Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We are driven to seek effective, life-changing medicines and solutions for patients with severe diseases and high unmet medical needs.

... About us

We are an independent, family-owned company with headquarters in Aachen, Germany. We are present in 29 countries with affiliates in Europe, Latin America and the USA. Our products are sold in more than 155 countries and we employ around 4,700 employees worldwide.

... Company Overview

Although firmly rooted in Germany, today we are very much a growing global Business.

... History

A mix of strong entrepreneurial spirit, close collaboration and outstanding performance define our approach to leadership alongside a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

... Leadership

At Grünenthal, conducting our business responsibly is a core part of our company’s strategy and culture. As a global leader in pain management, Grünenthal aspires to create a positive impact on society – in our core business and beyond. We are guided by integrity, transparency and the highest ethical standards.

... Responsibility

In view of our vision of a world free of pain, Grünenthal strives to provide effective medication to patients worldwide. Therefore, we continuously grow and expand our market presence and product portfolio, and we collaborate with commercial partners and multiple stakeholders from the pain management field and beyond.

... Global presence & sites

Patients’ needs are at the heart of everything we do; using our passion for science, we develop long-lasting solutions that directly address these needs.

... Products

We are dedicated to creating a better future for our patients, so getting involved with diverse initiatives that support this goal is vital.

... Initiatives

... Requests for funding

Thalidomide: Our Responsibility Today

The thalidomide tragedy is, and will remain, a significant part of our corporate history. Grünenthal’s family owners, and the company as a whole, deeply regret the consequences of this tragedy. That is why our engagement to improve the individual living situations of people affected by thalidomide is so important to us.

For many years, we have been taking responsibility for the consequences of the tragedy by supporting individuals affected by thalidomide. Through our Grünenthal Foundation, we are working together with affected people to define projects that provide needs-oriented, concrete support. We engage with them in a continuous dialogue about their current and future needs, and align our support accordingly. These regular exchanges demonstrate how important it is to engage in personal, face-to-face communication.

“For the Foundation team, personal communication with those affected is key to our work. We take the time to learn about individual needs and ensure that we’re offering support where it counts.”

Through the Grünenthal Foundation, we will continue to maintain contact with people affected by thalidomide and will always strive to adapt our support to their changing needs. Improving their quality of life will remain our focus.

As part of these efforts, the Grünenthal Foundation has approved more than 3,450 individual applications from those affected worldwide. Additionally, the Foundation has created and implemented various national and international projects for broader groups of affected people.

Financial support

Financial support is provided by the Grünenthal Foundation, as well as the German government-run Contergan Foundation, governments of foreign countries, and earlier licensees of products containing thalidomide. Together, these institutions and companies provide an effective international system of financial compensation for each person who was affected by a product containing thalidomide.

... Please visit our foundation website for more information about thalidomide and our engagement with those affected by it.

M--IE-01-24-0001 - January 2024