The German Origins of Fresubin
Fresubin, a globally recognized brand of clinical nutrition, was developed and manufactured by the German healthcare company Fresenius Kabi. The product's history is closely tied to its parent company, which was founded in Germany in the early 20th century. The heritage of Fresenius in German pharmaceutical and medical history provided the foundation for the creation of the Fresubin product line.
From a Local Pharmacy to a Global Powerhouse
The history of Fresenius began with the Hirsch Pharmacy in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In 1912, pharmacist Dr. Eduard Fresenius founded the pharmaceutical company Dr. E. Fresenius. This was a crucial step towards becoming a major global healthcare company. The company expanded, selling dialysis machines and dialyzers from 1966 and manufacturing infusion solutions and medical disposables in Germany by 1974. The first ready-to-use tube feed, Fresubin, was introduced in 1979. In 1999, the merger of the Fresenius Group's pharma division with Pharmacia & Upjohn (Kabi) created Fresenius Kabi.
Fresubin's Development and Global Reach
Fresubin's development is directly linked to Fresenius Kabi's efforts in Germany. Although the company has a global operational presence with numerous manufacturing plants and R&D centers, the core engineering and development for Fresubin originated from its German background. This long history has enabled the refinement and expansion of the Fresubin product range over time. Fresenius Kabi and its Fresubin products are now available in many countries across the globe.
Fresenius Kabi's Expansive Portfolio
Beyond Fresubin, Fresenius Kabi offers a wide range of products including I.V. generic drugs, infusion therapies, medical devices, and biosimilars. Clinical nutrition is a significant part of its business, exemplified by the Fresubin brand. The company's research and development support millions of patients requiring specialized nutritional support.
Fresenius Kabi's International Manufacturing Network vs. German Heritage
| Aspect | German Heritage (Fresenius Kabi) | Global Manufacturing Network |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Traces back to Hirsch Pharmacy in Frankfurt, Germany (1462), with the pharmaceutical company founded in 1912 | Comprises over 90 manufacturing plants and R&D centers in multiple countries |
| Development | Fresubin was engineered in Germany, with the first product introduced in 1979 | Regional and local manufacturing allows for tailored products and wider distribution |
| Headquarters | Located in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany | Regional headquarters in Asia, Europe, and North America help manage local markets |
| Commitment | Driven by a century-long tradition of clinical excellence and commitment to human health | Ensures accessibility and local market responsiveness for essential medical products globally |
Milestones in Fresubin's History
- 1912: The pharmaceutical company Dr. E. Fresenius is founded in Germany.
- 1975: A clinical formula is introduced that precedes the modern Fresubin brand.
- 1979: The first ready-to-use tube feed, Fresubin, is launched by the German company.
- 1999: Fresenius Kabi is formed through a merger.
- 2025: Fresubin is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Conclusion
While Fresubin products are distributed and potentially manufactured globally, their origin lies in Germany. Fresenius Kabi, the company that created and first developed Fresubin, has deep roots in German healthcare history, and the product's engineering remains connected to this heritage. Fresubin represents a long tradition of German innovation in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors that has since achieved global reach.
For more information on the company's heritage and global operations, visit the official Fresenius Kabi website. About Fresenius Kabi
