Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is a multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technologies corporation headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States. As one of the world's largest and most diversified healthcare companies, Johnson & Johnson has a significant presence in the global healthcare industry, with a wide range of products and services that cater to various needs of patients, healthcare professionals, and consumers.
Founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson, Johnson & Johnson has a rich history of innovation and commitment to quality, safety, and ethics. The company has grown into a global leader in the healthcare industry, with a diverse portfolio of products and services that include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products. Johnson & Johnson is ranked No. 48 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA from S&P Global.
History
Johnson & Johnson was founded on November 15, 1886, by Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The company started as a small manufacturer of surgical dressings and soon expanded its product line to include other medical supplies and equipment. In the early 20th century, Johnson & Johnson began to develop and market pharmaceutical products, including the first antiseptic surgical dressing, which revolutionized the field of surgery.
During World War I, Johnson & Johnson played a significant role in the war effort by supplying medical supplies and equipment to the U.S. military. The company's commitment to quality, safety, and ethics was demonstrated during this period, as it developed and marketed a range of products that helped to save countless lives. In the post-war period, Johnson & Johnson continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products that catered to various needs of patients and consumers.
Products and Services
Johnson & Johnson has a diverse portfolio of products and services that cater to various needs of patients, healthcare professionals, and consumers. The company's pharmaceutical division develops and markets a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, and other conditions. Johnson & Johnson's medical devices division develops and markets a range of medical devices, including surgical instruments, implantable devices, and diagnostic equipment.
The company's consumer products division develops and markets a range of consumer products, including baby care products, skin care products, and oral care products. Johnson & Johnson also has a significant presence in the global healthcare industry through its various subsidiaries and partnerships, including its joint venture with Pfizer to develop and market a range of pharmaceutical products.
Innovation and Research
Johnson & Johnson has a long history of innovation and commitment to research and development. The company has invested heavily in research and development, with a focus on developing new and innovative products and technologies that cater to various needs of patients and consumers. Johnson & Johnson has a strong pipeline of new products and technologies in development, including treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, and other conditions.
The company has also made significant investments in digital health and technology, including the development of new digital platforms and tools that enable patients, healthcare professionals, and consumers to access and engage with healthcare information and services. Johnson & Johnson has also established a number of research and development partnerships with academia, industry, and government to advance the development of new products and technologies.
Ethics and Governance
Johnson & Johnson has a strong commitment to ethics and governance, with a focus on promoting quality, safety, and ethics in all aspects of its business. The company has a robust compliance program in place to ensure that its employees and business partners adhere to the highest standards of ethics and compliance.
Johnson & Johnson has also made significant investments in corporate social responsibility, including initiatives to promote access to healthcare, improve public health, and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. The company has a strong track record of transparency and accountability, with a commitment to disclosing information about its business practices, products, and services.
Criticism and Controversy
Like any large and complex organization, Johnson & Johnson has faced criticism and controversy over the years. The company has been the subject of various lawsuits and regulatory actions related to the safety and efficacy of its products, as well as allegations of corporate misconduct and ethics breaches.
In recent years, Johnson & Johnson has faced criticism for its role in the opioid crisis, as well as allegations of corporate misconduct related to the marketing and sale of its products. The company has also faced criticism for its environmental impact, including the use of single-use plastics and other materials that contribute to waste and pollution.
