Julian Laboratories

Julian Laboratories was a pioneering pharmaceutical company founded in 1953 by Dr. Percy Lavon Julian, a world-renowned chemist. The firm specialized in the large-scale chemical synthesis of steroid hormones, including cortisone and progesterone, utilizing plant sterols derived from soybeans and wild Mexican yams. By innovating more efficient production methods, the company played a critical role in making these essential medications more affordable and accessible for patients with inflammatory and endocrine disorders. At its peak, it operated facilities in both the United States and Mexico, becoming one of the largest producers of steroid intermediates in the world. In 1961, the company was acquired by Smith Kline & French for $2.3 million, a landmark transaction for a minority-owned scientific enterprise.