Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical

File:Ortho McNeil logo.png

The logo of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical was a pharmaceutical company that operated as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It was known for developing and marketing a range of prescription medications, particularly in the fields of neurology, psychiatry, and women's health.

History

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical was formed through the merger of two companies: Ortho Pharmaceutical and McNeil Pharmaceutical. Ortho Pharmaceutical was originally founded in 1931 and was known for its contributions to the field of contraception and women's health. McNeil Pharmaceutical, on the other hand, was established in 1879 and became well-known for its development of Tylenol, a widely used analgesic.

The merger of these two companies allowed Ortho-McNeil to leverage the strengths of both entities, expanding its product offerings and research capabilities. The company became a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the United States.

Products

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical developed and marketed a variety of prescription medications. Some of the notable products included:

• Topamax (topiramate) - An anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and prevent migraine headaches.
• Levaquin (levofloxacin) - An antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
• Ortho Tri-Cyclen - An oral contraceptive used for birth control and to treat acne.

Research and Development

The company invested heavily in research and development to bring new and innovative treatments to market. Ortho-McNeil's R&D efforts were focused on areas such as central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and women's health.

Merger and Transition

In 2008, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical was merged with Janssen Pharmaceutica, another subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, to form Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. This merger was part of a strategic move to consolidate Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical operations and streamline its product offerings.

Related pages

• Johnson & Johnson
• Janssen Pharmaceutica
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Oral contraceptive