Pfizer

Germany → USA

Healthcare, Pharma & Biotechnology

Summary

Pfizer was founded in 1849 in Brooklyn by German immigrants Charles Pfizer and his cousin Charles Erhart. Initially a small fine-chemicals business, it grew through the production of citric acid, penicillin during the Second World War, and a long succession of breakthrough medicines into one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

European Contribution

Advanced German chemical training and pharmaceutical manufacturing methods.

American Impact

Mass production of medicines and leadership in global healthcare innovation.

Timeline Highlights

  1. 1848 Pfizer and Erhart arrive in the United States
  2. 1849 Company founded in Brooklyn
  3. 1940s Industrial penicillin production
  4. Present Global pharmaceutical leader

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Sources

https://www.pfizer.com/about/history

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