Modern antifungal research got underway after World War II and then intensified in the 1950s and 1960s as a result of the massive increase in fungal infections. Bayer was amongst those who responded to this challenge and established a research laboratory for medicinal mycology in 1963. The breakthrough to active substances with a broad spectrum of antifungal action was achieved with the discovery of the azole derivatives by the Bayer researcher Prof. Karl Heinz Büchel who succeeded in synthesising the first azole derivative, clotrimazole, in the late 1960s.

Clotrimazole was registered in Germany for the first time in 1973 and launched on the market under the brand name Canesten®. The first presentations for treatment of fungal skin infections were the Cream and Solution (Pumpspray), while Canesten® Vaginal Tablets were developed for treatment of gynaecological fungal vaginal infections. In the late 1970s, the range was extended by the addition of the Canesten® Solution with Atomiser and Canesten® Vaginal Cream.

Thanks to their excellent efficacy and tolerability, the dermatological Canesten® products were registered for self-medication in 1977. The gynaecological presentations for 1-day and 3-day therapy were initially granted Over-the-Counter status (available without description) in Great Britain in 1992, followed two years later by similar approval in Germany. Canesten® is now available without prescription in numerous countries.

Leverkusen in Germany, where Bayer AG has its headquarters, is the most important production site for the region Europe. This is where Canesten® Cream, Solution, (Pumpspray), Solution with Atomiser, Vaginal Tablets and Vaginal Cream are manufactured. The Latin American market is supplied by production plants in Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela and Brazil. Canesten® is marketed worldwide in more than 90 countries.

In Europe, Canesten® is the market leader for treatment of dermatological and gynaecological fungal infections. More than 25 years of clinical experience have made Canesten® what it is today: an effective, well tolerated and safe drug product for fungal infections.