Diclofenac (generic; e.g., Voltaren)

Overview

Diclofenac is a widely used nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in multiple formulations (oral tablets/capsules, topical gels/solutions, and injectable forms). It was first synthesized in the early 1970s and was patented and introduced commercially by the Swiss company Ciba‑Geigy (later part of Novartis). (en.wikipedia.org)

Brand history and ownership

Diclofenac has been marketed worldwide under many brands; the best‑known branded topical/OTC name is Voltaren (also sold as Voltarol in some countries). Voltaren/Voltarol originated with the Ciba‑Geigy/Novartis lineage and rights for many Voltaren products moved through transactions between Novartis and GSK (2015/2016), with Voltaren now listed among the consumer healthcare brands owned and marketed by Haleon following the GSK consumer‑health spin‑off. (en.wikipedia.org)

Manufacturing and supply

Diclofenac is produced as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and finished product by many manufacturers around the world; major API and finished‑product suppliers are located in countries including China, India, Taiwan, Italy, Japan and the United States, so production and supply are distributed across multiple countries and contract manufacturers. (pharmaoffer.com)

Practical implication for provenance

Because diclofenac is an off‑patent, widely genericised medicine, no single manufacturing country applies to all products — the country of manufacture for a specific diclofenac product depends on the brand, the SKU, and the regional supply chain. Branded consumer/OTC Voltaren products are marketed by Haleon in many markets and may be manufactured in Haleon facilities or by licensed local contract manufacturers. (en.wikipedia.org)