Pfizer is an American pharmaceutical company founded in 1849 by two German immigrants, Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart. The company was originally called Charles Pfizer & Company, and it began as a small chemical company in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1858, the company began producing citric acid, which was used in a variety of products, including soft drinks and food preservatives. This was the first of many products that Pfizer would produce over the years.
In 1942, Pfizer developed the first antibiotic, penicillin, which revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. This discovery led to the development of other antibiotics, such as ampicillin and tetracycline.
In the 1950s, Pfizer began to expand its operations, opening research and development facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In the 1960s, the company began to focus on developing new drugs, such as the anti-ulcer drug Tagamet and the anti-cholesterol drug Lipitor.
In the 1980s, Pfizer began to focus on biotechnology, and in the 1990s, the company acquired several biotechnology companies, including Warner-Lambert and Pharmacia.
Today, Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with operations in more than 150 countries. The company produces a wide range of products, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vaccines, and consumer health products. Pfizer also has a strong presence in the animal health industry, producing products for both companion and farm animals.