THE BRAND ALLEGRA
* Namesake: Chattanooga-based Chattem Inc. was charged with the task of taking Allegra from a prescription anti-allergy medicine to an over-the-counter product about five years ago. Chattem, which makes Allegra children's allergy medicine at its Broad Street plant, carried out the biggest product launch in its long history and one of the largest ever in the city. First-day shipments to stores hit about $100 million, according to Chattem.
* Company: More than 137 years old, Chattem was bought for $1.9 billion in cash in 2010 by Sanofi, a Paris-based pharmaceutical giant. Sanofi officials said they wanted to make Chattem their U.S.-based consumer health care arm. Chattem now employs more than 600 people in Chattanooga.
* Leadership: Chattem was founded as the Chattanooga Medicine Co. The company's principal founder was Zeboim Cartter Patten, who originally came from Illinois to Chattanooga by way of the Union Army. He was joined by four other charter members - Fred F. Wiehl, H. Clay Evans, Lew Owen and Theodore G. Montague, all well-known Chattanooga businessmen during the period. Most recently, Chattem President Robert Long was elevated to chief executive officer, replacing Zan Guerry, who headed the business for 25 years after succeeding his father Alex Guerry. Zan Guerry has remained as company chairman.
* Products: In addition to Allegra, Chattem also markets a variety of well-known products seen on store shelves, including Gold Bond, Selsun Blue, Nasacort, Icy Hot and Pamprin. Chattem wants to launch erectile dysfunction medicine Cialis as an over-the-counter drug if the switch from prescription sales can gain regulatory approval.
* Initial start: The company began with $25,000 in capital, according to Chattem.