Hipra: From the COVID-19 Vaccine to the Forefront Against West Nile Virus and Avian Influenza
The Girona-based group Hipra, headquartered in Amer (Girona), has emerged as a benchmark in the fight against various diseases, following its first foray into human health during the pandemic with the launch of the first Spanish vaccine against COVID-19. With over 50 years of history, the company, which had previously focused on veterinary health, has proven to be a key player in addressing zoonoses — infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted from animals to humans.
Diversification: COVID vaccine and contract manufacturing
In 2023, Hipra achieved a milestone by becoming the first Spanish laboratory to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, known as Bimervax. This vaccine not only received approval in Europe, but also from the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling its distribution at an international level. The experience gained throughout this process has driven Hipra to commit to contract manufacturing, an activity known in the sector as CDMO (Contract Manufacturing Organisation).
Combating West Nile Virus
Hipra is currently engaged in several projects, collaborating with other companies to design therapies that limit the impact of the West Nile Virus (WNV). This emerging pathogen has no available treatment or vaccine for human use. The research, coordinated by IrsiCaixa, involves six partners from Spain, France and Denmark and seeks to develop a prophylactic vaccine against WNV that induces a lasting immune response and protects the general population. The study is known by the acronym LWNVIVAT (Limiting West Nile Virus IMpact by Novel Vaccines and Therapeutics Approaches), and the scientific team will also work on the efficacy of virus-specific antibodies.
Expertise in animal health and zoonoses
Its growing presence in human health has not resulted in reduced investment in animal health — quite the contrary. Hipra remains a world reference in animal health. Its expertise in this field is crucial in the management of zoonoses. Company sources indicate that its animal vaccines target more than 300 pathogens, compared with 31 in the case of humans.
Commitment to European medical autonomy
The trade war driven by former United States President Donald Trump has underscored the importance of Europe and Spain having medical autonomy. In this context, Europe has selected Hipra as one of the companies it can call upon in the event of a health emergency, confirming its production capacity. Hipra participates in the EU FAB project, promoted by the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), established following the pandemic to improve Europe’s response to future crises and ensure vaccine supply.
New facilities and a promising future
Hipra, which employs approximately 2,600 workers, more than 60% of whom are highly qualified, plans to continue its expansion. In the near term, the company is investing in a new complex in Aiguaviva (Girona), the HIPRA Campus, with the aim of establishing itself as a reference biotechnology centre in Europe. This project, which began in 2019, encompasses production and research units across a floor area of 114,000 square metres, with an investment of 472 million euros through 2026 and the creation of 580 jobs. At these new facilities, human and animal health will work in conjunction to address zoosanitary challenges such as avian influenza and WNV.
The second fastest-growing health company in terms of headcount
The February 2025 annual report from Biocat, the institution that drives the life sciences and health ecosystem in Catalonia, concludes that between 2020 and 2024 Hipra was the second centre of excellence in health — or with applications in the sector — that grew most in terms of personnel. Specifically, the report analyses around twenty companies headquartered in Catalonia, many of them pharmaceutical. AstraZeneca ranks first, with 2,000 new jobs created or announced, followed by Hipra with 500. This increase in headcount is primarily attributable to Hipra’s new headquarters in Aiguaviva.
Further reading:
-. Hipra és la segona empresa de salut que més creix en personal (Feb 2025)
-. HIPRA poultry solutions