Astra AB

Astra AB is a Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1913. It was one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world during the 20th century. In 1999, Astra AB merged with the British company Zeneca Group plc to form AstraZeneca.

History

Astra AB was established in 1913 in Södertälje, Sweden, by 400 doctors and apothecaries. The company's early focus was on the production of therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. In the 1930s, Astra AB expanded its operations to include the production of penicillin and other antibiotics.

In the 1980s, Astra AB developed and launched several innovative drugs, including Losec, a treatment for peptic ulcer disease, which became the world's best-selling drug in the 1990s.

In 1999, Astra AB merged with the British pharmaceutical company Zeneca Group plc to form AstraZeneca, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The merger was part of a trend of consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry during the late 20th century.

Products

Astra AB's product portfolio included a wide range of pharmaceuticals for various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and pain management. Some of its most notable products included Losec for peptic ulcer disease, Pulmicort for asthma, and Zoladex for prostate cancer.

Impact

Astra AB's innovations in drug development and production have had a significant impact on global health. The company's products have improved the treatment of many diseases and conditions, and its merger with Zeneca Group has created a global pharmaceutical giant that continues to contribute to advances in medical science.

See also

• AstraZeneca
• Pharmaceutical industry in Sweden
• List of pharmaceutical companies