Alfenta

Janssen Pharmaceutica's name may not be as familiar as that of Bristol-Myers Squibb, even in Mercer County where both make their homes. But the Belgium native's achievements in the pharmaceutical field are quite impressive.

Founded in 1953 in the Belgian city of Beerse, the firm joined the Johnson & Johnson family in 1961. Janssen's United States operations are based on TrentonHarbourton Road in Titusville where it employs 1,000 people, part of a U. S. staff of 1,500 and a worldwide workforce of 16,000.

Janssen's products address a number of health problems, including central nervous system disorders, chronic pain, and fungal/skin infections.

The Janssen Research Foundation has synthesized more than 84,000 new chemical medications in 150 countries. Five of its products are on the Essential Drug List compiled by the World Health Organization - Haldol, Nizoral, Monistat, Ergamisol, and Vermox.

The firm has become a recognized leader in research and development of therapies used in the fields of gastroenterology, psychiatry, mycology, pain management, oncology, and allergy.

Among the products currently being developed are medications to deal with Alzheimer's, cancer, depression, bipolar disorder, ulcers, and acute pain.

The company has also recorded a number of' "firsts" in the drug development field. These include Duragesic, the first transdermal patch for chronic pain, Hismanal, the first once-a-day, non-sedating antihistamine, and Nizoral shampoo, the first prescription shampoo for dandruff, and Nizoral Tabs, the first oral broad-spectrum antifungal.

Its Risperdal antipsychotic medication has been prescribed for one million patients in the United States, controlling symptoms from delusions to apathy with minimal side effects. It has become the most widely prescribed antipsychotic in the country.

Its Sufenta and Alfenta are analgesics used in anesthesia. Ergamisol was developed for the treatment of colon cancer.

Products developed by Janssen and marketed through other Johnson & Johnson companies include Monistat 7, Imodium, and Haldol.

Janssen was a pioneer among United States pharmaceutical companies in establishing a Customer Service Action Center that deals with the needs of customers and professionals alike. Their phone calls are answered personally, their needs are determined, and their requests are addressed. This service is now available on-line.

Janssen's dedication to product innovation and customer concerns is evident in the company's mission statement: "Meet customer needs for high-quality, costeffective health care by developing, producing, and marketing differentiated pharmaceutical products and services that improve health outcomes."

Copyright Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Feb 01, 2000
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