Built in 1858 the Schering AG Laborgebäude stands before you. This unassuming building holds a significant place in Berlin’s history. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to innovation and resilience.
Ernst Schering a visionary pharmacist founded the company in 1851. He began in a small pharmacy the Grüne Apotheke. He quickly recognized the need for high-purity chemicals. Especially for the burgeoning field of photography. His meticulous work led to the creation of the Chemische Fabrik E Schering. This laid the foundation for the Schering AG we know today.
The Schering AG Laborgebäude saw incredible growth. By 1913 the company employed over a thousand workers. They produced photochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Salicylic acid atophan and various disinfectants were key products. The company expanded beyond Berlin to Russia and Great Britain. This building witnessed that expansion first hand.
The Schering AG Laborgebäude also bore witness to darker times. During the Nazi era forced laborers worked within its walls. After World War II the building was repaired. This stands as a stark reminder of the complex history intertwined with this location.
The Schering AG Laborgebäude continued its important role in the pharmaceutical industry. It played a significant part in the development of many vital medicines. These included pioneering work in female hormones and the development of the birth control pill. It also manufactured Betaferon a treatment for multiple sclerosis. This building was crucial in these innovations.
In 2006 Bayer AG acquired Schering AG. This marked the end of an era. Yet the legacy of Schering remains. The Schering AG Laborgebäude continues to stand. It’s a physical representation of scientific advancement and a reminder of Berlin’s enduring spirit. The building serves as a lasting symbol of Schering’s contribution to medicine and science. It’s a piece of Berlin’s rich history. A history full of triumphs challenges and resilience.