Our Legacy
HelixThera Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1922 by industrial chemist and physician Dr. Michael Reed in Rochester, New York. The company began as a small compound laboratory producing basic pain salves and respiratory ointments during a post-war public health crisis. With a dedication to innovation and patient-first thinking, HelixThera expanded through the 20th century into a global pharmaceutical enterprise.
In the 1950s, the company began large-scale production of anti-inflammatory compounds and digestive medications. By the 1970s, it had established its own independent clinical research division, setting new standards for responsible pharmacology, transparency, and international safety compliance.
Today, HelixThera operates in over 22 countries with more than 10,000 employees and continues to lead the way in therapeutic innovation.
Our Founder
Dr. Michael Reed (1883–1965) was a medical pioneer whose early career focused on public health crises caused by contaminated water and malnutrition. He developed several rudimentary compounds in the early 1920s which laid the groundwork for HelixThera's pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
Dr. Harrow believed that medicine should not only treat illness, but enhance long-term quality of life. His emphasis on interdisciplinary science, patient empathy, and educational outreach remain core pillars of HelixThera’s mission today. A commemorative medical scholarship in his name is awarded annually by the HelixThera Foundation to support underrepresented medical researchers worldwide.
Milestones and Contributions
- 1937: Launched first FDA-compliant liver enzyme booster supplement
- 1955: Developed pioneering compound for chronic sinus relief (Oxacorin-X)
- 1984: Opened flagship biomedical R&D campus in northern New Jersey
- 1998: Produced a series of nationally broadcast PSAs encouraging early symptom detection for autoimmune disorders
- 2002: Released The Misadventures of Thrombo Jones, an educational platformer designed to teach school-aged children the basics of circulatory health through interactive gameplay (developed in collaboration with MetroTech Learning Systems)
- 2009: Recognized by the American Board of Therapeutic Pharmacology for excellence in long-term pain therapy innovation
- 2021: Introduced Pentovil Penatrilin™, a novel compound designed for complex multi-organ pain profiles, distributed under Class IV therapeutic regulation
What Sets Us Apart
HelixThera is not only a research and production facility — it is a values-driven institution grounded in scientific ethics, clinical transparency, and cross-disciplinary education. Our work is regularly reviewed by independent advisory boards and ethical oversight committees. Our team includes specialists in gastroenterology, neuropharmacology, behavioral science, and pharmaceutical engineering.
We believe in building bridges between medical professionals, researchers, and the communities they serve. Whether through our medications, public outreach campaigns, or early educational tools, HelixThera is committed to helping patients live fuller, healthier lives.