History
A brief fly-through of our history
It all began in 1885, when Abel Besins and Joseph Lebeault partnered to create a medicinal wine, which turned out to be a big success. The beginning of the 20th century marked a transitional period, transforming us from a small laboratory into a global pharmaceutical company.
We went on to make a ground-breaking achievement in the world of pharmacology and endocrinology in 1972 when we were the first to produce a gel-based bioidentical progesterone preparation, Progestogel®. In the 1980s and '90s, the company went on to create treatments for both male and female hormonal conditions. And the rest, as they say, is history. Take a look at the timeline below to find out more.
Our story begins, when Abel Besins founds the company
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Jacques Besins takes the reins and develops new products and in-house production
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Jean Besins assumes the leadership role and acquires a laboratory focusing on hormone therapy in transdermal gels
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Besins acquires a facility in Montrouge, France, to specialise in transdermal gel technology
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The focus on transdermal gels pays off with the development of the world's first hormone therapy gel, Progestogel
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Besins continues to innovate, launching Oestrogel - the first estradiol gel for the treatment of menopausal disorders
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Besins is established as global leader in hormone therapy with the launch of Utrogestan, a micronised natural progesterone
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Antoine Besins begins worldwide expansion through partnerships
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Androgel is launched; the most prescribed testosterone gel in the world, indicated for male hormone replacement
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Nicolas and Alexandre Besins begin the process of consolidating and modernising the company to ensure its continued success
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