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About Bachem
Our journey since 1971

History

Since its founding in 1971, Bachem has evolved from a specialized peptide laboratory into a global partner for peptide and oligonucleotide development and manufacturing. Our history reflects continuous expansion of scientific expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and international presence to support the growing role of TIDES therapies worldwide.

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Pattern
Pattern

From small scale Peptide Synthesis to global GMP Manufacturing

1971

Founded by Peter Grogg in Liestal, Switzerland, focusing on peptide synthesis.

1971

1977–1978

Relocation to Bubendorf; first peptides produced under GMP guidelines.

1977

1981–1991

Production capacity tripled; workforce grew to 150 employees.

1981

1987

Entry into the U.S. market with Bachem Bioscience Inc., Philadelphia.

1987

1988–1993

Sales and marketing centers opened in Germany and France.

1988

1995

Major facility expansion including quality control infrastructure.

1995

1996

Acquisition of Bachem California and subsidiaries in Germany and the UK.

1996

1998

IPO on the Swiss Stock Exchange; global workforce reached 331 employees.

1998

1999–2000

Acquisition and integration of Peninsula Laboratories.

1999

2001

Acquisition of Sochinaz SA (Vionnaz), expanding API manufacturing expertise.

2001

2003

Introduction of a holding structure to support continued growth.

2003

2007

Acquisition of the Clinalfa® brand for clinical trial materials.

2007

2011

Full integration of the Vionnaz site under the Bachem brand.

2011

2013

Collaboration with GlyTech on industrial-scale synthesis of Interferon β-1a.

2013

2015

Acquisition of American Peptide Company (Vista, CA).

2015

2016

Opening of a modern R&D and small-scale production facility in Bubendorf. Workforce surpassed 1,000 employees; sales exceeded CHF 200 million.

2016

2018

Establishment of Bachem Japan K.K., creating a physical presence in Asia. Strategic decision to expand into oligonucleotide development and manufacturing.

2018

2019

Oligonucleotide portfolio development accelerated; workforce reached 1,257 employees.

2019

2020

High investment across all sites; continued supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales exceeded CHF 400 million for the first time.

2020

2021

Bachem celebrated its 50th anniversary.

2021

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