After the merger of Ciba and Geigy in 1970, two individual companies now write history.
Ciba-Geigy
Sandoz
1973 Launch of the anti-rheumatic Voltaren.
1974
Diversification into the seeds business with the acquisition of the US-based Funk Seeds International.
1975
Introduction of the selective herbicide Dual.
1978
Joint venture with the American ALZA Corp.; joint development
of transdermal theraleutic systems; in the same year introduction
of the systemic fungicide Ridomil.
1980
Establishment of a special biotechnology unit.
1981
Introduction of the first transdermal delivery system Scopoderm
TTS for preventing travel sickness. In 1982 Nitroderm TTS
follows for preventing angina pectoris, and in 1985, Estraderm
TTS for treating menstrual disorders.
1987
CIBA Vision is set up as a separate business unit.
1994
Ciba and Chiron form a strategic partnership.
1975
Advance into the seeds market with the acquisition of the
American Rogers Seed Co., followed by the acquisition of Northrup
King in 1976, the Dutch Zaadunie Group in 1980 and the Swedish
seeds company Hilleshög in 1989.
1977
Introduction of the anti-allergic drug Zaditen.
1982
Introduction of the immunosuppressant Sandimmun, followed
by Neoral in 1994.
1996
Sandoz and Ciba integrate to form Novartis in one of the largest
corporate mergers in history.