History
1895 to 2007 - Biotechnology Pioneers
At Boehringer Ingelheim, we have more than 100 years of experience in biotechnology. Since 1895, many innovations and milestones have paved the way to the modern, innovative company we are today.
2007 and beyond
Challenge, then deliver! Boehringer Ingelheim strives for optimal solutions through a scientific and economic approach. In strategic cooperation with research organizations worldwide, we continuously extend our know-how.
A new dimension of biopharmaceuticals:
- second-generation molecules with enhanced efficacy and a prolonged half-life, tailored to therapeutic needs
- protein scaffolds with catalytic activity for therapeutic targets
- neutralizing protein scaffolds such as Anticalins, Avimers and Affilins
- slow-release formulations with improved convenience for patients
- fc-fusion proteins for active adsorption after inhalation, GI-MAPS for oral formulations of therapeutic proteins targeting the liver.
Milestones and innovations
- 1895 - Micro-organisms for large-scale product manufacturing
- Boehringer Ingelheim began using bacteria for the production of citric and lactic acid in commercial quantities. This was the world's first successful use of micro-organisms for large-scale product manufacturing.
- 1905 - Alkaloids from plants
Boehringer Ingelheim initially extracted alkaloids from plants.
- 1930s - Manufacture of citric acid
Boehringer Ingelheim developed a process for manufacturing citric acid by fermentation with fungi and expanded manufacturing for commercial production.
- 1960s - Cultivation of alkaloids
- We were able to increase production of alkaloids considerably by developing suitable techniques for culturing and crop cultivation. This led to the commercial introduction of products such as morphine and codeine, and later, atropine, theobromine and ergot alkaloids, all of which remain clinically important agents. Patents for biotechnical manufacturing processes were issued, enabling the replacement of natural processes.
- 1970s - Antimicrobial agents and manufacture of interferons
- Boehringer Ingelheim began to work on antimicrobial agents by chemically modifying macrolide and beta lactam antibiotics to increase potency, broaden the spectrum of activity and overcome resistance. Side-directed mutagenesis led to new indolmycin derivatives. At the same time we engaged in a screening program to find new lead compounds from streptomyces strains. Our fermentation processes gave rise to several new antibiotics, including amiclenomycin, epidermin, gallidermin and gunacin.
In the late 1970s, the modern era of biotechnology, supported by genetic engineering, began with the manufacture of interferons using Namalwa cells.
- 1980s - A leading role in producing interferons
- Boehringer Ingelheim took a leading role producing interferon beta and interferon alpha from micro-organisms and interferon omega from mammalian cell culture. Interferons were cloned in E.coli bacteria. Joint activities with Genentech Inc. accelerated the development and production recombinant t-PA, interferon gamma and tumour necrosis factor alpha and beta.
- 1990s - Introduction of major therapeutically active proteins
- Keeping pace with advances in technology, the 1990s have seen the development of an automated drug screening system - ADSS, the uptake of gene therapy technology and the development of a tumour vaccine. Major therapeutically active proteins, either developed within Boehringer Ingelheim or produced for our worldwide clients, were introduced onto the market for patients' benefit.
- 2003 - Opening of a new biopharmaceutical production plant in Biberach
The ambitious large-scale project in Biberach, Germany was completed in an impressively short period of time of just under 36 months between the ceremonial ground breaking in September 2000 and the start-up of the entire plant. The doubling of capacity in Biberach, where Boehringer Ingelheim's German R&D Center is also located, now enables the corporation to use twelve 15,000-litre fermenters for its biopharmaceutical production.
- 2004 - FDA approval for new biopharmaceutical production plant in record time
- Boehringer Ingelheim has received official approval for its new biopharmaceutical active ingredients production plant following an inspection of the plant at the Biberach (Riss) site by the US regulatory agency, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
- 2005 - Boehringer Ingelheim strengthens its leading position in biotechnology
- In February Boehringer Ingelheim receives the Frost & Sullivan Customer Value Award 2004 for providing clients in the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing market with the highest quality custom manufacturing, while staying competitively priced.
In April the new biopharmaceutical production plant for manufacturing therapeutically active proteins, plasmid DNA and single chain antibodies is opened in Vienna, Austria.
In October EUR 70 million are invested at the Biberach site. This move supports and strengthens the company's leading position in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals in the long term.
- 2007 - FDA approval for pre-filled syringes facility
- Boehringer Ingelheim gains FDA approval for its pre-filled syringes facility, enhancing the one-stop-shop service for biopharmaceuticals. Ablynx and Boehringer Ingelheim announce major global strategic alliance to discover, develop and commercialise novel nanobody®.
The modernization of the biotechnological production plant in Biberach, Germany was completed. The new investment covers the adaptation to new process technologies, the modernization of the existing plant including process control system as well as the expansion for the purification of drug substance derived from high expression systems for which Boehringer Ingelheim has established its own intellectual property.