The corporate name Organon is being brought back to life in the Netherlands, with the decision by brand owner MSD to name its women’s health spin-off Organon & Co.

In addition, MSD may split into two independent companies in the Netherlands – MSD and Organon & Co. This, the parent company says, would allow them to ‘react even more quickly’ to specific patient needs and developments in the market after the spinoff.

The name Organon, a pharmaceuticals company based in Oss, dates back to 1923 and disappeared as a company name in 2007 when it was taken over by Schering Plough. In 2009, Schering Plough merged with Merck to form MSD. Organon’s best known product is the contraceptive pill, which still carries its name today.

‘Organon remains a strong brand and a brand that many people know,’ said Ben Lucas, managing director of MSD in Nederland. ‘We are really pleased that we may be able to use the name again. It is a brand that belongs in the Netherlands and in Oss.’

The new look Organon will have a workforce of up to 1,000 people,and some 1,200 to 1,500 of Dutch MSD staff will be transferred to the new company. MSD also has locations in Haarlem, Boxmeer and De Bilt.

The new name will be used once the spin-off is completed in the first half of next year.