Schering AG

Schering AG. It was a major German pharmaceutical company founded in Berlin in 1851 by pharmacist Ernst Schering. For over 150 years, the firm was a pioneer in hormonal and steroid research, developing groundbreaking products in women's healthcare and diagnostic imaging. Its innovative work, particularly on the first oral contraceptive and novel multiple sclerosis treatments, cemented its global reputation before its acquisition by Bayer in 2006.

History

The company's origins trace back to the "Grüne Apotheke" pharmacy established by Ernst Schering in Berlin. Incorporated as **Chemische Fabrik auf Actien (vormals E. Schering)** in 1871, it grew rapidly by specializing in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Early successes included the production of chloroform and iodoform. The interwar period saw significant expansion under leaders like Julius Schacht and pioneering work in sex hormone research at its scientific institute. Following severe destruction in World War II, the company was re-established in West Berlin and later moved its headquarters to Berlin-Wedding. The post-war era was marked by international growth, with major subsidiaries established in the United States and Japan.

Products and research

Schering's research legacy is profoundly tied to the field of endocrinology. A landmark achievement was the development, in collaboration with Syntex and under the direction of scientist Carl Djerassi, of the first orally active progestin, norethisterone, a key component of **Anovlar**, one of the world's first marketed combined oral contraceptives. The company also produced a wide range of other hormone therapies and steroids. Its portfolio expanded to include leading contrast media for X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, such as those based on gadolinium. In the late 20th century, Schering pioneered the treatment of Multiple sclerosis with the introduction of interferon beta-1b, marketed as **Betaseron** in the United States and **Betaferon** elsewhere.

Corporate affairs

For decades, Schering AG was a constituent of the DAX index on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Its corporate structure included numerous international subsidiaries, most notably Berlex Laboratories in the United States, which it fully acquired in 1986. The company maintained major research and production facilities in Berlin and Bergkamen. In 2006, after a protracted takeover battle with Merck KGaA, the company was acquired by its larger German rival Bayer for approximately €16.9 billion. This acquisition led to the integration of Schering's operations into Bayer HealthCare, creating one of the world's largest pharmaceutical and life science groups, though the Schering name was largely retired for corporate purposes.

Legacy and impact

Schering AG left an indelible mark on medical science and global healthcare. Its role in the development of the oral contraceptive pill was a watershed moment in women's health and social history, profoundly affecting family planning practices worldwide. The company's advancements in immunology, particularly its interferon-based therapy, transformed the management of Multiple sclerosis and provided a new therapeutic model for autoimmune diseases. The contrast media division set industry standards for safety and efficacy in diagnostic imaging. While the Schering brand name was discontinued after the Bayer merger, its scientific contributions and many of its key products continue under the Bayer umbrella, and its former Berlin campus remains a vital hub for pharmaceutical research.

Category:Pharmaceutical companies of Germany Category:Companies established in 1851 Category:Companies disestablished in 2006 Category:Companies based in Berlin