We produced a Surgical & Diagnostic line, launching Biolon, a viscoelastic agent for ocular surgery, and intraocular lens.

1997. Start of a new line of patent medicines in unit dose format by means of the Blow-Fill-Seal system that provides more drug compliance and certainty of the dose to be administered.

1998. We founded a branch in Romania, Oftafarma S.r.l.

2002. Launching of Azyr Sifi, innovative tear supplement in the therapy of Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).

2003. Launching of  Sifimav, the most advanced diagnostic device for measurement of visual acuity, in the international market.

2003. Launching of Etacortilen, the first corticosteroide available in single dose ophthalmic solution without preservatives.

2006. Launching of Netildex, combined eyedrops for the treatment of the main ocular infections.

2007. Launching of YANG, high technology vision tester of good design.

2007. Launching of Xantergel – Xanternet, realized through a technological platform based on Xanthan gel, effective for treatment of all those cases in which ocular surface is compromised and needs a lubricating protective and riepithelializing action.

2007. We founded the branch “Laboratorios SIFI de Mexico”

2007. Launching of MIRA, the new range of intraocular lenses for cataract surgery, the first result of Waterfall research project.