1953

Product introduction: Konakion, hemorrhagic disorders

Roche’s coagulation research yields two additions to the product portfolio, Konakion and the anticoagulant Marcoumar. Konakion, a synthetic vitamin K1, is used for hemorrhagic disorders.

1957

Group of benzodiazepines described

In the mid-50s a new group of sedatives, known as tranquillisers, is introduced into clinical use. Returning to a group of compounds he had worked on previously, Leo Sternbach chances upon the benzodiazepines. One of them, Ro 5-0690 will later be launched as Librium.

1958

Acquisition of Laboratoires Sauter S.A., manufacturer of sticking plasters and adhesive bandaging

Roche acquires Laboratoires Sauter S.A., Geneva, a manufacturer of branded pharmaceuticals, sticking plasters and other types of adhesive bandaging. The take-over enables Roche to step up its activities in the non-prescription drug segment.

1959

Product introduction: Supradyn, multivitamin product

Building upon the success in vitamin synthesis, Supradyn is introduced as an addition to the growing range of multivitamin products.

1960

Product introduction: Librium, the first benzodiazepine drug for emotional, psychosomatic and muscular disordersOther benzodiazepine drugs: Librax (1961), Mogadon (1965), Limbitrol (1967), Nobrium (1968), Dalmadorm (1972), Lexotanil (1974)

For the management of emotional, psychosomatic and muscular disorders, Librium is launched as the first of a new class of agents known as benzodiazepines. Librium is a great commercial success and opens up a broad new field of international research at Roche. Modifications to the basic benzodiazepine structure will yield a succession of products, including Librax (1961), Valium Roche (1963) Mogadon (1965), Limbitrol (1967), Nobrium (1968), Dalmadorm (1972), Rivotril (1973), Lexotanil (1974), Rohypnol (1975) and Dormicum (1982).

1962

Product introduction: Fluoro-uracil Roche, the company’s first anti-cancer drug

Fluoro-uracil Roche is the first anticancer drug of the company, paving the way for Roche’s activities in the field of cancer chemotherapy.

1963

Product introduction: Valium Roche, tranquilliser

Valium Roche, a sedative and anxiolytic drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family, is launched. It will prove a huge therapeutic and commercial success and enables Roche to build a world-wide reputation in psychotropic medications.

1963

Acquisition of Givaudan S.A., fragrances and flavours manufacturer

Givaudan S.A., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fragrances and flavours, is acquired. Givaudan has been a long-standing customer for intermediates from Roche’s vitamin A production.

1964

Acquisition of Roure Bertrand Dupont, fragrances company

Roche acquires the renowned French fragrance company Roure Bertrand Dupont

1964

Product introduction: Cal-C-Vita, vitamin C and calcium preparation

Increasing the range of vitamin products, Cal-C-Vita, a vitamin C and calcium preparation, is launched