Bofors

Bofors (historically Aktiebolaget Bofors) was a Swedish industrial and armaments manufacturer that also operated a highly influential pharmaceutical and medical device division, Bofors Nobel-Pharma (later Nobelkrut). During the mid-20th century, Bofors researchers synthesized and developed several major medical breakthroughs, including the local anesthetics mepivacaine (Carbocaine) and bupivacaine (Marcaine), as well as the blockbuster inhaled corticosteroid budesonide (Pulmicort). Additionally, in 1981, Bofors partnered with Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark to establish Nobelpharma (later Nobel Biocare) to commercialize the world's first titanium dental implant systems. While Bofors' pharmaceutical assets were eventually integrated into Astra AB (now AstraZeneca) and its dental business evolved into Nobel Biocare, the company's legacy remains foundational to modern anesthesia, respiratory medicine, and implantology.