Discover the inspiring story of Andrea and Roberto Lacorte, founders of Pharmanutra®, and how their vision led to SiderAL® Sucrosomial® Iron – a breakthrough in health innovation.
A Vision Takes Root in Pisa (2003)
In 2003, in the historic city of Pisa, Italy, two brothers dared to dream of a new kind of wellness revolution. Dr. Andrea Lacorte, a passionate medical researcher and his brother Roberto Lacorte, a savvy business strategist combined their talents to launch Pharmanutra S.p.A. with a bold mission. They weren’t interested in just another supplement company; they envisioned revolutionizing the way people approach health. From day one, this founder-led vision set Pharmanutra® apart, infusing the young company with purpose and ambition.
From Reaction to Prevention: A New Approach to Wellness
The Lacorte brothers didn’t just want to treat illnesses after they happened, they wanted to help people stay healthy in the first place. They believed the future of wellness lies not in reacting to illness, but in helping people feel better before they get sick. This preventative philosophy was radical in an industry often focused on quick fixes. It meant Pharmanutra® would prioritize proactive health and long-term well-being over short term solutions using natural health products.
Inventing a Remarkable Solution: Sucrosomial® Iron and SiderAL®
One of the earliest challenges Andrea and Roberto set out to tackle was iron deficiency, a common condition that leaves millions exhausted and unwell, particularly women. Traditional iron supplements caused unpleasant side effects like nausea and constipation, leading many to abandon treatment. In addition, most iron supplements have minimal impact on iron levels due to poor absorption. Intravenous iron, which is effective, is very expensive and difficult to access. The brothers saw this not just as a market opportunity, but as a human problem begging for a solution. They poured their passion and science into developing Sucrosomial® Iron, a patented technology that encases iron molecules in a protective matrix, ensuring absorption while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort.
The result was SiderAL®, Pharmanutra’s flagship brand, offering patients the benefits of iron without the side effects. Over time, SiderAL® gained recognition in clinical studies for being 3-4 times more bioavailable than traditional iron and tolerated by patients with sensitive stomachs. It became a trusted solution for doctors and patients alike.
Solving the Iron Deficiency Problem with Heart and Science
When SiderAL® entered the Italian market, it changed the game for patients who had given up on iron therapy. Backed by nearly 200 clinical studies and recognized in 2016 with the NutraIngredients Journal’s ‘Ingredient of the Year,’ Sucrosomial® Iron became a gold standard. In 2025, the World Health Organization cited it as the only oral iron recommended for anemia patients with complex comorbidities, validating the Lacorte brothers’ vision on a global stage.
Innovation and Integrity: The Pharmanutra® Way
Pharmanutra® succeeded by holding fast to its founding principles: innovation, integrity, and a people-first approach. They invested in research, securing more than 25 patents and 22 proprietary raw materials. Doctors, pharmacists, and patients came to trust Pharmanutra®’s supplements for their proven quality and safety. The company’s motto might well be: ‘we don’t just market supplements – we invent them.’
Their success rests on four pillars: relentless innovation, solving real needs, putting people first, and authentic storytelling. This approach built trust and loyalty among healthcare professionals and patients, turning Pharmanutra® into one of Italy’s most respected names in health innovation.
Global Impact and a Growing Legacy
What began as a startup in Pisa has grown into a multinational nutraceutical leader. Today, Pharmanutra®’s products are sold in over 85 countries, improving the lives of more than two million people. As Andrea and Roberto reflect: “Pharmanutra was born from a dream: to improve people’s well-being, starting with their everyday lives… We believed in this vision so deeply that we took risks, betting everything on our instincts and our approach. And we will keep doing so.”
Call to Action
Iron deficiency remains the world’s most common nutritional problem, but it doesn’t have to hold people back. If you or your patients struggle with fatigue, ask your doctor to check blood ferritin and hemoglobin levels. Learn more about how SiderAL® Sucrosomial® Iron is changing lives around the world.
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