Becoming AstraZeneca
Since 1912, AstraZeneca has been committed to patient health by continually
working to discover, develop, and deliver innovative healthcare solutions
that help enrich the lives of patients, families, and communities.
In order to recount the rich history of AstraZeneca, it is necessary to
also tell the story of each of the companies on which our current mission
was built, along with the history of resulting mergers, acquisitions, and
milestones.
AstraZeneca milestones 1910-1980
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1913
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Astra AB, a small pharmaceutical company, is founded in Sweden.
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1936
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Sulfamethazine* is developed, the first sulfonamide antibiotic used
for the routine treatment of infection.
PALUDRINE® (proguanil HCI)*, an antimalarial is developed.
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Late
1930s
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HIBITANE®
(chlorhexidine)* is developed, one of the world’s most widely
used antiseptic/antimicrobial preparations.
HALOTHANE® (fluothane)* is developed, the first inhalation anesthetic to find commercial
success since chloroform and ether.
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1941
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The first stable liquid multivitamin, called The Stuart Formula*, is marketed.
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1949
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Launch of XYLOCAINE® (lidocaine HCI), Astra’s first local anesthetic.
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1950s
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Several innovative pharmaceutical products, including the first
chewable vitamin tablet, first capsule-shaped tablet, first
effervescent laxative formulation, and the first instant liquid
vitamin mix, are developed.
The first synthetic arterial graft made of tube-knitted Dacron®* is developed.
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1961
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Launch of MYLANTA®*, the first antacid/antigas product.
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1977
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Launch of SELOKEN® (metoprolol)*, a cardioselective beta blocker
for the treatment of hypertension, myocardial infarction, functional
heart disturbances, migraine, and angina pectoris.
Launch of HIBICLENS® (chlorhexidine gluconate)*, a liquid
antimicrobial skin cleanser.
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1978
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The AstraZeneca Patient Assistance
Program is created to provide AstraZeneca medicines to people
who can’t otherwise afford them.
Launch of NOLVADEX®
(tamoxifen citrate)*, an antiestrogen for adjuvant use in the treatment of breast cancer.
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*No longer marketed by AstraZeneca
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