Degussa Pharma Group

Degussa Pharma Group was the pharmaceutical division of the German industrial conglomerate Degussa AG, primarily operating through its subsidiary Asta Medica. During the late 20th century, the group was a significant developer of therapeutics in oncology, respiratory health, and pain management. In 2001, as part of a strategic shift to focus on specialty chemicals, Degussa divested its pharmaceutical assets, selling its oncology business to Baxter International and its remaining pharmaceutical operations to Meda AB (now part of Viatris). The corporate entity of Degussa eventually merged with other units to form Evonik Industries, which continues to operate a major healthcare business line today. Currently, the legacy of Degussa's life science expertise exists within Evonik's role as a leading CDMO for advanced drug delivery technologies, including lipid nanoparticles and functional polymers.