Beecham Group

Beecham Group was a British pharmaceutical company, known for its production of medicines and healthcare products. It was founded in 1848 by Thomas Beecham, a chemist and entrepreneur, and it grew to become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

History

The Beecham Group was established in St Helens, England, by Thomas Beecham. Initially, the company produced and sold Beecham's Pills, a laxative product. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include other over-the-counter medicines and healthcare products.

In 1945, Beecham Research Laboratories was established, which marked the company's entry into the research-based pharmaceutical industry. The laboratories were responsible for the development of many innovative drugs, including the first broad-spectrum antibiotic, ampicillin.

In the 1980s, Beecham Group merged with SmithKline Beckman to form SmithKline Beecham, creating one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. In 2000, SmithKline Beecham merged with Glaxo Wellcome to form GlaxoSmithKline, which continues to be a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Products

Beecham Group produced a wide range of products, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and healthcare products. Some of the most notable products include Beecham's Pills, the antibiotic ampicillin, and the cold and flu medicine Contac.

Legacy

The Beecham Group's legacy continues through GlaxoSmithKline, which is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. The company's commitment to research and development, as well as its production of innovative medicines, can be traced back to the work of the Beecham Group.