Friedrich Bayer

Friedrich Bayer (1825–1880) was a German chemist and entrepreneur who established the pharmaceutical company Bayer, one of the largest and most recognized pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the world.

Early Life and Education

Friedrich Bayer was born on August 6, 1825, in Barmen, now a part of Wuppertal, Germany. He attended commercial school and completed an apprenticeship as a merchant.

Career

In 1863, Bayer, along with his partner Johann Friedrich Weskott, founded the dye company Friedrich Bayer et comp. in Barmen. The company initially specialized in the manufacture of synthetic dyes. Bayer was responsible for the commercial tasks while Weskott took over the technical leadership of the dye production.

In 1881, the company was renamed to Farbenfabriken vorm. Friedr. Bayer & Co, later becoming Farbenfabriken Bayer AG, and finally, Bayer AG. The company expanded its operations into the field of health care and agriculture, and is now a multinational corporation operating in many sectors including human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and biotechnology products.

Legacy

Friedrich Bayer's legacy continues to this day through the company he founded. Bayer AG is known for its contributions to the medical and pharmaceutical industry, including the development of aspirin and heroin as medicines. The company continues to be a leader in the development and marketing of drugs and chemicals.

See Also

• Bayer
• Aspirin
• Heroin

External Links

• Official website of Bayer AG