Our history - Ferrosan Medical Devices

Heritage as part of the future

Our journey

Ferrosan A/S was founded in 1920 in Copenhagen by Niels Jacob Herman Weitzmann. Ferrosan means “healthy iron”. Ferrosan developed the iron supplement products later known as Idozan. Subsequently, the drug Sanocrysin for the treatment of chronic rheumatoid arthritis was launched.

In 2010 Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S was demerged from Ferrosan A/S and established as its own legal entity. The engagement of Ferrosan A/S in the haemostatic area dates back to 1947 when the company developed and launched its first product, the gelatin sponge SPONGOSTAN™.

The gelatin sponge was developed in close collaboration with professor, dr.med. Jens Herman Bing – Professor of General Pathology and Head of the Pathophysiological Laboratory at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of General Pathology. Jens Herman Bing was affiliated with Ferrosan A/S from 1947.

The gelatin sponge was CE approved as a medical device in 1996 and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a pre-market approval (PMA) in 1999.

It is the extensive knowledge of more than 75 years that is the heritage of the company upon which the future is being built with the development of advanced haemostatic agent products. Today, we are a global provider of gelatin-based topical absorbable haemostatic products and handheld biopsy devices.

Start tour

1920

A/S Ferrosan was founded

A/S Ferrosan was founded on May 14th, 1920. The company Ferrosan was founded with a share capital of 30,000 DKK. The initial focus of the company was exclusively on treatment of patients with iron deficiency through the Idozan drug. Ferrosan means "healthy iron" ("sundt jern" in Danish). The entrepreneur Herman Weitzmann established A/S Ferrosan with the purpose to “manufacture and commercialize pharmaceutical products either directly or by investing in other companies with the same or a similar purpose”.

A/S Ferrosan's office was located on the 3rd floor above the "Løve pharmacy" at Amagertorv in Central Copenhagen.

In the 1920´s, A/S Ferrosan became known for the iron supplement Idozan. The picture to the right shows an advertisement for Idozan in the Danish medical journal “Ugeskrift for Læger” from December 1920.

1927

Idozan advertisement from the 1920's

An advertisement from a daily newspaper for iron supplement Idozan, produced by Ferrosan.

1946

Moving to new modern production facilities

Ferrosan moves its production to new and at that time modern production facilities at Sydmarken in Gladsaxe outside Copenhagen. Since the inauguration, the production facilities have been expanded over time. Construction of the factory began in 1937.

Today, it is the company's current address.

The picture on the right side is from its construction in 1946.

1947

Launch of SPONGOSTAN

By 1947 and after years of intense research and development efforts, Ferrosan was able to present a brand-new product called SPONGOSTAN. This time the new product was not intended for the general public, but for sterile use by surgeons in operating theaters. SPONGOSTAN was and still is a gelatin-based haemostatic sponge, which – as a major benefit – can be reabsorbed by the body.

SPONGOSTAN got registered as a trademark in "Registreringstidende", the official journal of the Danish patent and trademark authority.

1952

SPONGOSTAN haemostat promoted at Nordic Congress for Surgery

At the Nordic Congress for Surgery held at the Danish hospital Rigshospitalet in 1952, the SPONGOSTAN gelatin haemostatic sponge was promoted. Shortly after this event, SPONGOSTAN was being exported to more than 50 countries, many of which continue to demand large volumes of this product today.

1970

Ferrosan relocates to new modern manufacturing facilities

In 1970, Ferrosan moves office and laboratory facilities from Blegdamsvej in the center of Copenhagen to a new modern office building on the current address at Sydmarken 5, Gladsaxe.

1986

Novo acquires Ferrosan

The Pharmaceutical company Novo acquires Ferrosan. After the acquisition of Ferrosan, many of the current OTC drug products were moved to Novo (today Novo Nordisk) and followed by many of the employees. A new streamlined Ferrosan was established, with focus on haemostatic products, vitamin pills, food supplements, and prescription drugs. In 1995, Novo Nordisk initiates the sale of the Ferrosan Group.

1995

Ferrosan enters a distribution agreement with Johnson & Johnson

Ferrosan enters into a worldwide distribution agreement with Johnson & Johnson for the distribution of SPONGOSTAN®: a Sterile, water-insoluble, malleable, porcine gelatin absorbable sponge intended for haemostatic use by applying it to a bleeding surface.
Today SPONGOSTAN® is available in more than 100 countries worldwide.

1999

FDA PMA approval of SURGIFOAM® Sponge

Ferrosan got the FDA PMA approval of SURGIFOAM® Sponge.

2003

Ethicon launches SURGIFOAM® Powder in the United States

Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) launches SURGIFOAM® Powder in the United States. SURGIFOAM® Powder is a sterile, water-insoluble, malleable, porcine gelatin absorbable powder intended for haemostatic use by applying it to a bleeding surface.

Ferrosan Medical Devices receiving FDA approvals: SURGIFOAM® Powder approved in 2002, SURGIFOAM® Powder Kit approved in 2003.

2005

Launch of VETSPON® - haemostats for veterinary surgery

Ferrosan launches VETSPON® Absorbable Haemostatic Gelatin Sponges in the United States.

This product provides a simple way to achieve fast and effective haemostasis during veterinary surgery.

2005

First launch of SURGIFLO® Classic

Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson launches the first SURGIFLO® Classic, a hemostatic matrix, on the market and obtains FDA approval.

SURGIFLO® Classic was available in two versions:
* SURGIFLO® Classic 1991 without Thrombin.
* SURGIFLO® 199102S with 2000 units Lypholized (freeze dryed) thrombin 5ml paste.

2010

Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S is established as a separate legal entity

In June 2010 Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S is established as a separate legal entity focusing on haemostatic products and medical devices.
The focus is to develop and produce absorbable gelatin haemostats to manage bleedings during surgery.

The major products are SPONGOSTAN®, SURGIFOAM® (gelatin-based haemostatic sponges) and SURGIFLO® (haemostatic flowable). Ferrosan Medical Devices continues its global partnership with Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson). Our focus is exclusively on the development and production of haemostatic products and medical devices for clinical professionals.

Pfizer acquires the division of Ferrosan A/S related to consumer products, which include vitamins such as Multi-tabs® and dietary supplements such as Imedeen®, eMulti-tabs®, Idoform® and Fri Flyt®/Active Omega-3®.

2011

Global launch of SURGIFLO® Next Generation

In 2011-2012 Ethicon launches SURGIFLO® Next Generation, SNG and obtains CE and FDA approvals. SURGIFLO® Next Generation consists of an 8 ml paste haemostatic Matrix Kit, with and without thrombin.

2012

Ferrosan Medical Devices acquire Sonion Medical

Ferrosan Medical Devices acquires Sonion Medical, a medical device company with operations in Roskilde, Denmark and Szczecin, Poland. This business area develops medical devices for minimally invasive surgery and development and production of breast biopsy devices.

2014

Expansion of production facilities in Szczecin

The Szczecin plant expands its facilities and initiates the in-house kitting of haemostatic products.

2015

Launch of SURGIFLO® haemostatic Matrix Kit

Ethicon launch of SURGIFLO® haemostatic Matrix Kit, a flowable gelatin matrix with fully sterile packaging.

2016

Ferrosan Medical Devices is acquired by a consortium of Nordic investors

Ferrosan Medical Devices is acquired by a consortium of Nordic investors. In the following year 2017, Impilo and Kirk Kapital took over as the majority shareholders.

2017

For the first time, 1 million SURGIFLO products are produced in one year

Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S reaches a milestone with 1 million SURGIFLO haemostatic devices produced per year and continues as a fast-growing company.

2019

Next generation advanced breast biopsy device

The development of the next generation advanced breast biopsy device was completed and launched together with our global partner.

2020

Ferrosan Medical Devises celebrates its 10-year anniversary

Ferrosan Medical Devises celebrates its 10-year anniversary as an independent company.

10 years ago, on 1st of June 2010, Ferrosan Medical Devices established its legal separation from Ferrosan A/S. Ferrosan Medical Devices obtained at the same time Manufacturing License for importation of drug products and biological API's from 3rd country from The Danish Medicines Agency still with manufacturing facilities stay in Denmark at the following address:
Sydmarken 1-5
DK-2860 Soeborg.

2021

New CEO in Ferrosan Medical Devices

Rasmus Hother le Fevre becomes new CEO from March 1 2021. He replaces Henrik Krøis, who joins the board of directors after 15 years in the position as CEO. This management change is a result of a planned succession.

Rasmus Hother le Fevre comes to Ferrosan Medical Devices from Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S, where he has been the CEO since 2012. Rasmus brings much and deep experience in operations, innovation, product development as well as in the commercial introduction of new products.

Furthermore, in 2021 we reach an Employee Milestone with growth in number of employees. Ferrosan Medical Devices continues its trajectory of strong growth in sales and employees, which has characterized the company for the last decade.

Today, we employ 250 colleagues in our the headquarters in Soeborg, close to Copenhagen and 100 colleagues in Szczecin in Poland. Sales revenues reach app. 600 millions DKK annually.

2022

New ownership of Ferrosan Medical Devices

In 2022, a Danish consortium of long-term investors became the new owners of Ferrosan Medical Devices.

Kirk Kapital, ATP, and the Lundbeck Foundation became new owners of Ferrosan Medical Devices in 2022. Kirk Kapital increased its ownership to 40%. while ATP and the Lundbeck foundation both acquired 30% each.
They all recognice the great long-term potential of Ferrosan Medical Devices and are supportive of the continuation of the recent direction of the company. Continuing investments in manufacturing capacity in both Denmark and poland. Capturing the potential of further geographical expansion and advancing development of new innovative medical devices - enabling better surgical care for patients all over the world.
The new Danish-based ownership provide solid healthcare experience and expertise, strong financial capabilities, and valuable continuity in the ownership.

Want to make history together?

Check out our jobportal

Our journey

1920

A/S Ferrosan was founded

Want to make history together?

1920

1927

1946

1947

1952

1970

1986

1995

1999

2003

2005

2005

2010

2011

2012

2014

2015

2016

2017

2019

2020

2021

2022

Search