1921 | Product introduction: Allonal, analgesic sedative and hypnotic | Allonal, an analgesic sedative and hypnotic as a first product using compounds produced by synthetic chemistry, is introduced. |
1925 | Subsidiary in Tokyo (Japan) | |
1928 | New US plant founded in Nutley | As the New York offices are too small, a new plant is designed – and found – in Nutley to manufacture a wide range of products. The move to Nutley takes place in 1929 and the list of products manufactured locally soon includes barbiturates, specifically Allonal, a hypnotic and sedative that is extremely successful in the United States. |
1928 - 31 | Introduction of non-voting and voting shares (Genuss-Schein, Inhaberaktie) | From 1928 to 1931 Roche’s share capital was reduced from 8 million to 16’000 Swiss francs in a series of repayments to shareholders. During the same period a stock split doubled the number of bearer shares to 16’000, and a total of 48’000 non-voting equity securities in bearer form were issued. |
1933 | Industrial synthesis of Vitamin C | Tadeusz Reichstein (Nobel Prize winner 1950) offers Roche a workable method of synthesising vitamin C. When vitamin C proves a commercial success, the process for full production is scaled up. |
1933 | Product introduction: Saridon, analgesic drug | An effective pain reliever (analgesic), Saridon originally contains phenacetin and is marketed with big success. Saridon is still sold today. |
1934 | Product introduction: Redoxon, vitamin C preparation | The first 50 kilograms of vitamin C are produced. This marks the real start of vitamin manufacturing at Roche. As a first vitamin preparation, Redoxon is launched. |
1938 - 47 | Industrial synthesis of Vitamin A, Vitamin B group, Vitamin E, Vitamin K | Roche becomes the leading supplier of vitamins, having mastered the industrial synthesis of vitamin A, B1, B2, E and K1. By 1938 vitamins were the company’s mainstay, encompassing Benerva (vitamin B1), Nestrovit (multi-vitamin), Beflavin (vitamin B2), Ephynal (vitamin E). |
1944 | Product introduction: Bepanthen, skin care product | Bepanthen, a therapeutic skin care product, is launched in tablet, ampoule and ointment presentations. The active ingredient, dexpanthenol, is converted in the body to pantothenic acid, a member of the vitamin B complex. |
1952 | Product introduction: Rimifon, antituberculosis drug | Isoniazid, a treatment for tuberculosis, is launched world-wide as Rimifon, helping to eradicate tuberculosis. In the years to follow, Roche will be regarded as a leader in antimicrobial chemotherapy. |
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