history
An extraordinary journey defined by innovation, progress, contribution, and solidarity
A restless scientist, distinguished pharmacist and pioneering industrialist, Kleon Tsetis, together with his wife Sonia Papanikolaou Tsetis — also a pharmacist, a founding member of the Tsetis Group of Pharmaceutical Companies and an invaluable partner throughout their shared journey — laid the foundations of an enduring legacy that brings together science, innovation, business excellence and contribution to society.
Kleon Tsetis left an indelible mark on his era through his boundless creative spirit, innovative thinking and profound sense of social responsibility. His vision transcended the boundaries of his time, giving meaningful expression to the ideals of scientific progress and ethical entrepreneurship. By his side from the very beginning, Sonia Papanikolaou Tsetis was an equal partner in the creation and growth of the Group, making a significant contribution to shaping the philosophy, vision and principles that continue to define it today.
When intelligence, insight, innate talent, integrity and a spirit of inquiry come together with humanity and generosity, the work they leave behind becomes an enduring legacy.
It was precisely this harmonious combination that defined the lives, journey and work of Sonia and Kleon Tsetis.
A visionary
with his gaze
set on the future
Born and raised in Arta, his homeland remained his guiding compass throughout his life. He studied at the Pharmacy Department of the University of Athens and later served as a Reserve Officer in the Air Force Medical Corps, demonstrating his sense of duty and dedication to service from an early age.
In 1958, after his military service, he founded Pharmetan, a company that represented pharmaceutical products exclusively available abroad, while also opening his first pharmacy in Arta—a sign of his sharp entrepreneurial acumen.
With his steadfast partner, his wife Sonia Tsetis, he settled in Athens, in the area of Kifisia, in 1963. A year later, he founded UNI-PHARMA, a small pharmaceutical company that grew over the decades into an international Greek pharmaceutical industry, known for groundbreaking treatments and milestone products.
Supporting Society
Through Knowledge and Care
A dynamic scientist, vibrant personality and active entrepreneur, Sonia Papanikolaou Tsetis was a graduate of the School of Pharmacy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where she studied alongside Kleon Tsetis. She operated two pharmacies in the city of Arta, which for decades served as trusted points of reference for the local community, thanks to her scientific expertise, strong sense of responsibility and the relationship of trust she had built with the people of the region. With remarkable generosity and dedication to her scientific role, she offered guidance to all those seeking care who regarded pharmacy as a first point of access to primary healthcare.
It was Sonia who encouraged Kleon Tsetis to standardize a pharmaceutical formulation of phenobarbital as an oral solution, based on an innovative approach he had developed. The formulation was initially made available through her pharmacy in Arta, providing pediatricians across Epirus with a practical solution to support accurate dosing and treatment adherence among young patients.
Phenobarbital was just the beginning...
UNI-PHARMA became the first company globally to present phenobarbital as an oral solution, LUMIDROPS®, and the combination of phenobarbital and homatropine, NOVALUMINE® (a sedative and antispasmodic).
Over the following years, his unwavering focus on research led to the creation of pioneering pharmaceutical products that significantly improved the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Landmark products like SALOSPIR®, Apotel®, T4®, Trebon® continue to shape the pharmaceutical landscape and position Greece on the global scientific and commercial map.
His commitment to environmentally friendly production methods earned recognition from the Ministry of Development for the innovative production of SALOSPIR®.
Solidarity and social contribution
unwavering values
His sense of solidarity and social responsibility was a defining trait. He actively supported blood donation efforts, earning an honorary distinction from the Panhellenic Association of Volunteer Blood Donors.
During the war in Bosnia, he organized humanitarian aid missions, providing medicines and receiving honors from the Patriarchate.
For his support to Romania, he received a diploma and bronze medal from the Hellenic Red Cross.
and thus, "Apeirotan" was born
"Apeirotan" symbolizes his lifelong journey, marked by both challenges and achievements, during which he remained a proud Epirote, deeply connected to his roots.
He never settled for the obvious. He never compromised with the attainable. He constantly sought to exceed limits, drawing strength from his origins to reach ever higher.
Love & devotion
to Epirus
The KLEON TSETIS NPCC could not bear just any emblem. For a scientist and entrepreneur who deeply loved and honored his homeland, contributing silently and discreetly to society, a word with a powerful message was chosen, one that embodies his love and dedication to his birthplace.
“Apeirotan” with the bull as its emblem—an ancient Doric expression from ancient Epirus, the land that gave birth to, nurtured, and shaped Kleon Tsetis.
And as the poet Menander once said:
“Ως χαρίεν έστ’ άνθρωπος, αν άνθρωπος η’”
“How beautiful it is to be human, when you truly are human…”
A phrase that perfectly reflects the ethos and moral stature of Kleon Tsetis.