Our Company
A Heritage of Improving Lives Through Innovation
ur company’s legacy of innovation began in 1858, when our founders made it their mission to bring better health solutions to patients who needed them most. Today, we are continuing that tradition by using the latest science and technology to help improve lives through the research and development of new medicines for serious diseases. See our timeline below for select historical events.
The Journey Begins
EDWARD ROBINSON SQUIBB
Dr. Squibb graduates from Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical College. He spends a decade as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy, an experience that impresses upon him the urgent need for high-quality, standardized medicines.
Dr. Squibb graduates from Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical College. He spends a decade as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy, an experience that impresses upon him the urgent need for high-quality, standardized medicines.
FIRST LABORATORY
Dr. Squibb rents a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, for his new business and begins pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. In December, he is severely burned in an ether fire that nearly destroys his business.
FIRST LABORATORY
Dr. Squibb rents a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, for his new business and begins pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. In December, he is severely burned in an ether fire that nearly destroys his business.
SQUIBB MEDICINE CHEST
During the Civil War, Squibb manufactures compact, portable chests for military surgeons that contain an array of medicines and equipment—from ether and morphine to bandages and sponges. Each chest costs about $100, the equivalent of several thousand dollars today.
During the Civil War, Squibb manufactures compact, portable chests for military surgeons that contain an array of medicines and equipment—from ether and morphine to bandages and sponges. Each chest costs about $100, the equivalent of several thousand dollars today.
DR. SQUIBB’S PROPOSAL FOR SAFE MEDICINE
Dr. Squibb presents a report to the New York State Medical Society, “Proposed Law to Prevent the Adulteration of Food and Medicine and to Create a State Board of Health.” Known as the Squibb Bill, it becomes law and serves as the basis for the Federal Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.
DR. SQUIBB’S PROPOSAL FOR SAFE MEDICINE
Dr. Squibb presents a report to the New York State Medical Society, “Proposed Law to Prevent the Adulteration of Food and Medicine and to Create a State Board of Health.” Known as the Squibb Bill, it becomes law and serves as the basis for the Federal Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.
CLINTON PHARMACEUTICALS
William Bristol and John Myers invest $5,000 to purchase the failing Clinton Pharmaceutical Company. With a pledge to sell no “quack remedies,” the two quickly turn the business around.
William Bristol and John Myers invest $5,000 to purchase the failing Clinton Pharmaceutical Company. With a pledge to sell no “quack remedies,” the two quickly turn the business around.
E.R. SQUIBB & SONS FORMED
Dr. Squibb forms a partnership with his sons, Edward and Charles, and the firm is renamed E.R Squibb & Sons. The company has capital assets of $1.5 million, according to the Articles of Incorporation filed in 1895.
E.R. SQUIBB & SONS FORMED
Dr. Squibb forms a partnership with his sons, Edward and Charles, and the firm is renamed E.R Squibb & Sons. The company has capital assets of $1.5 million, according to the Articles of Incorporation filed in 1895.
1898
FIRST BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCT
Marketed as a tonic and laxative, Sal Hepatica salts, dubbed the “poor man’s spa,” mimic the taste and effect of the natural mineral waters of a Bohemian spa. Within a decade, annual sales rise to a half-million dollars. The product is a mainstay of Bristol-Myers until 1974.
FIRST BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCT
Marketed as a tonic and laxative, Sal Hepatica salts, dubbed the “poor man’s spa,” mimic the taste and effect of the natural mineral waters of a Bohemian spa. Within a decade, annual sales rise to a half-million dollars. The product is a mainstay of Bristol-Myers until 1974.
BRISTOL, MYERS COMPANY
Bristol and Myers rename their business the Bristol, Myers Company, which outgrows its home in Clinton, New York. The company relocates — first to Syracuse and then, in 1899, to Brooklyn to better serve customers in New England and Pennsylvania.
Bristol and Myers rename their business the Bristol, Myers Company, which outgrows its home in Clinton, New York. The company relocates — first to Syracuse and then, in 1899, to Brooklyn to better serve customers in New England and Pennsylvania.
1901
IPANA
Bristol-Myers introduces Ipana toothpaste, featuring a disinfectant to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
IPANA
Bristol-Myers introduces Ipana toothpaste, featuring a disinfectant to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
SQUIBB QUALITY-CONTROL LABORATORY
E.R. Squibb & Sons establishes its first quality-control laboratory. Soon, it has nearly 100 employees and produces over 800 preparations.
SQUIBB QUALITY-CONTROL LABORATORY
E.R. Squibb & Sons establishes its first quality-control laboratory. Soon, it has nearly 100 employees and produces over 800 preparations.
NEW JERSEY PLANT
E.R. Squibb & Sons purchases an ether manufacturing plant in what was then the wilds of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
E.R. Squibb & Sons purchases an ether manufacturing plant in what was then the wilds of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
PURE FOOD AND DRUG ACT
President Theodore Roosevelt signs the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 into law. Although Dr. Squibb died in 1900, the act is a triumph of his lifelong crusade for safe, reliable pharmaceutical products.
GROWING IN NEW JERSEY
Bristol-Myers purchases seven acres in Hillside, New Jersey, for expanded production of Sal Hepatica.
PURE FOOD AND DRUG ACT
President Theodore Roosevelt signs the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 into law. Although Dr. Squibb died in 1900, the act is a triumph of his lifelong crusade for safe, reliable pharmaceutical products.
GROWING IN NEW JERSEY
Bristol-Myers purchases seven acres in Hillside, New Jersey, for expanded production of Sal Hepatica.
1917
DIGITALIS
E.R. Squibb & Sons pioneers the standardization of digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant as an early treatment for heart conditions.
DIGITALIS
E.R. Squibb & Sons pioneers the standardization of digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant as an early treatment for heart conditions.
BRISTOL-MYERS GOES PUBLIC
Gross profits top $1 million and the company’s products are sold in 26 countries. Bristol-Myers becomes a publicly held firm on the New York Stock Exchange.
Gross profits top $1 million and the company’s products are sold in 26 countries. Bristol-Myers becomes a publicly held firm on the New York Stock Exchange.
SQUIBB INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
Squibb furthered its commitment to innovative research by opening the 52,000-square foot Squibb Institute for Medical Research in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
SQUIBB INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
Squibb furthered its commitment to innovative research by opening the 52,000-square foot Squibb Institute for Medical Research in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
1939
INTOCOSTRIN
Squibb researchers develop a new method for preparing curare and provide free samples of Intocostrin to clinical researchers, who find the curare extract helpful in relaxing the muscles of surgical patients.
INTOCOSTRIN
Squibb researchers develop a new method for preparing curare and provide free samples of Intocostrin to clinical researchers, who find the curare extract helpful in relaxing the muscles of surgical patients.
CHEPLIN BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES
Bristol-Myers acquires Cheplin Laboratories in Syracuse, New York, enabling it to mass produce penicillin during World War II. This marks the company’s entry into ethical drug development.
Bristol-Myers acquires Cheplin Laboratories in Syracuse, New York, enabling it to mass produce penicillin during World War II. This marks the company’s entry into ethical drug development.
PENICILLIN PRODUCTION PLANT
Squibb opens the world’s largest penicillin production facility in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
PENICILLIN PRODUCTION PLANT
Squibb opens the world’s largest penicillin production facility in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
1948
FLO-CILLIN ‘96’
Bristol Laboratories introduces Flo-Cillin 96, a long-lasting injectable penicillin.
NEW PAIN RELIEVER
Bufferin is also introduced.
1955
SQUIBB RECEIVES THE LASKER AWARD
The company receives one of the most respected science prizes in the world for discovering anti-tubercular properties for an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
SQUIBB RECEIVES THE LASKER AWARD
The company receives one of the most respected science prizes in the world for discovering anti-tubercular properties for an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
EARLY CANCER RESEARCH
Bristol-Myers enters the cancer drug development field, building on collaborations around promising antibiotics with the Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation of Japan.
Bristol-Myers enters the cancer drug development field, building on collaborations around promising antibiotics with the Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation of Japan.
CLAIROL PURCHASED
Bristol-Myers acquires the hair-coloring company Clairol, which was founded in 1931 by Joan and Lawrence M. Gelb. Their son, Richard L. Gelb, would later serve as Bristol-Myers’ president, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
CLAIROL PURCHASED
Bristol-Myers acquires the hair-coloring company Clairol, which was founded in 1931 by Joan and Lawrence M. Gelb. Their son, Richard L. Gelb, would later serve as Bristol-Myers’ president, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
NEW LABORATORY
Ground is broken for the construction of Bristol-Myers Products research and development laboratories in Hillside, New Jersey. It is the largest proprietary laboratory in the world.
Ground is broken for the construction of Bristol-Myers Products research and development laboratories in Hillside, New Jersey. It is the largest proprietary laboratory in the world.
MEAD JOHNSON & COMPANY
Bristol-Myers Squibb acquires Mead Johnson. At the time, Mead-Johnson produces the only comprehensive line of infant feeding needs.
MEAD JOHNSON & COMPANY
Bristol-Myers Squibb acquires Mead Johnson. At the time, Mead-Johnson produces the only comprehensive line of infant feeding needs.
1967
Anti-Cancer Treatment
Squibb researchers develop the company’s first anti-cancer treatment.
Anti-Cancer Treatment
Squibb researchers develop the company’s first anti-cancer treatment.
SQUIBB HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED
Squibb establishes worldwide headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, and expands facilities for the Squibb Institute for Medical Research. This allows Squibb to make more groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.
Squibb establishes worldwide headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, and expands facilities for the Squibb Institute for Medical Research. This allows Squibb to make more groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.
PALOMAR PICTURES INTERNATIONAL
Bristol-Myers announces the formation of Palomar Pictures International. Palomar produces several films, including The Stepford Wives and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. The company exits the film business two years later.
PALOMAR PICTURES INTERNATIONAL
Bristol-Myers announces the formation of Palomar Pictures International. Palomar produces several films, including The Stepford Wives and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. The company exits the film business two years later.
1973
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves MUTAMYCIN® (mytomycin).
1974
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves BLENOXANE® (bleomycin sulfate).
1975
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves CAPOTEN® (captopril).
1976
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves CeeNU® (lomustine) and BICNU® (carmustine).
CREATION OF CONVATEC
ConvaTec is formed by Squibb to market ostomy and wound therapy products.
ConvaTec is formed by Squibb to market ostomy and wound therapy products.
1979
PRODUCT APPROVAL
PLATINOL® (cisplatin) becomes the first platinum-containing anti-cancer drug for testicular cancer.
PRODUCT APPROVAL
PLATINOL® (cisplatin) becomes the first platinum-containing anti-cancer drug for testicular cancer.
1983
PRODUCT APPROVAL
The FDA approves VEPESID® (etoposide).
1986
BRISTOL-MYERS RESEARCH COMPLEX OPENS
Bristol-Myers opens a state-of-the-art research complex in Wallingford, Connecticut, housing more than 800 scientists and support staff. In 1995, it is named the Richard L. Gelb Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development after the former chairman and CEO.
BRISTOL-MYERS RESEARCH COMPLEX OPENS
Bristol-Myers opens a state-of-the-art research complex in Wallingford, Connecticut, housing more than 800 scientists and support staff. In 1995, it is named the Richard L. Gelb Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development after the former chairman and CEO.
1986
PRODUCT APPROVAL
BUSPAR, discovered by Bristol-Myers neuroscience researchers, is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
PRODUCT APPROVAL
BUSPAR, discovered by Bristol-Myers neuroscience researchers, is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
BRISTOL-MYERS AND SQUIBB MERGE
Bristol-Myers merges with Squibb, creating a global leader in the health care industry. The merger creates Bristol-Myers Squibb, the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical enterprise. One of the first medicines the new company introduces is PARAPLATIN, approved for treating recurrent ovarian cancer.
BRISTOL-MYERS AND SQUIBB MERGE
Bristol-Myers merges with Squibb, creating a global leader in the health care industry. The merger creates Bristol-Myers Squibb, the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical enterprise. One of the first medicines the new company introduces is PARAPLATIN, approved for treating recurrent ovarian cancer.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED
Inspired by the Bristol-Myers Fund established in 1953, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is created to promote health equity and improve health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases. Through its work around the globe, the Foundation focuses on strengthening health care worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease.
Inspired by the Bristol-Myers Fund established in 1953, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is created to promote health equity and improve health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases. Through its work around the globe, the Foundation focuses on strengthening health care worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease.
1991
Product Approval
FDA approves TAXOL® paclitaxel.
FDA approves VIDEX® (didanosine).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
Product Approval
FDA approves TAXOL® paclitaxel.
FDA approves VIDEX® (didanosine).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
1994
PRODUCT APPROVAL
PRODUCT APPROVAL
1995
PRODUCT APPROVAL
The FDA approves ZERIT® (stavudine).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
PRODUCT APPROVAL
The FDA approves ZERIT® (stavudine).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
RESEARCH CAMPUS OPENS
Bristol-Myers Squibb opens a 433-acre research campus in Hopewell, New Jersey.
RESEARCH CAMPUS OPENS
Bristol-Myers Squibb opens a 433-acre research campus in Hopewell, New Jersey.
1997
PRODUCT APPROVAL
The FDA approves two medicines co-developed with Sanofi: AVAPRO and PLAVIX® (clopidogrel bisulfate).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information for PLAVIX including Boxed WARNING (PDF)
PRODUCT APPROVAL
The FDA approves two medicines co-developed with Sanofi: AVAPRO and PLAVIX® (clopidogrel bisulfate).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information for PLAVIX including Boxed WARNING (PDF)
NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY
President Bill Clinton awards the National Medal of Technology — America’s highest honor for technological innovation — to Bristol-Myers Squibb "for extending and enhancing human life through innovative pharmaceutical research and development, and for redefining the science of clinical study through groundbreaking and hugely complex clinical trials that are recognized models in the industry."
President Bill Clinton awards the National Medal of Technology — America’s highest honor for technological innovation — to Bristol-Myers Squibb "for extending and enhancing human life through innovative pharmaceutical research and development, and for redefining the science of clinical study through groundbreaking and hugely complex clinical trials that are recognized models in the industry."
SECURE THE FUTURE INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announces SECURE THE FUTURE®, a $100 million commitment to advance HIV/AIDS research and community outreach programs in seven African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.
SECURE THE FUTURE INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announces SECURE THE FUTURE®, a $100 million commitment to advance HIV/AIDS research and community outreach programs in seven African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OPENS
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital opens as part of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The first freestanding children’s hospital in the state, it offers care without regard to a family’s ability to pay and offers more than 45 pediatric specialties.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital opens as part of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The first freestanding children’s hospital in the state, it offers care without regard to a family’s ability to pay and offers more than 45 pediatric specialties.
DUPONT PHARMACEUTICALS PURCHASED
DuPont pharmaceuticals is acquired, strengthening Bristol-Myers Squibb’s HIV and cardiovascular businesses while also adding medical imaging.
DuPont pharmaceuticals is acquired, strengthening Bristol-Myers Squibb’s HIV and cardiovascular businesses while also adding medical imaging.
2001
PRODUCT ACQUISITION
Bristol-Myers Squibb gains SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) and COUMADIN® (warfarin sodium) from DuPont purchase.
U.S. Full Prescribing Information for COUMADIN including Boxed WARNING (PDF)
PRODUCT ACQUISITION
Bristol-Myers Squibb gains SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) and COUMADIN® (warfarin sodium) from DuPont purchase.
U.S. Full Prescribing Information for COUMADIN including Boxed WARNING (PDF)
2002
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves ABILIFY® (aripiprazole).
2004
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves BARACLUDE® (entecavir).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
FDA approves ERBITUX® (cetuximab).
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves BARACLUDE® (entecavir).
U.S. Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNINGS (PDF)
FDA approves ERBITUX® (cetuximab).
2006
Product Approval
Product Approval
2007
CLINICAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH HIV/AIDS OPENS
The clinical center at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is dedicated to the research and treatment of children’s immune system disorders and infectious diseases. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Pediatric Infectious Disease and Immunology Center is made possible by a $5 million gift from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.
CLINICAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH HIV/AIDS OPENS
The clinical center at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is dedicated to the research and treatment of children’s immune system disorders and infectious diseases. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Pediatric Infectious Disease and Immunology Center is made possible by a $5 million gift from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.
2007
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves IXEMPRA® (ixabepilone).
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB ACQUIRES MEDAREX
Bristol-Myers Squibb acquires Medarex, Inc., a biotech company and a partner since 2005. The acquisition significantly expands the company’s oncology and immunology pipeline.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB ACQUIRES MEDAREX
Bristol-Myers Squibb acquires Medarex, Inc., a biotech company and a partner since 2005. The acquisition significantly expands the company’s oncology and immunology pipeline.
2009
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves ONGLYZA® (saxagliptin).
2010
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves KOMBIGLYZE® XR (saxagliptin and metformin HCl extended‐release).
PRODUCT APPROVAL
FDA approves KOMBIGLYZE® XR (saxagliptin and metformin HCl extended‐release).
2011
PRODUCT APPROVAL
PRODUCT APPROVAL
2012
Product Approval
Product Approval
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
To expand its capabilities in development and manufacturing of biologics, the company announces a $250 million expansion of its manufacturing complex in Devens, Massachusetts.
To expand its capabilities in development and manufacturing of biologics, the company announces a $250 million expansion of its manufacturing complex in Devens, Massachusetts.
2014
EXPANSION CONTINUES
Construction begins on a new, large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath, Ireland, to be built on the grounds of its existing bulk pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
A new state-of-the-art office campus is planned for Lawrenceville, New Jersey, to replace leased facilities in Plainsboro and West Windsor.
EXPANSION CONTINUES
Construction begins on a new, large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath, Ireland, to be built on the grounds of its existing bulk pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
A new state-of-the-art office campus is planned for Lawrenceville, New Jersey, to replace leased facilities in Plainsboro and West Windsor.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB NAMED A LEADING SUSTAINABLE COMPANY
Bristol-Myers Squibb is recognized as one of Dow Jones’ North America Index of Leading Sustainable Companies. Its efforts to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability are core to the mission and reflect its ongoing commitment to patients, employees and partners, the environment and communities around the world.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Celebrates 60th Anniversary
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation marks a quarter of a century helping millions of people across the world overcome serious diseases.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB NAMED A LEADING SUSTAINABLE COMPANY
Bristol-Myers Squibb is recognized as one of Dow Jones’ North America Index of Leading Sustainable Companies. Its efforts to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability are core to the mission and reflect its ongoing commitment to patients, employees and partners, the environment and communities around the world.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Celebrates 60th Anniversary
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation marks a quarter of a century helping millions of people across the world overcome serious diseases.
PRINCETON PIKE CAMPUS OPENS
This state-of-the-art campus in New Jersey features work space designed to foster greater innovation, productivity and collaboration.
This state-of-the-art campus in New Jersey features work space designed to foster greater innovation, productivity and collaboration.
PRIX GALIEN AWARD
Bristol-Myers Squibb is awarded the Prix Galien U.S. “Discovery of the Decade.” This is the third Prix Galien honor that the company has received, after being recognized for “Best Biotechnology Product” in 2012 and “Best Biotechnology Product” in 2015.
Bristol-Myers Squibb is awarded the Prix Galien U.S. “Discovery of the Decade.” This is the third Prix Galien honor that the company has received, after being recognized for “Best Biotechnology Product” in 2012 and “Best Biotechnology Product” in 2015.
2017
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CELEBRATES 130TH ANNIVERSARY
Chairman and CEO Giovanni Caforio rings the New York Stock Exchange’s Closing Bell in celebration of the company milestone.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CELEBRATES 130TH ANNIVERSARY
Chairman and CEO Giovanni Caforio rings the New York Stock Exchange’s Closing Bell in celebration of the company milestone.