Who Owns Otrivin?
Otrivin is owned by Haleon plc, a publicly traded British consumer healthcare company that was spun off from GSK in July 2022. Otrivin was originally developed by Ciba-Geigy (now part of Novartis) and introduced in 1966. The brand transferred to GSK's consumer health division in 2014 as part of a major asset swap with Novartis, and became part of Haleon when GSK spun off its consumer health business in 2022.
Parent Company
Haleon plc
Acquired
2014
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Weybridge, United Kingdom
Who Owns Otrivin?
- Parent Company: Haleon plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2014
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: HLN
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Otrivin | Haleon plc | Wholly owned |
History of Otrivin
- Founded: 1966
- Founders: Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis)
- Acquired by Haleon plc: 2014
Otrivin was developed by Ciba-Geigy researchers and introduced in 1966 as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray. The active ingredient, xylometazoline hydrochloride, is a topical vasoconstrictor that provides rapid relief from nasal congestion by reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The drug represented a significant advancement in nasal congestion treatment, offering fast-acting relief within minutes of application.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Otrivin became one of the most widely recognized nasal decongestant brands globally, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The brand expanded its product line to include formulations for adults and children, as well as moisturizing variants to reduce nasal dryness. Otrivin became a household name in many countries for cold and allergy symptom relief.
When Novartis was formed through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz in 1996, Otrivin became part of Novartis's consumer health portfolio. The brand continued to expand its global presence and product range under Novartis ownership.
In 2014, Otrivin transferred to GSK's consumer healthcare joint venture as part of a major restructuring deal between Novartis and GSK. GSK took full control of the venture in 2018. In July 2022, Otrivin became part of Haleon plc when GSK spun off its consumer healthcare division. Under Haleon, Otrivin continues to be marketed in over 50 countries as a trusted nasal decongestant.
About Haleon plc
What does Haleon own?
Haleon owns a portfolio of approximately 24 global and regional consumer health brands across five categories: oral health, vitamins and supplements, pain relief, respiratory health, and digestive health. Key brands include Sensodyne (sensitivity toothpaste), Panadol (pain relief), Centrum (multivitamins), Advil (ibuprofen), Voltaren (topical pain relief), Otrivin (nasal decongestant), Parodontax (gum health), Polident and Poligrip (denture care), Aquafresh (oral care), and Emergen-C (vitamin C). Products are sold in more than 170 countries.
Is Haleon publicly traded?
Yes, Haleon plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under ticker HLN, with American Depositary Shares also listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the same ticker. Haleon completed its listing on the London Stock Exchange on 18 July 2022, in what was the largest London Stock Exchange listing in over a decade. The company does not have a controlling shareholder, and its shares are held primarily by institutional investors.
Who founded Haleon?
Haleon was formed through the demerger of GSK's consumer healthcare division in July 2022 and does not have a traditional founder. The consumer healthcare business that became Haleon was assembled by GSK and Pfizer through decades of acquisitions. In 2019, GSK and Pfizer combined their consumer healthcare businesses into a joint venture, which was subsequently demerged as Haleon in 2022. Brian McNamara, who had led the GSK Consumer Healthcare joint venture, became CEO of Haleon at the time of the demerger.
Where is Haleon headquartered?
Haleon is headquartered in Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom. The company's registered office and principal executive offices are located in Weybridge. Haleon operates manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany, Ireland, and China, among other locations. The company sells products in more than 170 countries through a global commercial organization.
How many brands does Haleon own?
Haleon owns approximately 24 global and regional consumer health brands. The company's portfolio is concentrated in five categories: oral health (Sensodyne, Parodontax, Polident, Poligrip, Aquafresh), vitamins and supplements (Centrum, Caltrate, Emergen-C), pain relief (Advil, Panadol, Voltaren), respiratory health (Otrivin, Theraflu, Robitussin), and digestive health (Nexium Control, Tums). The company's strategy is to build global scale in a small number of category-leading brands rather than operate a large number of smaller brands.
Who owns Haleon?
Haleon plc is a publicly traded company with no controlling shareholder. At the time of the July 2022 demerger, GSK plc and Pfizer Inc. each retained significant stakes in Haleon, but both companies have been reducing their positions over time. As of early 2026, both GSK and Pfizer have substantially reduced their stakes. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. The company's board includes a majority of independent non-executive directors.
- Founded: 2022
- Headquarters: Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: LSE: HLN
Where Is Otrivin Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Weybridge, United Kingdom
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Various international locations
Brands Owned by Haleon plc
Otrivin Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Fast-acting nasal decongestant providing relief within minutes
- +Available over-the-counter in most markets for convenient access
- +Trusted brand reputation built over nearly 60 years
- +Multiple formulations for adults, children, and sensitive users
- +Strong global distribution through Haleon's pharmacy and retail networks
Considerations
- -Risk of rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) with prolonged use beyond 5-7 days
- -Potential for nasal irritation or dryness in some users
- -Not suitable for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions
- -Competition from saline sprays and natural decongestant alternatives
- -Some consumers prefer non-medicated congestion relief options
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