Our History

Bringing high quality medicines to the world since 1901

The company known today as Teva started as a small business in Jerusalem in 1901. Teva has since grown significantly worldwide and is currently a global leader in generic and specialty medicines.

Our leading position has been shaped by our people and culture, which has remained true to our humble beginnings. Since Teva’s establishment, our leadership has been marked by tenacity, entrepreneurial spirit, and an aspiration to improve people's lives.

The company known today as Teva started as a small business in Jerusalem in 1901. The young company, named after its pharmacist founders, Salomon, Levin and Elstein Ltd., distributed imported medicines throughout the region using mule trains and camel caravans.

Over the following decades, the company’s growth was spurred as demand for locally produced medicines grew. In 1976, the company became Teva (the Hebrew word for “nature”) Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Teva grew significantly across the globe through numerous successful acquisitions which integrated and enhanced our expertise in innovative and generic medicines, as well as new therapeutic areas and markets. Today, Teva is among the top 15 global pharmaceutical companies – a world leader in generic and specialty medicines.

Learn more about Teva’s history