Pharmacelsus is an independent and privately held company, which was founded in April 2000 in Saarbruecken, Germany. Over the years, Pharmacelsus experienced steady growth and established itself as one of the premier CROs in Germany.

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1998

Dr. Christine Batzl-Hartmann (CEO) decides to end her 9-year tenure in pharmaceutical research at Novartis (Basel, Switzerland) and prepares to found her own business. In honour of the Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus, she plans to name the company Pharmacelsus.

 

2000

On April 1, Pharmacelsus is founded in Saarbrücken (Germany). At this stage, Pharmacelsus has just four scientists and rents a 70m²-basement laboratory located on the campus of the Saarland University (Germany). One month prior to the official start, Pharmacelsus was recognized by the Science4life Hessen Venture Cup for its business concept.

 

2001 Pharmacelsus has expanded quickly and moves to the Starter Center of the Saarland University. Now, the company occupies 200 m² of combined lab and office space and grows to ten people. In the same year, Pharmacelsus is awarded a price by the federal state of Saarland as one of the best startup companies (“Gruenderchampion”). Also, Pharmacelsus files its first patent on a novel drug testing method.

 

2004

Pharmacelsus is included in the selection for the “Großer Preis des Mittelstandes”, an award recognizing small and medium-sized companies.

 

2005

Pharmacelsus continues to expand, leaves the university setting and moves to Science Park 2 in Saarbruecken. The combined lab and office space reaches 700 m² and the number of employees grows to 15. For the first time in its short history, Pharmacelsus can now offer its own state-of-the-art equipment that meets international standards. Pharmacelsus is now able to continue expanding its portfolio.

 

2006

For the second time in 2 years, Pharmacelsus is included in the selection for the “Großer Preis des Mittelstandes”. The number of employees passes the 20 mark.

 

2007

The state grants Pharmacelsus a permit as official training site for biological technicians. Pharmacelsus takes on its first two trainees. Pharmacelsus is named finalist in the “Großer Preis des Mittelstandes”.

 

2008

After 18 months of preparation, Pharmacelsus gets GLP certified by the state authorities. From now on, Pharmacelus can offer all studies under GLP. By the end of the year, Pharmacelsus employs 32 people and completes more than 150 customer projects.

 

2009

The service portfolio surpasses 80 assays, and the first study is performed under GLP. The same year, the office of Business and Sales Development is formed.

 

2010

Pharmacelsus celebrates its 10th anniversary.

 

2011

Today, more than 40 people work at Pharmacelsus in a combined office and lab space of more than 1,000 m².