Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886 by three brothers: Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson, establishing what would become one of the world's most influential healthcare companies. The company began with just 14 employees producing sterile surgical dressings in a former wallpaper factory in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Robert Wood Johnson's vision was revolutionary for its time - to create a company that would provide sterile surgical supplies to help prevent infections in medical procedures, addressing one of the most serious healthcare challenges of the late 19th century.
The company's first major innovation was the introduction of sterile surgical dressings and sutures, which significantly reduced surgical infection rates and transformed surgical practices. This breakthrough established Johnson & Johnson's reputation for innovation and medical excellence. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company expanded its product line to include baby products, first aid supplies, and over-the-counter medications, demonstrating an early understanding of diverse healthcare needs.
The iconic Johnson's Baby Powder was introduced in 1893 and became one of the company's most successful products, establishing Johnson & Johnson as a trusted name in baby care. This product exemplified the company's ability to identify and address specific consumer needs while maintaining high standards of safety and efficacy. The success of Johnson's Baby products laid the foundation for the company's future expansion into consumer healthcare.
20th Century Expansion transformed Johnson & Johnson from a specialized medical supply company into a global healthcare conglomerate. The company entered the pharmaceutical business in the 1930s, recognizing the growing importance of prescription medications in modern healthcare. This expansion into pharmaceuticals marked a significant strategic pivot that would eventually become the company's largest business segment.
The post-World War II period saw accelerated growth and diversification, with Johnson & Johnson expanding into medical devices and diagnostics. The company's ability to identify and enter new healthcare segments while maintaining excellence in existing operations became a hallmark of its strategic approach. This period also saw the formalization of Johnson & Johnson's famous credo, written by Robert Wood Johnson in 1943, which emphasized responsibility to customers, employees, communities, and shareholders.
Strategic Acquisitions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries significantly expanded Johnson & Johnson's capabilities and market presence. Major acquisitions included Neutrogena (1994), which brought dermatologist-recommended skincare products into the company's portfolio, and Aveeno (1999), adding natural skincare products using oat-based formulations. The 2006 acquisition of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare represented one of the largest consumer healthcare acquisitions in history, dramatically expanding Johnson & Johnson's over-the-counter medication portfolio.
Global Expansion has been central to Johnson & Johnson's growth strategy. The company now operates in over 60 countries with products sold in virtually every country worldwide. This global footprint provides Johnson & Johnson with access to diverse markets, regulatory environments, and patient populations, while also enabling the company to address global health challenges through its extensive distribution network.
Recent Strategic Evolution under CEO Joaquin Duato has focused on transforming Johnson & Johnson into a more innovation-driven healthcare company. Duato, who became CEO in 2022, has emphasized the company's strengths in six key therapeutic areas: Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, Surgery, and Vision. This strategic focus has led to what Duato called a "catapult year" in 2025, fueled by the strongest portfolio and pipeline in the company's history.
Medical Innovation Leadership has become increasingly central to Johnson & Johnson's identity and strategy. The company's 2025 achievements, including approvals of CAPLYTA for major depressive disorder and RYBREVANT FASPRO plus LAZCLUZE for non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrate its ability to develop breakthrough treatments that address critical unmet medical needs. These innovations build on Johnson & Johnson's long history of medical breakthroughs, from early sterile surgical dressings to modern biotechnology treatments.
Business Segment Evolution reflects Johnson & Johnson's adaptation to changing healthcare landscapes. The company now operates through two main segments: Innovative Medicine (pharmaceuticals) and MedTech (medical devices). This structure allows Johnson & Johnson to leverage its expertise across different healthcare domains while maintaining focus on innovation and patient outcomes in each segment.
Regulatory Expertise has been developed over more than a century of operation in highly regulated healthcare markets. Johnson & Johnson's success in navigating complex regulatory environments and securing approvals for innovative treatments reflects the strength of its clinical development programs and regulatory expertise. This capability has become increasingly important as healthcare regulations have become more complex globally.
Corporate Responsibility has been integral to Johnson & Johnson's identity since its founding. The company's credo, emphasizing responsibility to all stakeholders, has guided its business decisions and community engagement for decades. This commitment to corporate responsibility has helped Johnson & Johnson maintain trust with patients, healthcare professionals, and regulators worldwide.
Technological Adaptation has been crucial to Johnson & Johnson's continued relevance and growth. From early adoption of sterile manufacturing techniques to modern investments in biotechnology, robotic surgery, and digital health solutions, the company has consistently embraced new technologies that can improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Financial Strength has enabled Johnson & Johnson to pursue long-term strategic initiatives while maintaining stability through market cycles. The company's consistent revenue growth, strong cash generation, and investment in research and development have created a sustainable business model that can weather economic uncertainties while investing in future innovations.
As Johnson & Johnson approaches its 140th anniversary, the company continues to balance its heritage of innovation and patient care with the need to adapt to rapidly changing healthcare landscapes. The company's evolution from a small surgical dressing manufacturer to a global healthcare powerhouse demonstrates the importance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to improving human health.
Johnson & Johnson's history provides valuable lessons in building enduring success in the healthcare industry: the importance of innovation, the value of diversification across healthcare segments, the necessity of global reach, and the critical role of maintaining trust with all stakeholders. These principles continue to guide the company as it addresses the healthcare challenges of the 21st century.