The foundation of Abilar products
About Abilar
Wound and skin care product for people and animals
Abilar is a Finnish brand of wound and skin care products for people and animals, based on clinically researched spruce resin. The research began in 2002 when Dr. Arno Sipponen investigated traditional resin-salve remedies in Finnish Lapland. Abilar is a product brand of Repolar Pharmaceuticals Oy, a Finnish pharmaceutical company specializing in natural resin-based wound care.
How was Abilar founded?
Abilar was founded in 2006 by Arno Sipponen after discovering the remarkable effect of spruce resin salves in wounds.
In 2002, Arno Sipponen, MD, PhD, Specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Special Competence in Wound Care, began working as a general practitioner in Finnish Lapland. He and his colleagues kept encountering the same striking pattern: local people were remarkably effective at treating wounds with home-made spruce resin salves. The results were hard to ignore, and their curiosity grew.
At the same time, Arno's father was Head of the Clinical Pathology Department at Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH). Together, they decided to look deeper. They formed a multidisciplinary research group to explore whether this long-trusted natural remedy could be understood and validated through modern science.
Their early studies confirmed what tradition had suggested. Resin salve made with modern, heat-free methods was safe to use, a finding that still guides the foundation of every Abilar product. The spruce resin we rely on is always collected with respect for the forest and without harming the trees.
Who leads Abilar today?
Abilar is owned and developed by Repolar Pharmaceuticals Oy, a Finnish company led by CEO Paavo Heikkinen, M.Sc. (Tech). Research and development is headed by founder Arno Sipponen, MD, PhD, while quality and product development are managed by Maryam Ghanbarirad, PhD.
Is Abilar backed by scientific research and certification?
Repolar cooperates with different research organisations in order to increase objective knowledge about the properties of resin. The Finnish Key Flag-accredited products are particularly targeted at the treatment of wounds and skin, both in domestic and professional settings. The company's quality management system is ISO 13485-certified.
When did Abilar launch its first products?
The company's first two products are based on raw resin. Abilar 10% Resin Salve, meant for the treatment of wounds, was launched in 2008, and Abilar Nail Fungal Treatment, intended for the treatment of fungal nail infections and paronychia, followed just one year later in 2009.
What is Resol Technology, and which products use it?
Resol Technology is a patented process developed by Repolar Pharmaceuticals, built on the early research into spruce resin. It represents the latest step in refining resin's natural antimicrobial properties into resin-based products for people and animals.
Of Abilar's products, those based on Resol Technology are AbiCare Acne for the treatment of acne, irritated skin and rashes, and the Abilar Vet Ear Rinse, Abilar Vet Cleansing Wipes, AniLavo Rinsing Liquid, Abilar Vet Wound Spray and the AniWash Treatment Shampoo.
How does Abilar continue to advance resin research?
Abilar and its parent company, Repolar Pharmaceuticals Oy, is constantly carrying out further research to promote the well-being of people and animals. Among the permanent staff of the company are, for example, people with educational backgrounds in medicine, chemistry and pharmaceuticals. The company also actively cooperates with different research organisations in order to increase objective knowledge about the properties of resin.
Common questions
Who founded Abilar?
Abilar was founded by Dr. Arno Sipponen, MD, a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Special Competence in Wound Care.
When did Abilar launch its first products?
Abilar 10% Resin Salve launched in 2008, followed by Abicin 30% Resin Lacquer (now Abilar Nail Fungal Treatment) in 2009.
What is Resol Technology?
A method developed in 2013 to create a non-sticky resin solution, which enabled products like AbiCare Acne and the extended Abilar Vet range.
Is Abilar backed by scientific research?
Yes, all products are based on clinical research, and the company is ISO 13485-certified.
What is the Finnish Key Flag?
An accreditation for Finnish-manufactured products, held by several Abilar products.
Who is the CEO of Abilar?
Paavo Heikkinen, M.Sc. (Tech), is the CEO of Repolar Pharmaceuticals Oy, the Finnish company that develops and manufactures Abilar products.