There is a very interesting story behind one of the biggest names in the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry that many people don't really know. I'm talking about João Adibe Marques and how he transformed Cimed into a national powerhouse without having to sell the company to a foreign fund.

The beginning really goes way back. Adibe Marques's grandfather was one of the pioneers of pharmaceuticals in Brazil in the 1950s, founding Laboratório Prata. His father continued in this path, and João started very early — at 15 years old, he was already working in the family laboratory. He skipped university, focused 100% on the business. This kind of trajectory is typical of entrepreneurs who are truly born for it.

Cimed, as we know it today, was officially created in 1977, as a result of a merger of companies in the sector. It remained under the leadership of the founders for about 30 years, but when Adibe Marques took over as president, things really started to change. The company moved away from the profile of a traditional laboratory and became a popular brand, fully entering the market of generics, vitamins, supplements — products for the everyday life of Brazilians.

The numbers speak for themselves: it’s in 90% of pharmacies across Brazil, with over 600 different products, and 5,000 employees. In 2018, it surpassed 1 billion in revenue, and two years later, in 2020, it reached 2 billion. Growth of 25% in just one year, solidifying Cimed among the four largest in the country. The pandemic accelerated everything, with demand for vitamins and supplements skyrocketing.

But what sets Adibe Marques apart is that he didn’t stop at pharmaceuticals. He invested heavily in innovation, including space projects — the holding company announced plans to invest 300 million in research at the International Space Station. He aims to reposition the brand as a biotech company, not just a typical pharmaceutical.

Outside of the corporate world, he built a strong presence in sports — sponsorships in football, volleyball, and motorsport with Stock Car. He actively uses social media to share his worldview and constant action philosophy. He was recognized among Latin America’s 500 most influential people.

What stands out is that in a sector dominated by multinational corporations, Cimed remained 100% Brazilian, with family control. Adibe Marques managed to do this by maintaining a practical operation, market insight, and a strong brand positioning. It’s not just technological innovation that makes a company grow — operational discipline and execution also weigh heavily.