Vivian continues to widen its portfolio with the announcement of new representation agreements with worldwide R&D pharmaceutical companies. “These latest agreements crown a very successful year for Vivian and consolidates our position as one of Malta’s leading pharmaceutical players,” says Managing Director DENISE BORG MANCHÈ.
Three years into her tenure Mrs. Borg Manché describes an enterprise that has been deliberately reshaping itself. A family business with a 70-year legacy, Vivian has pursued what she calls a “quiet modernisation,” underpinned by investments in leadership, people, technology, and environmental, social, and governance frameworks.
“Our sector is facing unprecedented pressures, but this is precisely when companies like ours must demonstrate their purpose,” Together with the Leadership Team we have come up with our purpose “Inspiring you to lead with innovation, drive positive change, and protect the future for yourself and those around you.” she says.
“The work we have been doing at Vivian is now being recognised through the confidence that international pharmaceutical firms are placing in our regulatory framework, our operational infrastructure, and our governance standards.”
“Governance,” she stresses, “is central to the company’s identity because strong governance, together with transparency, have always defined the way we conduct business.”
Rebuilding for a more demanding era
At the company’s recent annual marketing and business development meeting, Denise presented another year of steady growth.
“From a financial perspective, the company’s performance was very positive. However, beyond the financials, our performance confirmed that notwithstanding the volatility in the market, our strategy is reaping the desired results. We do not focus on specific units but we adapt to shifting market needs and supporting those areas where we see most potential.”
The past year served as an internal turning point. In January, the company appointed Melchior Pace as Head of Technology, Daniela Magro as Sales and Business Development Manager for Women’s Health, and Steven Ellul as its new Head of Sales and Business Development. These were not routine appointments.
“We employed new people and continued to develop our teams, These moves were part of a deliberate effort to build resilience and strengthen our internal capabilities because talent is a strategic anchor for us,” notes Ms Borg Manche.
Vivian also continued investing heavily in digitalisation, the expansion of its specialised premises, and compliance with evolving regulatory obligations. The company will also invest significantly in a new ERP system to streamline operations and drive efficiency across the board.
“This will be a foundational shift in the way we work”.
A widening access gap
Access to medicines, particularly timely access to innovative therapies, remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Vivian and other operators across the pharmaceutical sector.
A June report published by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) highlighted Malta’s widening gap in access to innovative treatments. Of the 173 innovative medicines approved across the EU between 2020 and 2023, only 17 were made available to Maltese patients through the national formulary. A further 35 were accessible exclusively via the private sector, while the remaining 121 treatments were not available in Malta at all.
“We have long recognised this challenge and deliberately turned it into one of our core missions,” says Denise.
“Through long-standing partnerships with global suppliers, we have been able to safeguard continuity of supply at times when others have struggled..”
Denise also welcomes the European Union’s recently announced reform of pharmaceutical legislation, while emphasising that European ambition must be matched by decisive action at national level.
“Our focus has always been on translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible benefits for patients. While this reform has been long awaited, EU-level change alone will not be sufficient. Real impact will depend on how effectively Member States adapt their national systems, modernise reimbursement and access pathways, and commit the necessary resources to deliver timely patient access.”
“It is our hope that the reform moves beyond political commitments and becomes a catalyst for coordinated national action, ensuring that EU policies translate into measurable improvements in equitable access to essential medicines, particularly in smaller markets such as Malta.”
ESG as a growth platform
As Vivian looks ahead, ESG principles have become central to its growth agenda. While SMEs are not yet obliged to file sustainability reports, the company voluntarily published its third ESG report on the Malta ESG Platform.
“We have turned our approach to ESG and governance into infrastructure for credibility, competitiveness, and long-term resilience,” Borg Manché says.
The company’s new headquarters were designed with resource efficiency in mind, incorporating digitalised processes, waste separation systems, and a photovoltaic installation expected to generate roughly 5 per cent of the building’s energy needs. Social initiatives include adherence to gender equality standards, participation in the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter, and membership in the Academy of Givers amongst others.
Governance structures also reflect a more ambitious posture: the company’s board features a female majority, unusual in Malta’s corporate sector, and staff receive regular training in anti-bribery and anti-corruption practices.
“In healthcare, trust is not optional but a commitment to offer the highest standards,” she says.
A forward-looking disposition
Looking ahead, Vivian has already defined its theme for 2026: Climbing Higher, a commitment to achieve new heights across three defined pillars namely people, innovation and creating powerful partnerships. This commitment will start in earnest; in January, Vivian will onboard new employees and will also be establishing a new division dedicated to IT and Technical Services.
“We want to lead with unity and purpose. This is why the transformation we’ve embarked on is about knowing where we are strong and making sure we preserve what resonates with Vivian; our people, our experience and our trusted partnerships.”
“Climbing Higher is more than just a theme for 2026. It is a reflection of our mindset, ambition and direction. We are not just moving forward but we want to advance with a real purpose by shifting our focus from the comfort of daily operations to the bold terrain of strategic growth.
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