BTG

In 1980, at the dawn of the genetic engineering revolution, Professor Haim Aviv and his colleagues from the Weizmann Institute of Science founded Bio-Technology General (BTG). Their venture was built on a pioneering idea: producing human proteins inside bacterial cells. Established as an Israeli subsidiary of a New York-based company, BTG was among the first biotechnology firms in the world. The company initially explored both agricultural and human healthcare applications but soon sharpened its focus exclusively on pharmaceuticals. This strategic pivot allowed BTG to concentrate on developing and manufacturing human healthcare products derived from complex biotechnology processes. The firm successfully developed biopharmaceuticals, establishing a track record in a challenging and innovative field. A pivotal moment in BTG's story arrived in July 2005 when the Swiss-based Ferring Pharmaceuticals acquired the company. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the Israeli firm, integrating it into a multinational pharmaceutical group. Today, BTG operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and serves as a key center for biotechnology within Ferring, continuing its mission to develop and produce biopharmaceuticals.