The “KLEON TSETIS” Non-Profit Civil Company (NPCC)
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable social groups and empowering the younger generation, in November 2017, the President and CEO of OFET, Julia Tsetis, together with her sister, Irene Tsetis, CFO of the Group, founded the “KLEON TSETIS” Non-Profit Civil Company (NPCC) in memory of their father, Kleon Tsetis—a tireless researcher, pharmacist, and industrialist, and the founder of UNI-PHARMA and INTERMED.
The NPCC aligns with the broader Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Strategy of the Tsetis Pharmaceutical Group of Companies (OFET).
The organization’s mission is:
• To support research and innovation • To promote science, education, and culture • To assist academic and research institutions • To support the next generation of scientists • To foster synergies between industry and the academic community
Excellence, ethics, innovative thinking, and lifelong learning are among the core values of the “KLEON TSETIS” NPCC.
A primary focus of the organization is connecting researchers from all fields of Health Sciences and providing consistent support for research and young scientists through the awarding of scholarships. One of its key goals is to mitigate the brain drain of young scientists, encouraging them to remain in Greece so the country can evolve into a hub of excellence and innovation.
From 2017 to 2024, the “KLEON TSETIS” NPCC has:
Provided financial support to 30 outstanding students and researchers
Supported 26 scientific research programs by funding consumables and equipment
The NPCC collaborates closely with the academic and research community in Greece and with scientific teams from international universities.
The Story Behind the Foundation
When intelligence, insight, innate talent, ethics, and a research-driven mind meet compassion for others and effortless generosity, the result is creatively inspiring.
This is exemplified by the life, legacy, and work of Kleon Tsetis.
Kleon Tsetis left his mark on his era through his restless, creative spirit, his fresh and pioneering ideas, and his deep sense of solidarity. He was the inspiration behind the creation of the foundation that proudly bears his name.
After completing his studies at the School of Pharmacy in NKUA and serving as a reserve officer in the Air Force Medical Corps, he opened his own pharmacy in Arta in 1958. At the same time, he established Pharmetan, a company representing international pharmaceuticals.
An Arta native in Kifisia
In 1963, he relocated with his family to Kifisia, contributing to the local economy and community. Encouraged by his dynamic wife, Sonia Tseti, also a pharmacist, he laid the groundwork for the creation of UNI-PHARMA, which he founded in 1964.
What started as a small, personal enterprise evolved over the years into an international Greek pharmaceutical company, developing innovative medicines and therapies that promote health and quality of life for modern society.
Phenobarbital was just the beginning…
The year 1965 was a turning point, marking the launch of two groundbreaking pediatric formulations. UNI-PHARMA became the first company worldwide to introduce phenobarbital in an oral solution, LUMIDROPS®, as well as a combination of phenobarbital and homatropine, NOVALUMINE® (a sedative and antispasmodic).
In the years that followed, through unwavering dedication to research and science, Kleon Tsetis developed a series of innovative pharmaceutical products that significantly improved the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide. These formulations not only made history but continue to shape it, positioning Greece on the global scientific and commercial map of the pharmaceutical industry.
SALOSPIR®, Apotel®, T4®, Trebon® – just a few of the landmark medications that set new standards in healthcare.
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, an emblem was chosen 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.
“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.
Apeirotan, for it was the ‘apeiros’ (infinite) land of Epirus, which led Kleon Tsetis to infinitely giving and we hope that the ‘KLEON TSETIS’ NPO Foundation will do the same.
And, as the poet Menander used to say, “How beautiful it is to be human, when you truly are human…”
A phrase that perfectly mirrors the psyche and moral stature of Kleon Tsetis.
OFET’s research activity in collaboration with research & academic institutions
The Tsetis Pharmaceutical Group of Companies (OFET) has established a broad scientific network, consisting of more than 30 research teams, strengthening the connection of researchers across all fields of Health Sciences with the academic community throughout Greece.
In collaboration with this scientific network, OFET carries out numerous research projects on diverse topics. These projects contribute to the development of innovative pharmaceutical products, specialized know-how, and cutting-edge technologies, effectively transferring academic research from the laboratory bench to clinical practice.
The establishment of synergies between industry and the academic community, the consistent support of research activities and young scientists, as well as the promotion of innovation, constitute key priorities for both OFET and the KLEON TSETIS NPCC.
Notable Examples Include:
OFET’s participation in 10 national and international external research programs, co-funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI). These include initiatives such as the “Research-Create-Innovate” programs (Cycles A & B), and the Horizon 2020 program, among others.
OFET’s self-funding of over 45 internal research programs from 2017 to 2024, conducted within domestic universities and research institutions across Greece. 30 research programs have been funded in the form of grants and scholarships by the KLEON TSETIS NPCC, offering essential support to scientific endeavors and encouraging young researchers.
