From humble beginnings to global healthcare leader
In 1962, Pharma-Deko Plc started in Nigeria as Parke-Davis & Company (US) operating a non-trading branch in Nigeria to promote its range of quality pharmaceutical products.
In 1969, the company was incorporated under Nigerian law as Parke-Davis & Co (Nig.) Ltd, a private company. Prior to this, the company imported and distributed its products using appointed agents.
In 1972, following the promulgation of the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree, 40% shares were sold to Nigerian citizens and associations. The company operated under the name PARKE-DAVIS for this period.
In 1977, the newly incorporated company took over the importation and distribution of its products.
In 1980, the company formerly known as Parke-Davis & Co (Nig) Ltd changed its name to Pharma-Deko Limited, and in pursuance of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree of 1990, is now known as PHARMA-DEKO PLC to date.
The only company engaged in the manufacture of suppositories in Nigeria (Phardol Suppository brands of paracetamol administered rectally, and Anuproct plain and Anuproct+ brands of anti-haemorrhoidal drugs), 1990.
In 1995, PHARMA-DEKO PLC in a bid to entrench itself in the heart of Nigeria's consumer economy, expanded its market share and increased its bottom-line, researched, developed and introduced SANS CREAM SODA, a sugar-free, healthy drink targeted at high net-worth individuals in addition to its Pharmaceuticals and Oral Care Product Lines. SANS CREAM SODA carved a niche for itself and a sizable share of the Nigerian drinks market, being the first locally manufactured and only surviving sugar-free cream soda in Nigeria, contributing over 70% of the company's turnover yearly.
In 1999, Pharma-Deko became the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria to be ISO Certified.
In 2003, the company introduced other support brands like Dextra Energy, Dextra Black Currant Drinks and Bien Flavoured Water in different flavours (Apple, Peach, Guava, Banana & Lime and Tropical Blend). All of these playing in different segments of the Nigerian drinks market added up, tripling the company's turnover in 2003.
In recognition of the importance of Oral Care to the total health of the individual, the company in the year 2020 after COVID-19 decided to enlarge the scope of Oral Care Products to include Brett Minty Mouthwash , Brett Gold Mouthwash , Brett Zero Mouthwash , and the therapeutic ranges which include Hexedene Mouthwash (Hexetidine as the active ingredient) and Hexedene Active (Chlorhexidine Digluconate). Our Hexedene Mouthwashes are now recognised and used in the dental unit of public and private health institutions across Nigeria.
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