SSL* is the world's leading condom manufacturer with its Durex brand of condoms. Sold in over 170 countries worldwide and market leader in more than 40 markets, the Durex brand accounts for 29% of the world's four billion condom market, making it the No1 condom brand in the world.

The Durex brand is credited with many developments in the modern evolution of the condom. These include the first lubricated condom, the first anatomically shaped condom and more recently, the world's first male non-latex condom and more recently, the unique Durex easy-on condom shape.

Durex now appeals to a wide consumer audience and aspires to be the world’s leading sexual wellbeing brand. In addition to condoms Durex now produce a range of lubricants and vibrators and are expanding their portfolio of products to support the sexual wellbeing of all ages and genders.   

With continued investment in marketing and innovative R&D, Durex is now recognised internationally as a premium brand in terms of quality, safety and reliability.

Durex works with healthcare professionals, governments and organisations including World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and United Nations Population Fund to support them in promoting sexual health and wellbeing.

*The Durex brand belongs to SSL International plc, for further information on SSL please see the separate profile at http://pharmalicensing.com/company/dc/3548

History of Durex

In 1915, LA Jackson founded the London Rubber Company Ltd (“LRC”), selling imported condoms and barber supplies. In 1929, the company registered the brand name, Durex. The name was chosen to represent DUrability, REliability & EXcellence.

In the 1930’s LRC manufactured the first condoms using the latest liquid latex dipping technology and in 1953 electronic testing was introduced as part of the production process, ensuring the quality of each individual condom.

With innovations that were to transform the global market in condoms, LRC manufactured the world’s first anatomically shaped condom in 1969 and in 1974 produced the first spermicidally lubricated condom.

Increases in public concern and awareness of the dangers of HIV & AIDS throughout the 1980’s drove condom distribution into bars, corner shops and supermarkets as people became more aware of the dangers of unprotected sex.

Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s Durex brought new and innovative condoms to the market including Avanti, the world’s first polyurethane condom.

In 1998 all medical devices, including condoms, had to carry the CE markings when sold in the EU. Durex was the first condom brand to be CE marked.

Recent additions to the condom range include Avanti Ultima, Tingle, Comfort XL and Pleasuremax Warming. The Durex brand is nearly 80 years old and is the number one condom brand worldwide.

Recently, the Durex ‘Play’ range has been launched to emphasise the fun aspect of sex, with a number of sexual enhancement products in the range. These include personal lubricants with warming and tingling sensations and a range of personal massagers, including the new Durex Play Vibrations, an innovative vibrating ring. All the ranges are designed to help people have happier, healthier and more fulfilling sex lives.

Partnering Strategy

Along with internal innovation and development programs, external collaborations form a major part of Durex’s R&D strategy.
Durex are interested in establishing partnerships and licensing agreements with external companies in order to bring products in mid/late stages of development to market.

Durex is also actively looking for fully developed products that it could in-license for the global condom and sexual wellbeing market to complement their current portfolio.

Partnerships

Durex has been committed to supporting government-led public health campaigns for many years, supplying high quality condoms to help ensure that health and population programmes around the world are successful in reducing unplanned pregnancies together with the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Durex is increasingly forging successful relationships with third party suppliers to enhance its sexual wellbeing brand and reputation.