Jean

Chibret Laboratories became the leader in the majority of therapeutic classes in the ophthalmology sector, notably for antibiotics and corticoids. The research laboratories were the most important on an international level and worked closely with universities, in particular with Clermont-Ferrand (Professors Pierre Tronche, François Rouher, Roger Cluzel, Pierre Bastide and Henri Pourrat).

In 1946, he visited Merck Laboratories in the United States with whom he developed a close-knit relationship. He obtained their license for streptomycin and also for their corticoid. He launched the fist corticoid based solution which was followed by hydrocortisone and dexamethasone solutions. These products absolutely revolutionized the treatment of ocular inflammation.

Along with molecular research, Jean Chibret was also interested in packaging. Chibret Laboratories were on the cutting edge of innovation using plastic vials, lyophilized vials etc. He was always preoccupied by the serious problems caused by contamination and was the first to introduce preservatives in his solutions and to impose a 'best-before' date. These two apparently simple ideas were adopted by all public health administrative authorities.

Scientific information was another matter. He was the first to understand the importance of audiovisual communication and decided to use this method to help train ophthalmologists. He produced over 200 films with the best people in this discipline.

He opened the world's largest documentation centre (Chibret Institute) which was open to and used by generations of young specialists. He edited the Chibret Review, sent to over 15,000 ophthalmologists. He organized ophthalmology symposiums reuniting interns and doctors each year in Clermont-Ferrand. The Chibret name was synonymous with professional rigor, ethics and quality.

Following the family tradition, he became interested in trachoma and sponsored the International Review, the Gold Medal and numerous research teams. Over the years, he was encouraged by his wife, Guite, who played a very active role in company life.

Chibret Laboratories success was dependent on increasingly important financial investment. Jean Chibret wanted to develop the company internationally despite being subject to rigorous controls and even a price freeze on ophthalmic products in France which penalized the company. In 1969 he decided to join the American group Merck (MSD). The Chibret-MSD group was to become world leader notably with Timoptol ointment. The new factories in Clermont-Ferrand, Riom and Le Puy grew substantially. This alliance is still cited today, 40 years later, as a success model in the pharmaceutical industry.