Marion Merrell Dow

American pharmaceutical company

Marion Merrell Dow

Marion Laboratories headquarters

Marion Merrell Dow was a major pharmaceutical company in the United States that played a significant role in the development and marketing of various medications. The company was known for its innovative approaches in the pharmaceutical industry and its contributions to healthcare.

History

Marion Merrell Dow was formed through the merger of Marion Laboratories, founded by Ewing Marion Kauffman in 1950, and Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Company. The merger took place in 1989, creating a significant entity in the pharmaceutical sector.

Marion Laboratories

Marion Laboratories building

Marion Laboratories was established in Kansas City, Missouri, and quickly grew due to its focus on innovative drug development and marketing strategies. The company was known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong corporate culture.

Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals was originally part of the Dow Chemical Company, focusing on the development of prescription drugs. It had a strong presence in the pharmaceutical market before merging with Marion Laboratories.

Products

Marion Merrell Dow was known for several key pharmaceutical products, including medications for cardiovascular disease, allergies, and central nervous system disorders. Some of its well-known products included Seldane (terfenadine), an antihistamine, and Cardizem (diltiazem), a drug used to treat hypertension and angina.

Acquisition and Legacy

In 1996, Marion Merrell Dow was acquired by Hoechst AG, a German chemical and pharmaceutical company, which later became part of Aventis. The acquisition marked the end of Marion Merrell Dow as an independent entity, but its legacy continued through the products and innovations it developed.

Related pages

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Ewing Marion Kauffman
• Dow Chemical Company
• Hoechst AG