As most of you probably know, our company's expertise and network in China is based on the experiences of our father Joos Horsten during his 25 year career with Janssen Pharmaceutical. Did you know that in 2009 a book was published which tells the intriguing story of the Chinese joint venture of Janssen Pharma, inspired by my father and written by Geerdt Magiels?

Together they wrote the intriguing story of Dr. Paul Janssen and his colleagues, who established Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1953, who became true pioneers in China 25 years later and who led the company into the 21st century. This book recounts the fascinating experiences of Belgian and Chinese people working together for years during the establishment of Xi'an-Janssen – and the eternal friendship that thus flourished among them.

Based on eye witness reports, “Paul Janssen. Pioneer in pharma en in China” tells the story of a man with a vision, of a company in its growth to a world player, of two countries worlds apart yet close at heart. It combines biography, science, management and modern history in one fluent and fascinating story.  

In the world of drug design and development, Paul Janssen was a giant - the founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica in Belgium which later merged with Johnson & Johnson.  In his lifetime he was responsible for over 80 new medicines, five of which are on the World Health Organisation list of essential medicines - a world record.  Paul Jansen: Pioneer in Pharma & in China is the history of a an extraordinary achievement - of his success in building a pharmaceutical 'empire' in China at a time when the country was essentially closed to the west.  A fascinating story unfolds, of remarkable individuals, of business deals and scientific research, of international politics and cultural change, of humanity and ambition.  

Nobody will remain untouched reading this fascinating story of this extraordinary man and his team, and the passion driving them.

The book is not for sale anymore, but we still have some copies left. Interested? Please let us know, we would be pleased to send you a copy.