History

1931 - The company is founded as the first manufacturer of commercially prepared intravenous solutions.

1933 - During its first two years, the company distributed products manufactured by another company in Los Angeles owned by Dr. Don Baxter. But as demand grew in the Midwest, the need for a more central manufacturing base became apparent. In 1933, the company opened its first manufacturing facility in a renovated automobile showroom in Glenview, Illinois. There, six employees turned out the complete line of five solutions in glass containers.

1935 - The young company prospered and its products earned a reputation for safety and effectiveness, giving physicians new confidence in intravenous therapy. Dr. Ralph Falk purchased Dr. Baxter´s interest in the company. He also developed an research-and-development function that was the beginning of the company's pioneering advances in medical technology. Strong commitment to R&D continues today as the key to the company´s product development efforts.

 

1939 - In 1939, the company, now named Baxter Laboratories, introduced the Transfuso-Vac container, the first sterile, vacuum-type blood collection and storage unit. Before this breakthrough product, blood could be stored for only a few hours; the new container allowed storage for up to 21 days, making blood banking practical for the first time.

1941 - When World War II broke out, many of Baxter's blood-collection devices and 25 solutions were the only ones that met the specifications of the U.S. Armed Forces. Temporary plants opened to meet increased demand. However, at the end of the war, demand diminished and the company focused on its need for strong leadership to move the company forward.

The Plasma-Vac container provides the first means of separating plasma from whole blood and storing it for future use.
 
1944 - Early in the '40s, a Dutch physician named Willem Kolff began searching for a way to use dialysis, the process by which particles pass through a membrane, to treat patients with kidney failure. In 1944, his work resulted in the Kolff rotating drum kidney, the first machine to remove waste materials successfully from the blood through dialysis. Constructed of wood slats and a cellophane membrane, the Kolff artificial kidney required extensive setup and took over six hours to perform dialysis.

1945 - A young patent lawyer named William B. Graham joined the company in 1945 as vice president and manager, and in 1953, succeeded founder Ralph Falk as chief executive officer (CEO). Baxter established one of the most outstanding growth records in American industry during Mr. Graham's tenure as CEO. In 1945, sales exceed $1.5 million.

1947 - In 1947, the company moved from its Glenview plant to a larger, central base of operations in Morton Grove, Illinois. The move enabled the company to respond to developments in medical care during the '40s that would have a profound impact on Baxter in years to come: blood therapy and kidney dialysis.

1948 - The end of World War II allowed application of emerging plastics technology to the task of storing human blood. In 1948, Dr. Carl Walter, a noted Boston surgeon and co-founder of Fenwal Laboratories, invented the non-breakable Blood-Pack plastic container.

1950 - The company grew quickly and began increasing production capacity, as well as new products and international markets. The ´50s ushered in a period of expansion: in 1950, the company opened its second U.S. plant, in Cleveland, Mississippi.

1952 - Baxter acquired Hyland Laboratories, the first US company to make human plasma commercially available.

1953 - William B. Graham becomes president and chief executive officer, and Baxter begins 25 consecutive years of more than 20-percent annual earnings growth.

1954 - The company expanded internationally with the opening of an office in Belgium.

1956 - Seeking a medical company that would help develop his kidney dialysis machine (essentially made up of of orange juice cans and a washing machine), Dr. Willem Kolff found an ally in Mr. Graham, who was intrigued by the product and saw its possibilities.

By 1956, Baxter medical engineers had improved the original construction and had meticulously built 184 working artificial kidneys. Baxter introduced the first commercially built artificial kidney, making life-saving dialysis possible for people with end-stage renal disease. However, the artificial kidney did not immediately receive widespread acceptance in the medical community. The company persevered and today provides products for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), as well as transplantation.
 
1959 - Fenwal Laboratories was purchased in 1959. The unit´s BLOOD-PACK plastic system for collection and processing of whole blood later led to Baxter´s development of the VIAFLEX plastic IV bag, another major innovation in IV therapy. More recently, the technology was applied in the development of a flexible plastic delivery system for dialysis solutions for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), another Baxter first.

In the late ´50s, Baxter formally established an international division to sell Baxter products around the world. Today, more than half of Baxter sales come from non-U.S. markets. Today, the company has more than 250 facilities in 50 countries around the world and its products are used by patients and health-care professionals in more than 100 countries.

The long-term relationship between Baxter and American Hospital Supply Corporation ended. American had been the primary distributor for Baxter products since the 1930s. For the first time, Baxter became committed to its own U.S.-based sales team.

1960 - Edwards Laboratories, later to become a division of Baxter, introduces the first implantable heart valve in the United States. Over the next few years, Edwards also introduced the industry´s first "balloon" catheters for therapeutic use: the SWAN-GANZ cardiac-monitoring catheter and the FOGARTY catheter for removing clots from peripheral blood vessels.

1961 - Baxter´s performance had made it increasingly attractive to investors, and on May 15, 1961 Baxter stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. During the ´60s , Travenol (from inTRAVENous sOLutions) was added to the company name and the Travenol "flag" was introduced.

1962 - Baxter introduces the first disposable total-bypass blood-oxygenator, making open-heart surgery possible.

1968 - The company´s Hyland division introduces the first commercially produced Factor VIII concentrate to treat hemophilia.

 

1969 - Baxter opened its Round Lake, Illinois research facility.

1970 - Throughout the ´60s, Baxter had worked to adapt plastic container technology for use in IV therapy. The result was the VIAFLEX plastic IV container, a major advance in IV therapy because it allowed the infusion of a solution without opening the system to contamination. US Food and Drug Administration approval for the Viaflex bag started Baxter on a high note for the next decade.

In 1970, construction began on a new manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, to supply IV solutions in Baxter´s new IV bags. Today, the North Cove plant is among the largest IV solutions plants in the world.

 

In technology, cardiovascular disease and open-heart surgery entered the realm of possibility and Baxter introduced the first disposable "bubble" oxygenator for heart-lung bypass with the help of renowned heart surgeons Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley. In blood therapy, Hyland introduced HEMOFIL antohemophilic factor, a revolutionary product for the treatment of hemophilia.

 

1971 - Baxter joins Fortune magazine´s listing of the 500 largest American corporations. Sales for the year reach $242 million.

 

1975 - The company moves into its current corporate headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois.

1978 - Baxter introduces continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) as a practical alternative to hemodialysis. The company´s sales for the year exceed $1 billion.

1979 - The company introduces the first automated blood-cell separator, the CS-3000 system.

1980 - Vernon R. Loucks Jr. becomes president and chief executive officer, succeeding William B. Graham.

1984 - The Novacor left-ventricular assist system (LVAS), a technology later acquired by Baxter, becomes the first LVAS to keep alive a patient with a dying heart until a donor heart becomes available for transplant.

1985 - Baxter acquires American Hospital Supply Corporation, becoming a broad-based health-care products distributor in addition to a developer of medical technologies.

1991 - The company introduced the INTERLINK IV Access System, the first "needleless" system for IV therapy, protecting health-care workers from needle-stick accidents. 

1992 - Hyland introduced RECOMBINATE Antihemophilic Factor (recombinant), the first genetically manufactured Factor VIII product. 

1994 - Baxter introduced the HOMECHOICE dialysis machine, a compact, user-friendly device that cleanses the patient´s blood overnight.

 

The Novacor LVAS is approved for sale in Europe as either a "bridge" to transplant or a long-term alternative to transplant.

 

A new plant opens in Singapore to manufacture peritoneal-dialysis solutions for the Asian market.
 
1995 - Baxter gained approval in Japan for its new AMICUS blood-cell separator; approval in Europe for its ISOLEX cell-separator system; and U.S. approval for its new SPIRALGOLD oxygenator.

 

Nextran becomes a wholly owned affiliate of Baxter, focusing on research in xenotransplantation, or animal-to-human transplants.

 

Baxter opens a plant in China to manufacture peritoneal-dialysis solutions for the Chinese market.
 
1996 - Baxter announces plans to open two more plants in China, these to manufacture IV solutions.

Baxter spins off Allegiance Corporation, America´s leading provider of health-care products and cost-management services. Baxter renews its focus on its core technologies of renal technology, biotechnology, cardiovascular medicine and medication delivery, and increases its emphasis on global expansion.

 

Baxter´s HemAssist (DCLHb) hemoglobin therapeutic, or "blood substitute," is the first to receive clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enter Phase III clinical testing for patients in elective surgery and those suffering from severe trauma.

 

Baxter receives clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its new COLLEAGUE volumetric infusion pump, which is designed to provide accurate, cost-effective infusion for a broad range of therapies.

 

Baxter acquires more than 50 percent of Immuno International AG, a leading manufacturer of biological products and plasma derivatives.
 
1997 - Baxter launches the AMICUS automated blood-component collection and separation system in the United States. The system received approval in Japan in 1995 and in Europe in 1996.

 

The Edwards MIRA bileaflet mechanical heart valve received CE mark approval from European regulatory authorities.

 

Baxter acquires Immuno International AG, an international leader in infectious disease research and the development of blood products, related biologics and vaccines.

The first comprehensive system for Vacuum-Assisted Venous Return is introduced. The system, which facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass during conventional and minimally invasive cardiac surgery, uses vacuum capabilities already present in the operating room to perform efficient perfusion through smaller cannulae.
 
1998 - Baxter acquires Ohmeda´s Pharmaceutical Products Division from The BOC Group, the North American leader in the production of inhalation agents and drugs used for general and local anesthesia in surgical suites and intensive care units.

 

Baxter acquires Somatogen, a biopharmaceutical company developing recombinant hemoglobin technology.

 

Baxter receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its TISSEEL Fibrin Sealant, the first fibrin sealant to receive approval in the United States, indicated as an adjunct to hemostasis, and replicating the natural blood clotting process to stop bleeding in surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass and repair of the spleen. Tisseel also is indicated as a sealant for colostomy closure.

 

Baxter receives clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Novacor® LVAS in the United States as a bridge to a heart transplant.

 

Baxter receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to manufacture much needed RECOMBINATE Antihemophilic Factor (recombinant) at its new biotechnology facility in Thousand Oaks, California, increasing by up to 40 percent its global supply of recombinant Factor VIII.
 
1999 - Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., becomes chief executive officer, succeeding Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

 

Baxter and Gambro AB announce the establishment of a U.S.-based manufacturing joint venture for dialyzers at Baxter´s production facility in Mountain Home, Ark.

 

Baxter introduces HomeChoice PRO with PD Link, an advanced at-home kidney dialysis system designed to improve the care of people with chronic kidney failure by using advanced computer technology to automatically monitor and communicate critical therapy data from a patient´s home to his or her physician.

2000 -  Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr, becomes chairman of the board of directors, in addition to chief executive officer, succeeding Vernon R. Loucks Jr.

 

Baxter acquires Althin Medical A.B., a leading manufacturer of hemodialysis products.

 

Baxter completes the spin-off of its cardiovascular business as a separate, publicly traded entity under the name of Edwards Lifesciences.

 

Baxter announces its plans to invest approximately $400 million to expand and upgrade its Hyland Immuno facilities in California, Switzerland and Austria.

 

Baxter is one of five leading health-care companies to create the Global Healthcare Exchange, an independent, Internet-based company that facilitates the exchange of information related to buying, selling and distributing medical equipment, devices and healthcare products and related services worldwide.

 

Baxter´s North Cove, NC, facility is named a recipient of the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.

 

Baxter completes $380 million acquisition of Columbia, Maryland-based North American Vaccine.

 

Baxter receives FDA licensure for a second production suite at its Thousand Oaks, California, facility where Baxter manufactures recombinant Factor VIII therapy.
 
2001 - Baxter launches its new SEPACELL RZ-2000 leukoreduction filter for use with whole blood for transfusion.

 

Baxter´s senior management team voluntarily converts restricted stock to options to better align incentives directly with shareholder interests.

 

Baxter acquires Sera-Tec Biologicals, L.P. through its Community Bio-Resources. Sera-Tec owns and operates plasma centers and a central testing laboratory.

 

Baxter´s Board of Directors approves a two-for-one split of the company´s common stock - the first common stock split since 1983.

 

Baxter´s Mountain Home, Arkansas, facility is named a recipient of the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.

 

Baxter announces plans to invest an additional $70 million to further expand and upgrade its BioScience facilities in California, Michigan, Italy, Belgium and Austria.

 

Baxter acquires Cook Pharmaceutical Solutions, a unit of Cook Group Incorporated.

 

Baxter receives U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for a third production suite at its BioScience facility in Thousand Oaks, California.

 

Baxter acquires proprietary recombinant erythropoietin (epo) drug for the treatment of anemia.

 

Baxter completes acquisition of ASTA Medica Onkologie GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Düsseldorf-based Degussa, AG for approximately $470 million.

 

Baxter announced that it would participate in the production of approximately 155 million doses of smallpox vaccine for the United States government, in conjunction with Acambis Inc.
 
2002 - Baxter announces that it shipped more than one billion units of RECOMBINATE Antihemophilic Factor (rAHF), the company´s recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII) therapy, in 2001 from its BioScience facility in Thousand Oaks, California.

 

Baxter announces the locations of two new, state-of-the-art vaccine production facilities in Austria and the Czech Republic.

 

Baxter receives regulatory approval in the Netherlands for INFLUJECT, the company´s novel new influenza vaccine.

 

Baxter´s Mountain Home, Arkansas, facility named a STAR site as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration´s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program, which recognizes exemplary safety and health programs.

 

Baxter completes acquisition of Fusion Medical Technologies for approximately $157 million of Baxter common stock in a stock-for-stock merger.
 

Baxter receives clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market the Accura Hemofiltration System, the company´s new instrument that delivers continuous renal replacement (CRRT) and plasma therapies in critical care settings.
 
Baxter announces intent to divest the majority of the services component of its Renal business.
 
Baxter announces ENLIGHTENEDHRBC bar coding technology, providing next generation patient and medication management system that links to IV pumps at the point of care.
 
Baxter announces definitive agreement to acquire Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and other assets from Alpha Therapeutic Corporation.
 
Baxter completes its acquisition of the majority of ESI Lederle (ESI), a division of Wyeth, for approximately $305 million in cash.
 
Baxter receives FDA approval of EXTRANEAL (icodextrin), a peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution.

 
2003 - Baxter launches its innovative, high-resolution ENLIGHTENEDHRBC bar code technology for its flexible IV containers and commits to apply bar coding to its entire line of IV fluids and medications
 
Baxter announces that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved EXTRANEAL (icodextrin), a peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution, in Japan.
 
Baxter receives 510K clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market ARENA, a hemodialysis device that offers a broad range of features to assist health-care professionals administer therapies to end-stage renal disease patients through a more user-friendly design.
 
Baxter announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ADVATE for the prevention and control of bleeding episodes in people with    hemophilia A. ADVATE is the first and only factor VIII made without any added human or animal plasma proteins and albumin in the cell culture process, purification and final formulation, thereby eliminating the risk of infections caused by viruses that may be carried in these proteins.
 
Baxter announces the launch of the Syndeo PCA Syringe Pump, which delivers pre-determined doses of pain medication to patients on a prescribed basis.
 
Baxter announces the completion of its acquisition of certain assets from Alpha Therapeutic Corporation, including Aralast alpha-1 antitrypsin therapeutic.

 

2004 - Baxter receives European Commission Marketing Authorization for ADVATE.
 
Baxter’s board of directors elects Robert L. Parkinson, Jr. as the company’s new chairman and chief executive officer, succeeding Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr.
 
Baxter announces the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of Fluconazole, a generic formulation of a commonly used, intravenous anti-fungal, used in the treatment of serious fungal (Candida) infections.

 

Baxter receives European Union expanded approval of ADVATE for use in children with haemophilia A, less than six years old.

 

 

2005 - Baxter receives 510k clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its wireless pump connectivity interface that enables hospitals to connect Baxter's COLLEAGUE CX infusion pump to its Patient Care System.

 

Baxter and The American National Red Cross announce agreement to terminate contract manufacturing arrangements for plasma products.

 

Baxter assumes the U.S. marketing and distribution rights for Cangene Corporation's WinRho SDF, used to treat a critical bleeding disorder called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

 

Baxter and Cangene Corporation receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the liquid formulation of WinRho SDF.

 

Baxter receives marketing approval from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration for ADVATE to treat haemophilia A.

 

Baxter receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for GAMMAGARD Liquid 10% for patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders.

 

 

2006 -Baxter commemorates 75 years of leadership and innovation in healthcare.  Click here for more information.