Luigi Rovati graduated in Medicine Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pavia in 1953 and specialised in pharmacology, gaining his habilitation in 1959.
After an intense research activity abroad alongside the Nobel prize winner Corneille Jean François Heymans, in 1961 he founded in Monza Rotta Research Laboratorium , a research and development laboratory for new drugs that quickly established itself in Italy and abroad. Renamed Rottapharm, in over fifty years of activity the company expanded its product portfolio and its presence internationally. In 1999 it took over Laboratori Guieu, owner of the Saugella and Babygella brands, and in 2005 Biochimici-PSN, strengthening its position in the dermocosmetics sector. In 2007 it acquired the German Madaus Pharma with the largest M&A operation ever carried out by an Italian pharmaceutical company. The Rottapharm|Madaus group became a multinational present in over 90 countries worldwide with 1800 employees.
In 2014 the group’s R&D activities were the subject of a spin-off, giving rise to Rottapharm Biotech, a biotechnological research company, through which the Rovati family is currently engaged in innovative research and development programmes.
I have always
collected
with the same
method with which
I shaped my life
as a researcher.
I collect the elements
for knowledge
During his career Professor Rovati has discovered and patented pharmaceuticals in various therapeutic areas and is the author of over 100 publications. Luigi Rovati was a member of the Executive Board and Board of Directors of Confindustria Monza e Brianza, of the Executive Board of Farmindustria and of its Board of Governors for the Code of Conduct, as well as and a member of the Board of the Fondazione della Comunità di Monza e Brianza.
In 2005 he was named Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana by the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. In 2011 he was named Cavaliere del Lavoro by the President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano.
To his passion for pharmacology, Professor Rovati has always united that for history and art, which he has enriched over the years with the joy of collecting. “I have always collected with the same method with which I shaped my life as a researcher. I collect the elements for knowledge.” In the same spirit, he transmitted his passions to his sons, who continue their entrepreneurial commitment, in scientific research and collecting.
