For healthcare professionals

150 Years of Innovation

Théa is a privately owned company solely dedicated to ophthalmology and owned by the Chibret family, based in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The story of Théa’s success begins in the 1870s with Paul Chibret, a military doctor. He was stationed in Tunisia and became interested in trachoma, a disease that would, for him, become a lifelong interest and today forms the background behind the Théa Foundation.

In 1875, Paul Chibret opened a private consultancy in Clermont-Ferrand, Central France.

Read the full story (PDF) Watch the video.

In 1902, Paul’s nephew, Henry Chibret, founded Laboratoires Chibret and the company developed an entire range of eye drops and ointments.

In 1943, Jean Chibret pioneered the introduction of preservatives into ophthalmic solutions and in imposed an expiry date for their use after opening the glass vials. Ironically, Jean’s son, Henri Chibret eliminated the use of preservatives that his own father had introduced in 1996 following the increasing recognition that Preservative-Free eyecare is better for the tear film, ocular surface and structures within the eye. Find out more

In 1996, Henri Chibret launched the first Preservative-Free multidose bottle, the ABAK®. Under the leadership of Henri, and his nephew, Jean-Frederic, Théa innovation has continued,and today Jean-Frederic ensures that innovation continues to flourish under the flagship Open Innovation programme. Read more.

1875

Paul Chibret is at the centre of pioneering scientific work in ophthalmology. He is the first of five generations of the Chibret family who will dedicate their lives to driving innovation, education and professionalism in ophthalmology.

1902

Henry Chibret continues his uncle’s work, founding Laboratoires CHIBRET.

1960s

Henry’s son Jean Chibret opens the world’s biggest documentation centre – the CHIBRET Institute.

1970s

Jacques and Henri Chibret both follow in their father’s footsteps launching BIOPHYSIC MEDICAL and Laboratoires TRANSPHYTO.

1994

Laboratoires Théa is launched to sell TRANSPHYO’s products.

1996

Henri Chibret launches the first Preservative-Free, multi-dose bottle. The ABAK® bottle is a high-security, high-technology dispenser which delivers up to 300 drops through a filter which prevents microbial contamination. This leads the way for Preservative-Free formulations and innovative delivery systems. Today, Théa is still highly passionate about Preservative-Free treatments and is dedicated to sharing knowledge with specialists around the world.

View the video, more information and brochure (PDF).

2008

Théa Pharmaceuticals is established. Over the last two decades, under the leadership of Henri Chibret, Théa has achieved numerous world firsts and now offers 30 products across a wide range of key therapy areas in ophthalmology.

2008

Théa Pharmaceuticals UK is established.

2008

Launch of Blephasol®,Blephaclean®, Blephagel®, Nutrof® Total, and Hyabak®.

2010

The first comprehensive moist heat therapy for the management of MGD launched.

2011

Théa acquires Mydriasert® for use in cataract surgery.

2011

Azyter, the 1st 3-day topical antibiotic treatment, is launched.

2011

Tiopex® – 1st low dose timolol gel with no quantifiable systemic absorption.

2012

Acquisition of Otrivine Antistin®, Zaditen®, and Voltarol® Optha. Théa Foundation launched.

2012

Théa UK wins Optician Awards 2012 Optical Supplier of the Year Award.

2013

Monopost® – the fist Preservative-Free prostaglandin in single dose format, for the treatment of glaucoma launched along with Aprokam®, the first intracameral antibiotic for prophylaxis of endopthalmitis.

2014

Thealoz® Duo – Unique combination of trehalose and hyaluronic acid without preservatives in an ABAK® bottle for mild to severe dry eye, capitalising on the benefits of Thealoz® and Hyabak®. Also introducing Dexafree®, a Preservative-Free dexamethasone.

2015

Théa Pharmaceuticals supports Moorfields International Glaucoma Symposium.

2015

The first Théa Birmingham Corneal meeting is held, bringing together the leading authorities in the field of cornea. Watch the latest event in Théa Academy.

2016

Mydrane® – 1st intracameral solution for injection to obtain pupil dilation and intraocular anaesthesia directly in the operating room during cataract surgery.

2017

Blephaclean® is launched into hospitals after achieving CE mark.

2018

Softacort®, the first Preservative-Free topical hydrocortisone eye drops for use in cases of mild non-infectious conjunctival inflammation launched.

2019

Blephademodex® launch in response to growing need for clinically proven wipe to combat demodex mite infestation.

2019

Fixapost® – 1st Preservative-Free Latanoprost / Timolol Fixed combination in single-dose – In Europe*.

(*with European marketing authorisation)

2019

Théa UK launches national educational series of webinars freely available to Healthcare Professionals.

2021

Théa UK launches online learning platform, Thea Academy.

2021

Théa UK launches the Blepha EyeBag® – a clinically proven medical device for the treatment of blepharitis, styes, chalazion and meibomian gland dysfunction.

2023

In 2023, TheaLipid(R) was launched for patients suffering from Evaporative Dry Eye.