Leaders in Pain Research
We want to re-define the field of pain, creating specialised treatments through patient-inspired R&D.
Our History
Pioneers in pain research
We have invested heavily in R&D to produce an extensive portfolio of pain treatments. We are proud of our past achievements, each one helping us get closer to a world without pain. We launched opioid pain medication, Tramal®, in the seventies as a fast-acting solution for patients in severe pain, and it remains a first-choice for pain relief around the world today. We are continuing to invest in disease understanding, research and development, and hope to further improve patient outcomes, with several innovative and exciting products currently under development.
A timeline of our major achievements in pain research
Tramal® launched – worldwide partnering
1977
Global launches (Zaldiar®, Transtec®)
since 2000
Versatis® obtains approval in EU (UK), followed by first European launch in the UK.
2007
Approval of Tapentadol in the US
2008
EU submission of Tapentadol for acute and chronic pain, launch of Nucynta® in the US by Johnson & Johnson
2009
Marketing authorisation of Tapentadol IR and PR in 26 EU countries
2010
Market introduction in the United States of INTAC®, an innovative formulation technology for the protection of intended drug action.
2011
FDA approval and launch of Tapentadol ER for chronic pain.
2011
Palexia® is available in UK, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Norway, Belgium and Switzerland.
2012
Grünenthal and AcelRx enter into partnership for EU commercialisation of ZALVISO®.
2013
Versatis® is registered in 28 countries in the EU and worldwide in 48 countries.
2014
Launch of Recivit® in the Netherlands, Denmark, UK and France.
2014
Distribution of Arcoxia® in several European countries.
2014
Launch of ZALVISO®.
2016
US-based Thar Pharmaceuticals Inc. acquired.
2016
Licensing agreement entered into with AstraZeneca for the exclusive rights to Zurampic™ in Europe and Latin America.
2016
Agreement entered into with AstraZeneca for the global rights to Zomig®, excluding Japan.
2017
Our Approach
We understand pain is not just a symptom but also an entire condition in itself that requires specialised treatment.
The Future of Pain Research
Our vision is to create the most innovative research pipeline for pain through patient-inspired R&D.