History
A brief fly-through of our history
It all began in 1885, when Abel Besins and Joseph Lebeau 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
Jacques Besins takes the reins and develops new products and in-house production
Jean Besins assumes the leadership role and acquires a laboratory focusing on hormone therapy in transdermal gels
Besins acquires a facility in Montrouge, France, to specialise in transdermal gel technology
The focus on transdermal gels pays off with the development of the world's first hormone therapy gel, Progestogel
Besins continues to innovate, launching Oestrogel - the first estradiol gel for the treatment of menopausal disorders
Besins is established as global leader in hormone therapy with the launch of Utrogestan, a micronised natural progesterone
Antoine Besins begins worldwide expansion through partnerships
Androgel is launched; the most prescribed testosterone gel in the world, indicated for male hormone replacement
Nicolas and Alexandre Besins begin the process of consolidating and modernising the company to ensure its continued success