Burroughs Wellcome Co.

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Burroughs Wellcome Co.






TypeSubsidiary
IndustryPharmaceuticals
ProductsPharmaceuticals



Burroughs Wellcome Co. was a pioneering pharmaceutical company founded in 1880 by Henry Wellcome and Silas Burroughs. The company was instrumental in the development and distribution of several important drugs and played a significant role in the history of pharmaceuticals.

History[edit | edit source]

The company was established in London, United Kingdom, by two American pharmacists, Henry Wellcome and Silas Burroughs. Their partnership was based on a shared vision of producing "compressed medicines" in tablet form, which was a novel idea at the time. This innovation allowed for more accurate dosing and improved patient compliance compared to the traditional powders and liquids.

Early Innovations[edit | edit source]

Burroughs Wellcome Co. was known for its commitment to research and development. The company established one of the first industrial research laboratories, the Wellcome Research Laboratories, in 1894. This facility was crucial in the development of new drugs and vaccines.

Key Products[edit | edit source]

Some of the notable products developed by Burroughs Wellcome Co. include:

  • Salvarsan: An early treatment for syphilis.
  • AZT (Zidovudine): The first antiretroviral drug approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Merger and Legacy[edit | edit source]

In 1995, Burroughs Wellcome Co. merged with Glaxo to form Glaxo Wellcome, which later became part of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in 2000. The legacy of Burroughs Wellcome Co. continues through the Wellcome Trust, a major biomedical research charity established by Henry Wellcome's will.

Impact on Medicine[edit | edit source]

Burroughs Wellcome Co. was a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, known for its innovative approach to drug development and its commitment to scientific research. The company's work laid the foundation for many modern pharmaceuticals and contributed significantly to the advancement of medical science.

Also see[edit | edit source]


Template:Defunct companies of the United Kingdom

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD