Pharmacia & Upjohn

Pharmacia & Upjohn was a global pharmaceutical company formed by the merger of Sweden-based Pharmacia AB and the United States-based Upjohn Company in 1995. The merger was aimed at creating a stronger entity capable of competing more effectively in the rapidly consolidating pharmaceutical industry. The company was known for its innovative research and development (R&D) in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.

History

The history of Pharmacia & Upjohn began with the founding of its predecessor companies. Pharmacia AB was established in 1911 in Stockholm, Sweden, initially focusing on the pharmaceutical and nutritional products. Over the decades, it expanded its operations globally and gained recognition for its biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations.

The Upjohn Company was founded in 1886 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by Dr. William E. Upjohn. It was known for its development of medicinal tablets and a range of pharmaceutical products. Upjohn became a prominent name in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the United States.

In 1995, Pharmacia AB and Upjohn Company merged to form Pharmacia & Upjohn, with the aim of leveraging their combined resources for enhanced global reach and R&D capabilities. The merger was part of a broader trend of consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry during the 1990s.

Products and Innovations

Pharmacia & Upjohn was involved in the development and marketing of a wide range of pharmaceutical products. Some of its most notable products included:

• Xalatan (latanoprost), for the treatment of glaucoma
• Rogaine (minoxidil), a topical solution for hair regrowth
• Detrol (tolterodine), for the treatment of overactive bladder

The company was also involved in the development of vaccines and had a strong presence in the animal health sector through its subsidiary, Pharmacia & Upjohn Animal Health.

Merger and Acquisition

In 2000, Pharmacia & Upjohn merged with Monsanto Company's pharmaceutical division, Searle, to form Pharmacia Corporation. This merger was aimed at further strengthening the company's position in the pharmaceutical industry by combining Pharmacia & Upjohn's strong R&D capabilities with Searle's successful product line and marketing strategies.

Pharmacia Corporation continued to operate until 2003, when it was acquired by Pfizer, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The acquisition of Pharmacia Corporation by Pfizer marked the end of the Pharmacia & Upjohn brand, but its legacy continued through Pfizer's continued development and marketing of its key products.

Legacy

The legacy of Pharmacia & Upjohn lives on through its contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the areas of drug development and innovation. The company's commitment to R&D led to the introduction of several important pharmaceutical products that continue to benefit patients worldwide. Additionally, the mergers and acquisitions involving Pharmacia & Upjohn played a significant role in shaping the modern pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the importance of strategic collaborations and consolidations in driving growth and innovation.