What is Chemie Grünenthal?

Chemie Grünenthal was founded in 1946 by Hermann Wirtz, Sr. as Chemie Grünenthal GmbH in Stolberg (Rhineland). Later, it was renamed Grünenthal GmbH, and its headquarters were moved to Aachen.

Why invest in R&D at Chemie Grünenthal?

Our high level of investment in R&D is testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation. The Wirtz family founds Chemie Grünenthal GmbH in Stolberg, Germany. Grünenthal is the first company in Germany to register penicillin after World War II. Thalidomide is launched; it was withdrawn from the market in 1961.

Who is Grünenthal?

Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, privately-owned pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion.

What did Grünenthal do wrong?

Grünenthal became infamous in the 1950s and 1960s for the development and sale of the teratogenic drug thalidomide, marketed as the sleeping pill Contergan and promoted as a morning sickness preventive. Thalidomide caused severe birth defects, miscarriages, and other severe health problems.

Is Grünenthal a German company?

Grünenthal is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Aachen in Germany. It was founded in 1946 as Chemie Grünenthal and has been continuously family-owned. The company was the first to introduce penicillin into the German market in the postwar period, after the Allied Control Council lifted its ban.

What did Ulrich Grünenthal do?

In the late 1950s, Grünenthal became infamous for the development and sale of the teratogenic drug thalidomide, marketed as the sleeping pill Contergan and promoted as a morning sickness preventative.