Rhône-Poulenc Rorer

Rhône-Poulenc Rorer was a prominent global pharmaceutical company created in 1990 through the merger of the pharmaceutical division of France's Rhône-Poulenc S.A. and the American Rorer Group. The company established a strong presence in oncology, cardiovascular medicine, and respiratory health, most notably developing the blockbuster chemotherapy drug Taxotere and the anticoagulant Lovenox. With dual headquarters in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Antony, France, it operated as a major international player until its parent company merged with Hoechst AG in 1999 to form Aventis. This entity eventually became part of Sanofi following a subsequent merger in 2004. Rhône-Poulenc Rorer is remembered for its significant contributions to cancer treatment and its early investments in gene therapy through its Gencell division.