Diomed Developments is a remarkable healthcare group for many reasons. Unusually for a successful company in an industry dominated by giant multi-nationals, Diomed remains wedded to its independence as a private, 'family' controlled firm.

Diomed Developments was founded in London by a physician in 1963. Originally under the name 'Dermal Laboratories', the company set out to develop, market and distribute pharmaceutical products to dermatologists. As the business grew rapidly during the late 1960s, the company's focus broadened from speciality products for dermatologists to include prescription products for GPs.

In 1970, the company moved from London to its present home, a large country house in rural Hertfordshire. Ten years later, the name 'Diomed Developments' was adopted for the parent company.

Over the last decade, the Diomed group has also acquired an enviable reputation for creating and launching some of the UK's most successful OTC (over the counter) brands, including Ibuleve, Otex and Bazuka - all brand leaders in their sector. This led to the creation of Diomed Pharmaceuticals in 1998, responsible for the OTC products and for handling the 'in and out' licensing of product technology and intellectual properties.

In addition to its capability to research, develop, license, market and distribute products, the Diomed group has also acquired its own manufacturing capability - with the acquisition of Aeropak in 1998.

As a privately owned company, Diomed Developments has always sought to maintain its own individual ethos; differentiating itself from the impersonal, monolithic corporations which dominate the healthcare industry. Diomed is a group which fosters personal responsibility, innovation and flair. The most productive work is obtained from a convivial environment where talented people are appreciated as individuals and their efforts are recognised, encouraged and rewarded.

What's In A Name? The name 'Diomed' was given to the parent company in 1980, inspired by the racehorse which won the first Derby two hundred years previously. Like its equine forbear, today's Diomed is a thoroughbred organisation, in business to succeed.