Geigy

Geigy, formally known as J. R. Geigy Ltd, was a foundational Swiss pharmaceutical and chemical company headquartered in Basel. Established in 1758, the firm evolved from a chemical and dye manufacturer into a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, responsible for discovering several landmark therapies. Notable achievements include the development of the first tricyclic antidepressant, Tofranil (imipramine), and the widely used anticonvulsant Tegretol (carbamazepine). The company's research also led to the discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT, which earned researcher Paul Müller the Nobel Prize in 1948. In 1970, Geigy merged with Ciba to form Ciba-Geigy, which subsequently merged with Sandoz in 1996 to create Novartis. Today, Geigy's scientific legacy and product portfolio remain integral components of Novartis's global operations.