Pelayo Rubió Rubiralta: Leading Rubió Toward Global Impact in Healthcare Innovation

At the helm of Rubió, CEO Pelayo Rubió Rubiralta is guiding a legacy healthcare company into a future defined by innovation, international growth, and an unwavering commitment to patient well-being. What began as a small pharmacy in Barcelona in 1968 has grown into a thriving, international company with €179 million in annual turnover, 350 employees, and a presence in more than 70 countries.

Pelayo, part of the third generation of the Rubiralta family, is passionate about preserving the company’s core values while pushing its boundaries. "Our mission is simple yet profound: Life Feels Good. Everything we do is aimed at making that a reality for the patients and professionals we serve," he explains.

A Legacy Built on Trust and Purpose

Rubió’s heritage plays a vital role in its identity. The company has maintained its human-centric philosophy even as it expanded. "Being a family business gives us the freedom to make long-term decisions focused on patients, not shareholders," Pelayo emphasizes.

Specializing in low-prevalence and rare diseases, Rubió’s therapeutic focus spans areas like central nervous system disorders, urology, rheumatology, and digestive health. By offering treatments that are often overlooked by larger pharmaceutical companies, Rubió fills critical gaps in the healthcare system.

The company is known for its approach to incremental innovation—introducing improvements in formulations, administration methods, or delivery technologies to create better patient outcomes. This model allows Rubió to bring real value while remaining agile in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

Strategic Expansion Through Innovation and Acquisition

Innovation is the backbone of Rubió’s growth strategy. The company has introduced non-invasive diagnostic platforms like OWLiver® and Liposcale®, which offer advanced liver and cardiovascular diagnostics. These tools support preventive care and early intervention—cornerstones of Rubió’s approach to modern medicine.

Through acquisitions of companies like Rubió Metabolomics, Fisiopharma, and Nutribrain, Rubió has expanded into nutraceuticals and medical diagnostics, diversifying its portfolio while staying aligned with its mission. These strategic moves have accelerated the company’s growth in R&D and enhanced its ability to tackle complex medical challenges.

Rubió’s international growth has also been impressive. With 35% of its revenue now coming from outside Spain, the company is strengthening its presence in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. "We are building a replicable business model that can adapt to different markets while maintaining our unique identity," says Pelayo.

Empowering Professionals and Patients

Education is a key pillar of Rubió’s mission. The company launched Rubió Campus, a digital platform providing continuous medical education to healthcare professionals. By empowering doctors with up-to-date knowledge, Rubió helps raise the overall standard of care in the regions it serves.

The company’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and digital transformation is also shaping its future. Rubió’s digital health tools and services are not just innovative but also designed with empathy and ease-of-use in mind—ensuring real impact in clinical practice.

Looking Forward: Personalized, Preventive, and Global

Pelayo’s vision for Rubió is both ambitious and deeply rooted in purpose. The company is investing in personalized medicine, early diagnostics, and patient-focused innovations. "Healthcare is becoming more personalized and data-driven. We’re building the tools and partnerships needed to thrive in that future," he says.

As it scales globally, Rubió remains committed to its founding values: trust, innovation, and putting people first. With Pelayo Rubió Rubiralta at the helm, the company is not only preserving a proud legacy—it’s creating a bold new chapter in global healthcare.

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