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Historical milestones

Pronova BioPharma has evolved from a long history of development and strategic growth, the key aspects of which are as follows:

  • 1935: A fish oil processing factory established in 1935 by Jahres Fabrikker in Sandefjord, Norway and Johan C. Martens & Company in Bergen
  • 1986 to 1988: Norsk Hydro acquired the Johan C. Martens & Company and the Jahres Fabrikker company, to develop their omega-3 fish oil containing EPA and DHA
  • 1988: Norsk Hydro filed for patent protection in the United Kingdom for product composition and therapeutic use of active pharmaceutical ingredient
  • 1992: The patent was issued and has coverage in 26 countries. A merger between Johan C. Martens & Company and Jahres Fabrikker, to form Pronova Biocare
  • 1994: Registration of the first commercialised product for the HTG indication in Europe was granted with the commercial launch in Italy
  • 1999: Registration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient for the Post-MI indication in Europe was granted
  • 2004 to 2005: Ferd Private Equity Fund I acquired Pronova Biocare. Consumer and industrial brands sold, to cultivate Pronova Biocare as a pharmaceutical company
  • 2004: FDA registration of Omacor and Lovaza for the HTG indication and treatment as an adjunct to diet for patients with “very high” levels of triglycerides in the USA

  • 2006: PB Holding acquired controlling interest in Pronova Biocare and the group was established
  • 2007: Change of name to Pronova BioPharma. Listing of the company’s shares at Oslo Børs. GlaxoSmithKline acquired Pronova BioPharma’s US distribution partner