ASTA Werke

ASTA Werke was a prominent German pharmaceutical company based in Bielefeld, recognized for its pioneering contributions to oncology and chemotherapy. The company is most famous for the development of the nitrogen mustard-derived alkylating agents cyclophosphamide (Endoxan) and ifosfamide (Holoxan), which became cornerstones of cancer treatment worldwide. Founded in 1919, ASTA Werke was acquired by Degussa in 1978 and later transformed into ASTA Medica AG. Following the strategic breakup of ASTA Medica in the early 2000s, its oncology business and the primary manufacturing facilities in Bielefeld were acquired by Baxter International. Today, the legacy of ASTA Werke continues through Baxter Oncology, which maintains the production of these essential life-saving medicines.