Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was first discovered and synthesized in 1961 by the research arm of the Boots Pure Drug Company in the United Kingdom. Originally marketed as Brufen, the medication has since become one of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers globally.

Because the original patents held by the Boots company have long since expired, ibuprofen is produced by a vast array of pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Manufacturing takes place in numerous countries, with major production hubs located in India, China, the United States, and Germany. The drug is sold both as a generic medication and under various popular brand names such as Advil (owned by Haleon) and Motrin (owned by Kenvue).

As a generic drug, it does not have a single ultimate owner. Instead, different corporate entities own various specific brand names and manufacturing facilities. The availability and production of ibuprofen are globally distributed, making it an essential medicine in healthcare systems worldwide for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation.